Page 65 of The Auction Block

"Apparently, I'm only a good agent as long as I'm following Jax around like a lost puppy. If you'll excuse me." I turn on my heel and swiftly head back to Blake's bedroom, slamming the door.

I sag onto the bed, putting my hands in my hair.

My world is falling apart.

Lying back on his bed, my eyes close. Shouting erupts from the kitchen, and as if I'm a child again, my hands clamp over my ears, willing it all to stop. I lean over and grab my phone off Blake's nightstand. Quickly, I open the text from Caleb and press the reply button.

9:58a – Caleb, I'm going away for a while tomorrow. I need you to do me a favor.

10:02a Caleb: What's up, Lily? What do you need?

10:08a – I know you and I aren't close, but you're like family to Blake. Look after him for me. Please.

10:12a Caleb: You know I will. I hope you won't be gone long. He went nuts without you the other night.

10:17a – I don't plan to be. Thank you.

10:20a Caleb: Any time.

I fall back onto the bed, dropping my cell phone next to me and close my eyes again. Blake, Dresden, and Jax's voices are prominent in the argument coming from downstairs. I sigh and try to find some peace.

This has torn us apart.

The shouting match stopped a few minutes ago. I'm sitting on the edge of the bed, stomach in knots with a pounding head. Our team's coming apart at the seams in the middle of one of the easiest cases we've ever worked.

The door creaks open, but my eyes stay glued to the floor. I'm unsure of what to do about Blake. Part of me wants to run, but the other half wants to give in, touch him, feel his hands all over me, and lose myself in his strength and desire.

The phone rings making me jump.

"Mason," he says in a clipped tone. "Sure, hold on." He covers the mouthpiece. "It's for you."

He hands me the receiver and I hold it between my head and shoulder, rubbing my eyes and pinching the bridge of my nose. "Hello."

"Agent Williams, it's Sorina."

"Hey, kiddo. How you feeling?"

"A lot better. The nurses sprayed some stuff on my back to numb it."

"Good. You okay?"

"You left the other day and I didn't get a chance to say thank you."

'Oh," I breathe, smoothing my hair.

"The adults here don't really understand. Even the other girls . . . they're from different places, not The Taurus."

"Yeah, I know how that is."

"Will you come see me again?"

"Uh . . . I'm leaving tomorrow for another assignment." My throat goes dry.

"Oh . . .” The disappointment is so strong in her voice it makes my stomach tight.

"But I can come see you when I get back."

"Really?"