Eric and I dancing together. He told me he loved my new hair color, which made me smile. When I chose the purple and red, I was looking for something edgy. Something different than the innocent Mia. I don’t know why I did it, but I’m glad I did. One second he’s complimenting me, the next he’s pulling me. Something in my gut told me to stand still. To wait. Someone would come.
No, not someone. Lo. I knew he would come for me.
Then, his arms were around me. He was shielding me. Keeping me safe from the stampede of people around us. It was like my body knew to wait for him, even when my mind was screaming at me to run.
I didn’t see anyone hurt. I don’t even know where the shot came from. As soon as I knew my girls were safe, I was beyond happy to follow Lo wherever he wanted to take me. I might be mad at him, but in a crisis, there is no one else I would rather have on my side.
We pull into a garage, and he drives through until he finds a parking area. We exit, and he grabs my hand, pulling me with him. His eyes continue to scour the area. A noise behind me makes me jump, and he chuckles. I look back and see a metal door lowering behind his SUV.
He presses the elevator button, and it opens within seconds. Once inside, he turns a key and presses the P.
“You live in a penthouse?”
“Lived. I don’t really stay here anymore. Only when I’m in the city.”
“How rich are you?”
“Enough I guess.” Lo shrugs it off as if it’s no big deal he has a penthouse.
Once the elevator doors open, I expect to step into his apartment. Instead, we step into a hallway.
“Why the hall? Do you share this floor?”
“Nope. I had them put the hall in. I don’t want the elevator opening into my home. Come on.”
He pulls me to the door and opens it. Once inside, he presses a code into the alarm. He turns and hands me a gun.
“I’m going to search the apartment. You stand here. Shoot anyone who isn’t me, okay?”
I nod as I take the gun. I have never held one let alone shot one. My dad always carried one, but he always told me it wasn’t for young women to mess with. I wish he would have taught me how to use one about now.
Lo comes back minutes later and takes the gun back from me.
“Let’s get you settled.”
We walk further into the apartment, and I’m amazed by how beautiful it is. The walls here are just as empty as the ones in his Brooklyn home, but this place is decorated. I set my purse on a table as I walk over to the windows. I open the curtains and my breath catches in my throat. He has a gorgeous view of Manhattan. It even overlooks a park and the river. I’m stunned speechless.
“You approve of the view?”
“Lo, it’s gorgeous. You’re so lucky.”
“I suppose.”
He hands me a bottle of water, and I gratefully take it.
“Why don’t you spend more time here?”
“No need to. Most of my business is in Brooklyn.”
“How sad, Lo.” I reach out to grab his hand, but he takes a step back.
“We shouldn’t, Mia.”
“Shouldn’t what? Comfort each other?”
“I can’t.”
My anger takes over. This man had been holding my hand in the car, offering me comfort while he protected me. I don’t understand how he can flip the switch so quickly.
