Sebastian
I can’t fucking believe this.Ella’s not answering her phone.I’ve texted her a hundred times, and I’m sure King has, too.
I’m staring up at Ella’s apartment building and getting weird looks from a couple of ladies who sit on the steps on the next building over.
“Just waiting for a friend,” I say, waving at them.
The late January sun does nothing to warm me.My fingers feel brittle.All I can think of is Ella, knowing there’s a sex tape of her, and what she must be feeling right now.
Well, I’m also thinking about beating Joel to a pulp.But mostly I’m thinking of Ella.
“Have you seen her yet?”Kingston asks, walking up from where his driver parked.
“No.Have you finished your important call?”I can’t keep the sarcasm from my voice.
“That call was with Ella’s boss at Maids in Heaven, asshole.I was hoping she could give me some information.”
“I would think Ella is more important than—wait.”I allow his meaning to sink in.“Did she have info to share?”
He shakes his head.“She wouldn’t tell me anything, other than she’s going to rake my company through the coals if I don’t fix this.”
“Which you’re already doing,” I say.He doesn’t even have to confirm that—I know my friend, and I know he’s doing the right thing.
Still, he nods.“Of course I am.And as soon as I find Joel, I’m firing his ass.”
“Rayanne’s not going to be too happy about that,” I say.
“She can give him a position at Perdure,” King says offhandedly.
“Yeah.Let him be Mr.and Mrs.Hackler’s problem instead of yours,” I say, although I wonder if Rayanne might have wanted Joel at Tyler Analytics for a reason…the reason being she could keep an eye on King’s business.I haven’t wanted to voice the suspicion out loud, though, because I’m already vocal enough about my hatred of Rayanne.I’ve never met a more conniving person.
King and I wait another half hour.
“We could go to the pub where she works,” I say.
“She’s supposed to go out with us tonight,” King says.“I doubt she’s working.”
“Oh, right.Shit, where is she?Do you think she’s staying in her apartment?Should we go into the building?”
“We’re not breaking into her building.”Kingston’s voice is firm.
I know he’s right, but damn it.
We wait a couple more hours, but after no sign of Ella, we finally give up.
“I’m coming back tomorrow,” I say.“Or I’m tracking her down at her other job.”
“We’re not stalkers,” King says.
“I know.I’m not stalking.I’m just trying to find a woman who’s been wronged, and who I want to make feel better.”
“Said every stalker ever,” Kingston mutters.
“Fuck you.”There’s no heat in my words—I’m too worried about Ella.
“Fuck you, too.”He sounds just as exhausted and worried as I am.
Ella
