I didn't say anything as I stepped from the elevator. I could feel Jace's eyes on my back, but I kept walking through the lobby. Never once did I allow myself to look back. When I stepped out into the early morning air, I sighed and waved for a taxi. I climbed in the back seat and tried to pretend I didn't notice Gabe watching me. I closed the door and leaned my head against the back seat as I prayed to get home safely. I still didn't like taxis, but the thought of getting into Gabe's car was worse.
***
"What?" I growled into the phone.
"She took a taxi, Mr. Rush." Gabe replied.
"Why did you let her take a taxi?" I demanded. I knew I was being unreasonable, but I was irritated. The damn girl tested me at every corner. How the fuck was I supposed to protect her when she refused to follow simple orders?
"Short of me tying her up and forcing her into the backseat, I had no choice, Sir."
"Are you following the taxi?" I asked. I was trying to ignore the way my cock jumped at the thought of Olivia bound in the back seat of a car...completely at my disposal.
"Yes, sir." Gabe interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the issue at hand.
I smiled. "Good. Follow her for the rest of the day, but do not get too close. Try to keep her from noticing your presence."
"Yes, sir." Gabe said politely and I ended the call. I tossed my phone onto the passenger seat as I pulled out of the parking stall. I had no idea how one small woman could irritate me so greatly.
***
I tried to ignore the anger bubbling to the surface of my throat as the Audi pulled to the curb a few cars down from the taxi. Gabe had followed me the entire way home. I was furious with Jace for his intrusion in my life by the time I handed the cab driver the money and stepped from the car. I made a point of looking directly at the Audi and wished Gabe was not wearing sunglasses. If I could see his eyes, maybe I would see shame residing in their depths for following me. After glaring hard at Gabe, I stomped into the lobby of the condo. I marched straight to the elevator, and wondered momentarily, if Gabe would follow me, to then station himself outside my door. I didn't know what I would do if he did...but, I would not be held accountable for my actions.
I shoved my key into the door, but didn't have time to twist the knob, before the door flung open and Trisha stared down at me. She was furious.
"Where the hell have you been?" She roared. Her hair was a mess and her makeup was smudged. She looked like shit. "I've been worried sick. I called the police, dammit!"
I tried to keep my eyes from growing wide as I stepped into the tight entrance, setting my bag onto the table. "I'm so sorry, Trisha."
"Where were you, Liv?"
A blush crept into my cheeks. "I was at Jace's."
"Are you kidding me?" She wiped her hand over her already smudged raccoon eyes. "Trey said you went with Jace, but I didn't believe him."
"Why didn't you believe him?" I crossed my arms over my chest.
She looked at me tiredly. "I just thought you were a better judge of character."
"What is that supposed to mean?" I kicked the door shut. I didn't think it was appropriate to wake up the entire building at five a.m. over something so silly.
"Jace is dangerous, Liv. How do you not see that?"
"I don't know what you mean by dangerous, Trisha."
She looked hard at me and then shook her head. "You know what? Never mind. Just, next time you decide to spend the night with him...give me a call or text. Let me know that you are alive rather than in a dumpster somewhere."
I was fuming. How dare she make a big deal over my spending time with Jace, and then, not give me a real reason for her obvious loathing of him? Did she hit on him at some point while I was in the hospital and he turned her down? Was that why she hated him?
"Trisha, you need to tell me why you don't like him. I deserve to know." I leaned against the wall.
"Come on. I need a coffee." She turned her back to me and walked into the kitchen. There was already coffee in the pot. I thought about making myself a cup, but I was cranky and I needed something more soothing. I went for the pantry and pulled out the kettle and my special tin of white hot chocolate.
"Was it that bad?" Trisha nodded to the tin and I blushed. She knew me well.
"We will talk about me, after we talk about why you have a bounty on Jace's head." I snapped.
Trisha sighed and took a long sip of coffee. "I don't have a bounty on his head." She began and I rolled my eyes. "I just don't like him. I don't even have a real reason...it's just everything about him, and nothing about him." She shrugged. She was not making sense, but I understood. "When you were in the hospital...he was so irritatingly commanding. And, everyone followed his orders as though he was their freaking God. Whatever he demanded, he received." She shook her head. "I just think someone like him would crush someone like you and you deserve so much more. I don't want to see you hurt and I'm so afraid if you continue whatever is going on between the two of you that is exactly what will happen. You will be hurt and he will leave you alone to walk onto his next victim."