Julian (Trinity Academy 4)
“What the fuck?” I hear him move, and a second later, he says, “There are two smoothies and a couple of fruit cups inside the fridge.”
“Have them clear out everything Jamie has in that fridge. I want it all tested.”
“I’ll take care of it and then come over to the hospital.”
Cutting the call, I go back to my contact list and scroll to Carter’s number.
As he answers, I hear him clear his throat before he answers softly, “Carter speaking.”
Checking the time and seeing it’s past ten here, which means it’s already one am in New York, I say, “Sorry for waking you. It’s Julian. I’m with Jamie. She’s been hospitalized again. I’ve already requested a drug screen.”
“Hold on.” I hear him move, probably going to a room where he can talk. A moment later, he says, “What the fuck is going on at Trinity? You promised to keep Jamie safe.”
Understanding his anger, I explain, “I was with her when she became drugged. Under the circumstances, I’m keeping her as safe as possible.”
“I’ll be there in a couple of hours,” he bites out. “Don’t leave her side until I get there.”
“I won’t.”
The call cuts and I let out an exhausted sigh. I can’t blame Carter for being pissed off.
Setting my phone down on the table beside the bed, I bring my hand to Jamie’s face and tuck a couple of wild curls behind her ear.
I’m not used to feeling fear and struggle to deal with the emotion as it digs its claws into my heart.
When Jennifer died, the shock knocked me from my feet. There was no fear, only utter desolation.
With Jamie, it’s different. It feels like my hands are tied while I watch her slip through my fingers. Someone is trying to hurt her, and I don’t know where to begin to find him.
My eyes drift over her face as my thoughts scramble to find a solution to this impossible nightmare.
One thing’s for sure – I’ll do everything in my power to protect her from the bastard.
He’ll have to come through me to get to her.
Unable to tear my eyes away from her face, I finally admit the truth to myself.
I care about Jamie.
More than a one-night-stand.
More than a friend.
No matter how much I try to deny it and use our age gap as a barrier to hide behind, the simple truth is that I care a hell of a lot about this woman.
Needing to express what I’m feeling, I whisper, “It meant something to me.” Caressing her features with my gaze, I admit, “The night we spent together meant more to me than you’ll ever know.”
Minutes after my confession, the door opens, and Mason walks in, followed by Lake and Falcon.
“How is she?” Lake asks, instantly moving to the other side of the bed. He gives her free hand a squeeze, concern etched deep on his face.
The man has a heart the size of Texas, and I love him for it.
“She’s sleeping. I think it will take a while before the drug works out of her system.” Looking at Mason, I ask, “Did the police take the smoothies?”
“Yes, they said they would send it to a crime lab for testing,” Mason replies while shooting a worried glance at Jamie.
Falcon comes to stand next to me, and placing his hand on my shoulder, he says, “She’ll be fine.”
I shake my head. “How can she be with all the shit happening to her?” I let out a harsh breath. “And the bastard is still out there. Who knows when he’ll strike again?” I glance up at Falcon. “Hire a team of guards. The best there is. I want them guarding Jamie twenty-four-seven.”
“Yes, that would be best. We can’t leave her alone now, not with her in so much danger.”
Falcon gives my shoulder a squeeze, which has me reaching up and placing my hand over his.
“Thank you for being here,” I whisper.
“Always.”
After a moment, Lake asks, “Can I go get you some coffee?”
“That would be nice.”
“I need some too,” Mason says, then he glances at Falcon, “Do you want coffee?”
Yes, please.” Falcon waits for Lake to leave, then he says, “You care about her.”
I nod, not hiding the truth from my brother.
“Do you know how she feels about you?”
I let out a chuckle. “I’m not sure. It constantly changes from hating my guts to giving me a hard time.”
My comment draws a burst of soft laughter from Falcon. “She cares then, or she’d just ignore your stubborn ass.”
“Even if she does, it doesn’t mean we can be in a relationship,” I voice my concern.
“Why not?” Falcon pulls another chair closer and takes a seat next to me.
“She’s our biggest partner’s sister-in-law.” I take a deep breath and add, “Carter is on his way, and he’s pissed off.”
“We’ll handle it when he gets here.” Falcon tilts his head to the side, his eyes locking with mine. “I would think with her being Carter’s family, it would actually solidify the partnership if you and Jamie got together.”