Built For Her

I come around the desk and give her a hug. This wasn’t her fault and I don’t want her to think I’m mad at her about it. “I know you’ll handle it. You always do.”

“I’ll keep you updated,” she tells me as she leaves my office. While she exits, a flower delivery guy walks into my office. “That man is in love with you,” Janet says with a smile.

“Oh wow,” I say in surprise when I absorb the sight of the flowers. “You can put them here,” I tell the delivery guy, motioning for him to set them on a table in the corner of my office. I’ll be able to see them and they’ll have great light.

I sign the form and thank him before he leaves. The flowers are simple white roses. That surprises me. They’re not really not my style, and Barrett and I spent a lot of time talking about flowers. White roses are a bit too perfect for me. I like colorful and a little messy. But they’re still pretty nonetheless.

I pull out my phone and snap a picture of the flowers then send it to Barrett.

Me: Thanks for the flowers!

I reach for the little card and open it up as I smile to myself. I’ve never gotten flowers before.

– I’ll never forget.

You were always meant to be mine.

I’m confused as I read it again. Never forget what? I stare at the card then back at the flowers. A suspicious chill runs down my back. These are really unlike Barrett. I read the note again and then it hits me.

Time’s up and I’ll never forget.

I’ll never forget was on the note Steph got when the restraining order expired. I drop the card like it’s on fire and singed my fingers. I take a slow step back to get away from it.

It takes me a minute to realize my cell phone is in my hand and it’s ringing. I put it up to my ear without thinking and answer it.

“Hello.” I can’t stop my voice from trembling.

“If it would have been me I would have just fucked you in the kitchen this morning. But don’t worry, we’ll have our time soon enough. Besides, I’ve never had twins before. It’s going to be so much fun.”

Marks voice makes me sick to my stomach as terror and anger hit me all at once. He sounds unhinged.

“Stay away from my sister!” I scream into the phone before I toss it away, wanting it as far from me as possible.

He saw us all this morning? He was watching Barrett and me? Gabi was there, too. A cold sweat breaks across my skin. That’s how he knows about her. What if he’s already going after her?

Chapter 22

Barrett

I blow through the red light and screech to a stop in front of City Hall. The second that picture hit my phone I was on the move. I didn’t send her those flowers, but it doesn’t take a detective to see who did.

I climb the stairs three at a time and my chest burns with panic. When I race down the hall I can hear Genevieve shout. When I burst through her door I go to her and immediately scoop her up in my arms.

It takes her body only half a second to relax against me. But that’s when I can feel her shaking and the tears begin.

“What happened?” Janet asks as she comes in behind me. Her assistant June is hot on her heels.

“That motherfucker sent her flowers,” I growl, and Genevieve leans back away from my chest and wipes away her tears.

“I’m fine. He sent a note and then he called. Oh god, Gabi! We need to get to her.” She tries to climb out of my arms, but I hold her tight.

“Shh. It’s okay. We’ll get to her.” I turn to Janet and start giving orders. I probably shouldn’t be doing it to the mayor, but right now I just need to make sure the woman I love and her family are safe. “Get the chief of police on the phone and have him send a patrol car to Gabi’s house.”

“Got it,” she says and rushes out.

“We’re going over there right now. Where’s your phone?”

Genevieve points to it, and I pick it up. The screen is cracked, but it still works. I scan it quickly and see he called from a blocked number. “Let’s go,” I say as I hold her against my side and we walk out of the office. “June!” I call down the hall, and she comes running.

“I’m here. What can I do?” she asks, looking between Genevieve and me.

“Have the chief send a detective over and get that note as evidence.” I point towards Genevieve’s office. “You are to stand guard on this office until the team arrives. Nobody else is allowed in.”