Chapter 17
The plane touched down in California, and relief poured through Cy. He shouldn’t be so excited to get in contact with Willa. She wasn’t his girlfriend, but he really wanted to see her, talk to her, just to make sure she was okay.
He almost believed that lie. He sure as heck wouldn’t tell her that there was more to his feelings. She didn’t need the stress, and he didn’t have time to win her over.
The last few relationships he had were closer to booty calls than actual caring and loving relationships.
It hadn’t been fair to the women, or to him.
He’d gone in knowing he wouldn’t get deep, and had told the women he had no interest in developing a relationship, but each time he had to break it off with them because they wanted more.
Maybe he wasn’t capable of giving more. He felt things, but he wasn’t interested in anyone getting to know his inner self. He wanted everything to stay on the surface. Keeping everything on the surface would keep everyone safe. Going deep was where things went bad.
Before taking off for home, he sent a text to Willa, hoping she would reply.
He wanted her to know he was back in California.
On the way to his place, he stopped by the store to pick up some food to get him through the first few days of being home.
Usually, he kept something in the freezer for when he returned, so he didn’t have to order in the first night back from a mission, but he hadn’t gone shopping before leaving.
He was standing in front of the frozen food, weighing the downside of picking up two microwave meals, when his phone rang. It was Willa.
“Hey, how's it going?”
“Shit, he’s following me.”
“Tell me where you are, and I’ll get you to safety.”
The idea of obtaining food was gone as he abandoned his basket beside the eggs and banana display at the front of the store and dashed out to the parking lot.
“I left work. I’m only a few blocks away. I was headed home.”
“Head back to Aces. I’m at the store a few blocks from there.”
“Okay.”
“I’ll meet you in the parking lot.”
“On God, he’s gaining on me.”
“Drive safe. Don’t speed up. There are plenty of people on the streets right now that he won’t pull something stupid. Just keep it steady and stay safe.”
“Will you stay on the phone with me?”
“Yes, Willa, I’m here for you.”
He heard a car horn in the background as worry exploded through him. What was that idiot up to? And when had he gotten out of jail?
“You still with me?” Cy asked.
“Yes. He was cut off by someone and had to stop at a light. I should head home now.”
“You’re almost back to the bar. Just come here, and we’ll make sure he is gone.”
“I hate this,” Willa whined over the phone.
He didn’t blame her for whining. She was in a shitty position with a crazy stalker following her. Surely one of the conditions of his release was to stay away from Willa. He needed to look into it. Willa needed peace, not some crazy guy running around threatening her.
“I’m about to pull into the lot.”
“I’m almost there.”
“Good.” He turned into the lot and saw a car headed his way. “Okay, I think I see you.”
“I’m pulling in.”
He stepped from his vehicle and was relieved to see that no one was following her. She ended the call as she threw her car into park and hopped out.
A wave of shock pulsed through him as she threw herself into his arms. Her fingers twisted in his shirt material as she clung to him.
“I was so worried. I didn’t think he was free, but he showed up, and I knew he was going to follow me.”
He wrapped his arms around her, smoothing his hands down her back. “It’s okay. I’m here now.”
Cy’s gaze stayed on the entrance to the lot, watching for Robert’s car. After a moment without seeing his car, Cy felt like the guy had probably given up and gone a different way.
He leaned back and met Willa’s gaze. “Hey, I’m here now. Follow me to my place.”
“What if he follows us?”
“Then he will get to meet some justice. He’s not going to terrorize you and get away with it. I won’t do anything to him, but I will make sure the police do something.”
She glanced around, then nodded. “Okay, but he is very dangerous.”
“I know, and that’s why I want you to come to my place tonight. We can talk to the detective tomorrow and see what they can do about him following you around.”
Her shoulders dropped, and the strain on her face seemed to loosen as she relaxed. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He probably shouldn’t have her come to his house, but he wanted her to feel safe. If she was alone all night waiting for Robert to attack her, she wouldn’t be able to get any sleep.
He’d been trained to sleep and rest in shitty situations. He could trust himself to get a good enough night of sleep because he would wake if anyone even tried the door.
If this Robert creep kept after Willa, something would have to be done. He sure as hell wouldn’t let the guy keep terrorizing her. Robert needed to learn a lesson. Cy just had to be careful how he delivered that lesson to the jerk.