Chapter 24

My pulse was already a damn issue thanks to our sharing time in the bedroom, and now it's galloping as the head of security for my building drops the bomb.

"I'm sorry, sir, but yes. There have been some issues in the building, and we thought it pertinent to inform you."

"Fucking hell."

"What? What's going on?"

My attention shifts back to Clara, and the look of dread on her face has me wishing I'd gone into the other room to take the call.

I don't want her worrying about all this. She's got enough on her plate, and it's almost like it's tarnishing last night.

Dammit.

Putting my hand over the receiver, I have trouble meeting her eyes as I break the news.

"There's been people spotted. Suspiciously hanging out at night, I guess. Hold on."

Turning away, I try to focus on what Stevens is telling me.

"Explain. What were these people doing?"

There's the sound of clicking on the other end, and I can guess that Stevens is looking at the security footage right now.

"They get into the parking garage after sunset, but I have a feeling they were just waiting nearby until then. They walk the grounds, circling, and whenever security has tried to approach, they run off, disappear into a car or alley."

I clench my jaw, flexing my hand after squeezing it into a fist. As I rake my fingers through my hair, I start pacing.

"Okay, can you increase the rounds again? Get as many photos and descriptions written down for them as possible. I know they'll change out the people coming, so just do your best. Any movement toward the elevator or doors and you lock everything down. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. Of course."

"Good. I need to go. Send all your reports to Cameron Davies. He's on my emergency contact list. And copy me on them."

"Of course."

With that, I hang up, and by this point, I've wandered from the kitchen, around the living room, and then back down the hall toward my bedroom.

Clara is right on my heels, hurrying up to me as soon as the phone is gone from my ear.

"What's happening? Talk to me."

She's not asking sweetly or stumbling to get the words out, fear clinging to her. No, right now, Clara is in full crisis control mode.

I have to hand it to her. It's damn attractive to see how well she's working to handle this.

"I'm stepping up security." I pause, meeting her eyes and really not wanting to talk about this. "Fuck, Clara. I don't want to pile on. We were just talking about your niece, and now…"

She steps up to me, taking my hands.

"No, it's fine. Look—" Clara sighs, long and slow "—it's better to just know. Waiting around for the other shoe to drop is worse. Just be straight with me."

I mirror her sigh, squeezing her fingers. Fuck, this sucks.

"They've found us. The Cobras know you're here. There's no one else it could be."

Shaking my head, that gnawing anger I've been trying to push down starts to bubble to the surface.

"I've never had this issue before, so it just has to be them. Dammit!"

Clara reels back slightly as I shout, and I slump into myself.

"I'm sorry, it's just?—"

"I know."

With a mournful smile, like Clara is already preparing herself for the worst, she slides her arms around me, laying her head on my chest.

"But this is what security and the police are here for, right? You gave Cameron the information, and we reported the updates to the authorities. We'll tell them about this. It's all we can do."

It's not fucking good enough. I can't have another person in my life hurt or worse because my shit is putting them in danger.

I won't fucking allow it.

"Clara." I pull her back to look down at her. "You need to…fuck, you need to be on guard, okay? Tell hospital security or something. Maybe take a leave of absence?"

She gapes at me, her lips parting as she furrows her brow.

"I'm not leaving my patients. I'm not running away scared. Never again."

Her voice is so low, a fury I've never heard in it, and as much as I want to just force her to stay here with me where I can protect her, this tone stops me.

"Again? Clara, talk to me. Why is putting yourself in harm's way worth it? I get being a doctor and all, but there's something else, isn't there?"

Clara exhales hard, her eyes roaming the hallway as she closes her eyes and hangs her head.

"My parents—" she hesitates, fisting her hands "—my parents died when Regina and I were young. We were left in the care of my aunt and uncle."

I nod. "The people you said were terrible."

She scoffs, disgust touching her expression.

"They were more than just awful people, Luke. They were neglectful and abusive. Regina and I got out of the house any chance we could get, and when I could finally emancipate myself and take her with me, I did. They didn't even fight me on it."

Letting her take all the time she needs, I just stand quietly while Clara opens up.

"I got into college on grants. I've struggled to pay bills my entire life, even now, and poor Regina isn't any better. Beth's father left before she was even born, and my sister has been fighting to raise that girl alone—with all the medical issues on top of that. If I don't work, if I'm not there for the people who need me…"

Trembling as she fights back tears, Clara closes her eyes. I'm quick to pull her into my arms.

"Okay, doc. Okay. We'll get you where you need to be. But we have to be careful, all right? I can't have something happen to you. And I'm sure Regina and Beth would agree with me."

She chuckles against my chest, and I can feel the warmth of her tears bleeding through my shirt.

"All right."

The words are muffled against me.

"Just…let me drive you, okay? It won't affect my work. I set my own hours, and they're not as familiar with my car. I'll even use the backup one. And tell hospital security to be on the lookout for you, okay?"

Angling back, Clara squints up at me, shaking her head.

"The backup one? You know what. I don't need to know. I can't just have you chauffeur me everywhere, Luke. What if something comes up? I can't expect you to drop everything, and you can't expect me to do it, either."

Meeting her eyes with all I'm feeling on display, I try to drive home my commitment with just my stare.

"I can and will drop everything for you. Please know that."

Clara's brows knit together, and I just keep holding those green eyes of hers.

"You're really just going to drive me to work like I'm a little kid going to school or something."

"If you'll fucking let me keep you safe."

Tension hangs in the air, and I just wait. I'll stand there the rest of the day if I have to.