9. Chapter 9

Pain is radiating from my shoulder where the bullet grazed me. But I clutch my prize tightly to my chest, or as tightly as I can hold the medical insulated container.

The contact that Jason provided had already proven her worth by finding exactly what I needed, even if it took a trip to South Dakota. Elsa found the reptile zoo that was the largest in the world and housed the deadliest snakes. Including the Inland Taipan.

When I had to take leave over the last six years, my travels took me around the world, including Australia, where that beauty is to be found. It had fascinated me that such a small creature could produce a toxin that could kill a fully grown human with only a tiny amount.

I had researched extensively about neurotoxins since then and with the help of Elsa, and other contacts that I brought into my network, I was able to create my own lab. It fills me with happiness every time I'm there, like almost everything I have done to get that room has been worth it.

If only my heart didn't still ache. If only I didn't feel like I needed the missing pieces of my soul as much as I needed to breathe.

I can feel the blood running down my arm and look down to see that it"s deeper than I thought. When I broke in I knew there was security but I hadn't counted on that much security or the guns they carried to keep the place secure. It's a zoo, not some high tech research facility.

I limp back to where I have the rental car parked, because of course I managed to hurt my ankle when I ran away from the men with guns.

As I settle into the car, I gently place the medical insulated container on the passenger seat, ensuring it"s secure. With a wince at the pain throbbing in my shoulder, I pull out my phone, bracing myself for the discomfort. Scrolling through my contacts until I reach the name I want, I hit dial and only have to wait for one ring before he picks up.

"Hey, beautiful," he says softly, and I roll my eyes, thankful he can"t see my expression.

"Hi, do you have a place in South Dakota? I need to get off the street and I need a first aid kit," I ask, cutting to the chase.

He makes a noise of unhappiness before answering, "Yeah, I do. You okay?"

I let my head fall back against the seat and rub my fingers against my forehead, feeling a headache coming on already. "Yeah, I"ll be fine, Jason. Where am I going?" I ask, eager to get moving.

He finally gives me the address, and I thank him before hanging up, not wanting to prolong the conversation any further.

It takes a good hour to get to the address Jason provided. I park a few streets away and slowly make my way there under the cover of darkness. All of the properties have the same biometric scanner on the doors, and it only takes moments to be safely locked away in the apartment, thanks to Jason coding me into his system. I breathe a sigh of relief as I walk toward the kitchen area of the open-plan apartment, putting the small insulated container into the fridge to keep it cold.

As I close the fridge and turn toward the bathroom, I let out a yelp of surprise. There stands Jason, raising an eyebrow in response to my reaction, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" I ask, my tone incredulous.

"Well, it is my property," he retorts casually.

I move to put my curled fists on my hips, but a sharp pain reminds me of my injured shoulder. "I mean, what are you doing in South Dakota to even be here right now?" I press, trying to make sense of his unexpected presence.

He straightens with a concerned frown as his eyes take in the wound on my shoulder. "I just happened to be in the area. Come on, and I"ll clean that up for you," he says, motioning me closer.

I rub a hand down my face, feeling drained, and decide not to be stubborn. Walking over to where he is motioning me into the bathroom, I realize I must look a little worse for wear. He already has the first aid kit out, obviously prepared for my arrival. I wonder how long he"s been there waiting for me.

"Lose this, I need to clean and dress the wound," he instructs, tugging at the long-sleeved top I have on. I frown for a moment before seeing his logic and slowly pull it up and off my body, leaving me standing there in only my bra and black pants. There is blood coating my arm, some already drying and starting to flake off.

He starts to clean the wound, and I wince and hiss at the sting of the alcohol he pours on it, closing my eyes to just let him help me. He moves me this way and that as he cleans and applies cream, then starts dressing the wound. I open my eyes briefly to find his already on mine, but I let them close again until he finally murmurs that he"s done.

"Thank you," I say softly, expecting him to step back and allow me to exit the bathroom now that he"s finished. But he doesn"t.

"Do you need something for the pain? There is Tylenol in the kit," he asks, concern evident in his voice.

I shake my head. "No, I"m fine," I respond, trying to keep the conversation brief.

"Good," he says, stepping closer to me. Then, unexpectedly, he slides a hand into my hair, leans toward me, and presses his lips against mine.

I try to lean away, but his body follows mine. I put a hand to his chest and push, and he retreats slightly with a frown.

"No," I say, pushing more firmly against his chest until he lets go and backs away a step.

His frown deepens, and he crosses his arms over his chest. "Why not? We would be so good together. I"ve always known we would be good together," he insists.

I shake my head, feeling a pang of guilt at the hurt in his eyes. "I don"t do casual with those I work with, Jason," I explain.

He uncrosses his arms, his expression softening. "I wasn"t looking for casual, Ash. I was looking for serious," he counters, his voice full of sincerity.

"And I"m not. My heart is already spoken for. They are the only ones I will ever love," I whisper, feeling a lump form in my throat.

A flash of hurt crosses his face before he shuts down, nodding curtly. "Okay, then," he mutters, taking a step back.

He glances away for a moment before looking back at me. "Do you need help with anything else? I have to head out," he says, his voice strained.

I can see straight through the lie, but I don"t have the energy to argue with him. So, I simply nod, watching as he backs away further, turning away and saying, "I"ll see you around, Ash," before he disappears without another word.

I faintly hear the front door as he leaves the apartment, and I close my eyes again on a sigh. My heart aches again at the reminder of the men I love. I still haven't found the one responsible for sending the threats even with all of the resources now at my fingertips.