43. Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Three

Gio

I walk Beth to the front of a building that requires a security code to get inside. It's a relief to find out she lives in one of the better secured apartment blocks in the area, and I make a mental note of her apartment number when she hesitantly gives it out.

"Always wait inside," I tell her. "Only come out when one of us buzz to let you know we're here."

"Okay," she says, nodding slowly.

I don't think it really hit her how creepy her ex was being showing up here until I called it stalking. She's been open to my advice since I warned her to be careful and it feels like she's still a bit shellshocked at the realization that her ex could be more dangerous than she thought.

It wasn't an easy thing to bring up, but I'm glad I did.

I need to protect her and that's much harder than it would be if we were under the same roof.

"I'll wait out here for a bit once you're inside. If you don't mind, I'll buzz your apartment to check you got home safe before I leave."

She lets go of my hand. "I'll try not to jump out of my skin when the phone buzzes."

"I can come in with you, if it makes you feel better."

It would make me feel better, to check around the apartment before leaving her there.

Unfortunately, I think a search like that would make her more nervous than she already is.

"I don't think my sister would like that," she says, giving me a wry smile. "I promised her I was in a no-dating phase. It's a whole thing."

"Well, then, I'll buzz you in a few minutes."

She nods. "Thanks for walking me home."

"Anytime."

I watch her go up the last couple steps to the door, and I look around while she enters her code and steps inside. The door swings closed, and I move up those last steps.

It's quiet out here, but that doesn't mean no one else is around.

There are plenty of places for a lurker to lie in wait.

Alleys, bushy areas, dark corners.

I'll have a poke around once I know she's in her apartment.

I count down a few minutes in my head and I buzz her apartment number when I'm done.

My heart is pounding as I wait for her to pick up.

"I'm here," she tells me, sounding a little breathless.

"Goodnight, Beth."

"Night, Gio."

I step away from the door, and I methodically check the closest hiding spots.

My search results in nothing but a single rat rifling through some dropped trash.

I make the walk back to the restaurant assured that my new fated mate is safe.