Total pages in book: 61
Estimated words: 60904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60904 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 305(@200wpm)___ 244(@250wpm)___ 203(@300wpm)
I find Rand’s contact details and connect a call.
He answers on the second ring. “Lena. Are you okay?”
“Not really,” I admit. “He’s texting me again. I think he’s somewhere near Clifford’s Tower.”
“Are you alone?”
“No one’s with me, but there are plenty of tourists around.”
“Stay where you are. I’ll be there in five minutes.”
“Are you that close?” I ask.
York is small, but I assumed he’d be across town at King’s Manor.
“I’m in town already. I’m on my way to you.”
“Thanks.” I’m grateful he’s not farther away.
“No need to thank me. Stay on the phone. Talk to me.”
“About what?”
“Tell me what you know about Clifford’s Tower. I’m sure you’ve already read about it.”
I huff to cover how shaky I am. “This isn’t class, Professor.”
“No, but I know you’re passionate about history. So am I. I want to learn about it.”
“Don’t you already know everything?”
He laughs. “Hardly. Although I’m flattered that you think I do.”
“Humility from Professor Hirst? You continue to surprise me.”
“At least it’s not Professor Arsehole anymore,” he quips. “My humility wouldn’t be so surprising if you gave me the benefit of the doubt. Has anyone ever told you that you’re a bit judgmental?”
“Maybe you’ve earned this reputation,” I counter flippantly. “My judgment is just fine.”
“Clifford’s Tower, Lena,” he redirects me in a chiding tone. “Tell me about it. You have three minutes to educate me.”
I snort. “Who’s the teacher now?”
“Do you want to be the one in charge here?” he drawls, voice dropping deeper. “That can be arranged.”
A shiver races over me.
“I’d prefer not to.” I try and fail to be dismissive.
His low rumble is pure masculine satisfaction. “Noted.”
I press my lips together, too flustered to come up with a reply. I can’t seem to stop flirting with him.
“Two minutes now, Lena,” he prompts. “Don’t disappoint me.”
I sigh and rattle off some facts about Clifford’s Tower. It seems safer than continuing to verbally spar with him.
True to his word, Rand appears a couple minutes later, jogging across the parking lot that surrounds the historic monument.
He’s in his usual academic attire, satchel slung over his shoulder.
“Those shoes can’t be comfortable to run in,” I remark when he reaches me.
“You see the pain I endure for you?” he replies, dramatically aggrieved. “You should be nicer to me.”
I take a moment to consider him. “Yes, I probably should. Thank you for coming to check on me.”
He nods, accepting my gratitude. “How are you feeling?”
I shrug. “I’ve been better, but I’m not as freaked out as I was last time. He’s mostly pissing me off now. This psycho needs to leave me alone.”
Rand grins. “Is there anything you’re truly afraid of?”
Plenty.
I choose to hold back that vulnerable truth.
“Why would I be afraid when I have a big, bad MMA fighter here to protect me?”
“That’s a far preferable attitude,” he approves. “Much more flattering.”
I redirect the conversation before we get too flirty again. “What do we do now? Have you heard back from your friend? The one who’s good with tech? I really want to get rid of this creep.”
“Walk with me,” he urges. “I’ll tell you about it at the pub.”
I hesitate. “We can’t go to the pub together, Professor.”
He hefts his satchel. “I’ll put some papers out again, and we won’t order alcohol. There’s a small pub tucked away in a neighborhood just across the river. It’ll be quiet at this time of day. We won’t attract attention.”
“I don’t know…”
He lifts his brows. “Would you rather do this at your place? I’m more than happy to come into your flat to talk privately, but I don’t think you’re ready for that.”
I swallow hard. No, I’m not ready for that. I can’t risk having him alone with me in my apartment.
I don’t know if I’m strong enough to resist our chemistry if he’s that close to my bedroom.
“Okay,” I agree. “Let’s go to the pub.”
We start walking around Clifford’s Tower, making our way towards the river.
My stomach lurches when I think about how Rich’s body was dumped in the dark water.
“Are you alright?” Rand asks gently.
“It’s Rich,” I admit. “He’s dead. This crazy person killed him.”
His jaw firms. “If you’re considering pushing me away again to protect me, don’t bother. I’m not leaving you to deal with this on your own.”
“I’m not going to push you away. You said you can take care of yourself. Will you tell me more about the MMA?”
His gaze cuts away. “It’s not that interesting.”
“Please. I need to know that you can defend yourself if my stalker threatens you.”
The look he shoots me is enigmatic. I can’t read him at all.
Finally, he says, “I’ve been training for several years. I’m not in any danger, Lena.”
“How did you get into it?” I press.
He’s quiet for several long seconds.
“I told you about how things were hard for me after my father died. I wasn’t always this built. I had to learn to become strong to get by.”