Too many thoughts battled in my head. The possibilities were endless and in each one, someone discovered Alex. A cop. Nikki. Even Zach. I didn’t like unexpected developments. Since her declared death had hit the news, I’d grown lax.

My mistake.

I pulled out of her and wound an arm around her neck, smothering her mouth with my hand. “Who is it? Did you let them in?”

Jax shook his head. “It’s a woman. I have no idea who she is or what she wants.”

“Grab the duct tape from my dresser,” I told him. “Top drawer.”

He moved quickly and pulled out the tape, and all the while, Alex struggled, her protests coming out as muffled whines. As Jax pulled a strip from the roll, I picked her up and tossed her onto the bed. He and I worked together to get the tape over her mouth. I wound my belt around her wrists and anchored her hands to the headboard.

“Sit tight. We’re not done yet.” I got to my feet and threw on a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and Jax led the way down the steps.

“A woman’s here?”

“A hot blonde,” he said. “I didn’t let her in, and boy was she pissed.”

Fuck.

Had to be Nikki. Once we touched ground, Jax folded the stepladder to the loft. I cast a glance toward the front door, dread twisting my gut for what waited on the other side.

“I tried telling her you were sleeping, but she wouldn’t leave.”

“I’m not surprised. If it’s who I think it is, she doesn’t have an agreeable bone in her body.” I strode to the door, Jax on my heels, and pulled it open. She stood tapping a foot, arms crossed with a scowl on her face. “Who’s the watchdog?” She jabbed a finger in Jax’s direction.

“I think the real question,” he said, lip curling, “is who the hell are you?”

“Who the hell am I?” She clenched her hands.

Double fuck.

“That’s what I said, ’cause from where I’m standing, you’re nothing but a stranger on my doorstep. A gorgeous stranger, but still.”

She let out a growl of indignation, and I spoke before things escalated. “He’s my roommate. What are you doing here, Nik?” And how could I get rid of her before the whole damn situation crumbled to the ground? I glanced over my shoulder and let out a small breath, as if I expected to find Alex standing behind me.

“I’m overwhelmed by the warm welcome.” Nikki stepped forward, a sign she wanted to come inside. “I’ve been calling, or had you not noticed?”

“I noticed.” Another glance behind me, another expelled breath. Thankfully, nothing but silence came from upstairs. “Can we meet somewhere in town later? Now isn’t a good time.”