After a while, when my blinks were lasting longer and longer despite the fact it wasn’t even eight, Ward quietly asked, “Where were you today, baby? Stopped by to bring you waffles, but you were gone.”

Dammit, I missed out on waffles?

Now I’m even more annoyed.

“An appointment,” I evaded, even though I really did need his help. More specifically, his tech connections. But not at Kat’s expense. I could figure it out.

Maybe.

Hopefully.

“Doctor?” he pushed.

“No, that’s tomorrow morning.”

“Good, I’ll drive you.”

“That’s not necessary. It’s just a routine checkup and ultrasound.”

“When we’re done, I’ll take you for the best damn cupcakes you’ve ever eaten.”

“No.”

But maybe…

“Is everything okay?”

I couldn’t resist the concern in his voice. “My, uh, internet is down. I spent the morning on the phone with them and then all afternoon at the electronics place, making sure my laptop wasn’t to blame.”

“I’ll call Glitch.”

Kat tried to pretend she wasn’t paying attention, but her back went straight as a rod, and her shoulders were practically at her ears from the tension.

“It’s fine.”

“Can you work without it?”

“Well, no, but—”

“Would you rather work here?”

Trying to focus while in Ward’s space would not be easy.

Or possible.

I didn’t respond, but he must’ve read it on my face because he said, “I’m calling Glitch. Can’t make any promises, but so long as he isn’t on his way to fucked up, he’ll come handle it.” He looked over at Kat. “And he won’t come inside here. Got it?”

Since his gaze moved back and forth between us, Kat and I murmured our agreement.

Like Ophelia said, it was easier not to fight a bossy Mayhem man.

21. Some More Light Kidnapping

CHAPTER 21

SOME MORE LIGHT KIDNAPPING

HOLLYWOOD

I waited.

Knew it was coming.

Knew it was killing him.

Which was why I waited.

When I’d called Glitch, I’d barely finished my sentence before he’d said he was on his way. Since he lived secluded and off the grid, it usually took him around an hour to get to my place.

He’d made it in ten, which meant either the bastard had figured out how to teleport or he’d been sticking close. I was charming, sexy, and a fuckin’ delight, but I doubted it was me he wanted to be near.

Mac had unlocked her door, shown him her electronics, and explained what had happened before returning to hang with Katarzyna.

And Glitch had gotten to work, silent and tense.

Finally, when I didn’t volunteer a single update, he broke. With his head ducked under the desk, he asked, “How’s Katarzyna?”

“Good. She and Mac get along.”

“She say anything about coming home?”

Home.

Helluva slip.