"If they break in with a gun, they could go through you," I couldn't help pointing out. Although I had to admit he was a formidable-looking guy with more tattoos on his very sexy muscled chest. I licked my lips, forcing my gaze back to his face. It was probably crazy to let him stay, but I didn't want to be alone. "I appreciate the offer," I said. "And I wouldn't mind if you stayed."

"Then I'll stay."

As we stared at each other, I became aware of a new kind of tension. I did not need to complicate my life any further. "I'm going upstairs then," I said.

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight." I walked quickly down the hall and up the stairs. When I got into my mother's bedroom, I locked the door, put my phone on the bedside table, and laid down on the bed once more. After another second, I grabbed the red sweater and wrapped myself up in it.

I felt scared and alone. I needed Dani. I needed my mother. I needed someone. But at least I had Kade downstairs. I didn't know anything about him. But my mom had known him well enough to invite him to stay in her house. She wouldn't have let someone she didn't trust get close to her, so I had to trust him, too. I hoped I wasn't making a mistake.

* * *

I hadn't thought I would sleep at all, but at some point, I drifted off. When I woke up, the sun was coming through the curtains and the clock said half-past eight. I scrambled out of bed, grabbed my phone, unlocked my door, and moved down the stairs. The house was extremely quiet. When I reached the kitchen, I smelled coffee. In fact, there was a full pot. And next to the coffeemaker was a handwritten note.

Went to work. Call me if you need me. Kade

He'd left his phone number as well. I appreciated that. Although it felt oddly intimate and strangely weird to feel such a strong connection to a man I barely knew. But then, everything that had happened since my phone rang yesterday afternoon had been strange and upsetting.

I filled a mug with coffee, feeling better and more in control with each sip. It was a new day. The sun was shining, which helped. Maybe it would give me some light, some insight into this world of secrets and lies that I'd landed myself in.