I shook my head. I was being fanciful. As I drew back, my gaze dropped to her lips. They parted, a puff of air passing between them, and it could have been my imagination, but it seemed as though she leaned forward. But then I raised my gaze to her eyes and froze. They were wide.

Scared.

She glanced over her shoulder and scanned the pavement.

I forced myself to release her. “What’s the matter?”

“Huh?” She turned back to me, her expression distracted.

“What’s wrong?” I repeated.

“Oh.” She gave a nervous laugh. “Nothing. I’m just behind schedule.”

“I can relate.” But I got the impression there was more going on.

Her mouth set in a firm line as she bent to collect her bag, and her eyes skittered like she couldn’t focus on anything. I remembered what she’d asked yesterday, about whether I’d had someone following her.

“Are you running from someone?” I asked, my gut turning over at the prospect.

She jolted, her eyes flying to mine. “No.” She leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Why? Did you see someone behind me?”

“No, I didn’t.”

She stiffened again. “I’d better go. I don’t want to hold you up.” She started to push past.

“Wait,” I said. She glanced back. “Are you sure you’re fine?”

“Y-yes.”

The stutter gave her away. She wasn’t fine at all. But before I could ask what the matter was, she continued up the stairs. I frowned. If she was in trouble, we needed to know. Especially if Tom was involved.

I checked the time again. I’d be late, but at this point, I didn’t really care. Some things were more important than punctuality.

I found Zeke’s number and called him.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting with a big wig?” Zeke asked when the call connected.

“I will be soon, but I just ran into Willow, and she’s on edge. I want to be alerted if she leaves the building.”

“You’re spying on her now?” I could hear the amusement in my partner’s voice. “I thought you were above that.”

“It’s for her own safety.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Just do it. And if she does leave, can you ask Kade to have one of his guys follow her at a distance?”

He snorted. “You’re really taking this to the next level, but okay, I’ll talk to Kade. He won’t be happy about it.”

“Tell him it’s for her protection.”

“If you say so, King.”

“Something is scaring her,” I insisted.

Zeke made a thoughtful sound. “Perhaps she’s nervous because she’s trying to steal our secrets for her brother. I’ve seen evidence she’s been poking around.”

“You have?” I shouldn’t have been surprised. In her shoes, I’d probably do the same thing. “Do we need to be concerned?”

“I doubt it. With her level of access, there’s really nothing for her to find.”

“Are you sure?” I asked. “She’s resourceful.”

He chuckled. “I’ve seen the video of her entering your office. I know exactly how sneaky she is, but at this stage I don’t think we need to worry.”