I Belong to You (Inside Out #5)(14)

I briefly close my eyes. Damn it. I’m making rash decisions about my safety, which could affect other people’s safety. The fact that Mark Compton rattles me into this state of illogical thought reignites my anger, but I’m not a fool. And I have a bad feeling that there’s a lot more going on with Mark, and this investigation, than I know about.

With a deep breath, I say, “I’ll provide my own security. My family has its own service. I’ll get it in place right away.”

As usual, he doesn’t react. “I’d feel better if we did the job, so we know you’re safe.”

“My father is a perfectionist. He hires people that you’ll approve of.”

His jaw clenches just enough to give away his displeasure. “I’ll talk to Mr. Compton. In the meantime, we’ll cover you. My backup should be here any minute, then you can leave.”

“I have a critically important eleven o’clock meeting that I can’t miss.”

“Crystal—”

“As in many millions of dollars at stake for Riptide. Go take care of the Compton family. I’ll take the subway—busy trains with lots of cameras.”

“I can’t let you go without coverage.”

I recite my route, and what stop I’m exiting. “Have one of your people meet me on the street if you really think it’s necessary. I’ll be there in twenty minutes.”

“No subway. I’ll put you in a cab, then have one of my men at Riptide meet you at the curb.”

“You saw the weather and the traffic. I can’t be late—and time is ticking as we argue.”

“I need you to take a cab,” he insists. “Even if you’re late.”

“It’s millions.”

“I heard you.”

I frown, uneasiness sliding down my spine. “What the heck is going on, Jacob?”

He pauses for a few moments. “Mark didn’t push the security issue before you left because he didn’t think it was a real issue until his presence in the city was known. I got a call as I was walking inside. The press is all over Riptide. Somehow they heard Mark is in town.”

I press my fingers to my temple. “This is a billionaire client I’m meeting, and he’s threatening to pull his auction items because of the scandal now waiting to greet him at our door.”

“Our team is clearing them out, and it’s close to being under control, from what I hear. But I don’t want to risk you being ambushed. Try to push your meeting back an hour.”

I’m already pulling my phone from my purse. “I’ll call on the way there. I can’t risk not reaching them, or him arriving before me to a mess. I can’t lose this client for Riptide, Jacob. I’m not sure Mark would save me over him.”

His jaw clenches and unclenches. “Let’s go, then.” He takes my tote bag. “I’ll ride with you. The Comptons are safe here, and the man on his way will cover them.” He moves ahead of me and pauses at the exit, waiting for me to join him. Then he shoves open the door, cursing under his breath at the cold blast of air. “Sorry. Thin California blood is going to be the death of me.”

I laugh and laugh harder as he looks completely miserable for the short walk to the subway, though he still hovers protectively. When we’re finally on a train, people all around us, the two of us clutching the same pole, Jacob tells me, “He rode the subway this morning. That’s why I wasn’t with him.”

“Who? Mark?”

“That’s right. We were stuck in traffic and he said we weren’t going to make the hospital in time. I stopped at a light and he took off.” He grimaces. “I’ll have a driver and ride in the backseat with that man from now on, I can promise you that.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you’re caught right in the eye of the storm swallowing that man whole, and probably more capable of influencing him than anyone.”

“Me? I can’t even get him to consistently call me by my first name. I have no control where’s he’s concerned.”

“You know that’s not true, and he needs a voice of reason right now. And I believe you are that voice.”

He’s giving me far more than I expected. “Why would I need to influence him?”

“You know why.”

My stomach rolls. “Please tell me he’s still not talking about vengeance, like he was right after Ava escaped.”

“I had an exchange with him this morning that all but confirmed he is.”

My fingers tighten around the pole. “What did he say?”

“It was inferred, but the look in his eyes said everything. He’s after blood.”

“He’ll destroy his family if he ends up in jail.”

“He could end up dead. We aren’t completely certain Ava is acting alone.”

“Who else is involved?”

“I’m not prepared to say anyone is. We’re exploring options.”

“So you think Mark is after vengeance, and you think someone else is involved. You know nothing.”

“Saving lives means taking preventative actions.”

“But you have no proof Mark is personally after Ava or anyone else,” I state, making sure I understand properly.