Josie lifted her gaze and stared at him in confusion. “You knew that Arnold would follow me.” Dexter had an inscrutable expression, but it was clear that he didn’t like her reaction.
“Yes.” Josie backed away from him. “You also knew why he went to Rivodia.” “My men have been watching Arnold for years. We’re well aware of his connection to Wayne.”
Josie couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“So you just made a bet with my life? Didn’t you think about how I could have died because of your recklessness?” The man’s face darkened. ‘I told you Arnold wouldn’t hurt you.”
“That’s because you know he likes me!’ Josie felt an overwhelming sense of dread coursing through her veins. Her eyes were turning red. “You knew that Arnold would save me if Wayne tried to kill me. You were using Arnold!”
She couldn’t bear the thought that her life was bet on using Arnold’s affections for her.
Josie had been through a lot at Wayne’s place, and it was understandable that she would feel betrayed and sad. But Dexter couldn’t help but wonder why she was reacting so strongly to the revelation. “Are you talking on behalf of Arnold? Or does his feelings for you bother you?” he asked genuinely.
He was right. Even though she knew he was prying into her emotions and thoughts, she couldn’t deny what he was implying. It was hard to erase the memories she shared with Arnold these past few days. She didn’t know how to explain to Dexter that she owed Arnold a debt of gratitude.
“Dexter, everyone in Rivodia told me how cold- hearted Wayne was, but I think he can’t compare to you.” Josie’s eyes turned cold. “Does my father’s disappearance have anything to do with you?” she continued. She had never suspected Dexter before but couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling after hearing his admission.
Dexter stared coldly into her eyes. “Josie, don’t you think you should spare me some kindness the way you do for Arnold?”
The man’s deep and gravelly voice still tugged at her heartstrings, but she turned away and pried no further.
“I didn’t get any news about Paul in Rivodia. I believe the incident happened in Wavery. I won’t be staying here for the next few days.”
As soon as she finished her sentence, she packed her things and got ready to leave. Dexter stood rooted to his spot, silently watching her as she packed her things in a hurry.
Once Josie finished packing, he seemed calmer than before. “I won’t ask my men to return from Rivodia. They’ll keep an eye out for Arnold so that you can be assured of his safety.”
She didn’t stop to look at him. “I took care of your studio while you were gone. Take a look at it when you have time.”
She was reminded of her studio only when he mentioned it. She didn’t have the capacity to martage it right now. Dexter had already walked past her down the stairs and disappeared around the corner by the time she lifted her head.
All she could sense was the lingering smell of cigarette smoke. He must have been smoking a lot lately. Moses was the only person on the ground floor when she arrived.
“Ms. Warren, Mr. Russell asked me to wait for you.”
“Do you think I’m overreacting?”
Moses’ forehead creased. “You just came back from a near-death situation. No one would blame you. I’m sure Mr. Russell understands.”
But he didn’t care about putting my life at risk. And to make matters worse, he got close to Heather while she was away. She understood the reason, but her heart still ached at the thought of them together.
“Forget it. I need you to take me somewhere.”
