Josie lifted her gaze and stared at him in confusion. âYou knew that Arnold would follow me.â
Dexter had an inscrutable expression, but it was clear that he didnât like her reaction.
âYes.â
Josie backed away from him. âYou also knew why he went to Rivodia.â
âMy men have been watching Arnold for years. Weâre well aware of his connection to Wayne.â
Josie couldnât believe what she was hearing. âSo you just made a bet with my life? Didnât your think about how I could have died because of your recklessness?â
The manâs face darkened. âI told you Arnold wouldnât hurt you.â
âThatâs because you know he likes me!â Josie felt an overwhelming sense of dread coursing through her veins. Her eyes were turning red. âYou knew that Arnold would save me if Wayne tried to kill me.
You were using Arnold!â
She couldnât bear the thought that her life was bet on using Arnoldâs affections for her.
Josie had been through a lot at Wayneâs place, and it was understandable that she would feel betrayed and sad. But Dexter couldnât help but wonder why she was reacting so strongly to the revelation. âAre you talking on behalf of Arnold? Or does his feelings for you bother you?â he asked genuinely.
He was right.
Even though she knew he was prying into her emotions and thoughts, she couldnât deny. what he was implying. It was hard to erase the memories she shared with Arnold these past few days.
She didnât know how to explain to Dexter that she owed Arnold a debt of gratitude.
âDexter, everyone in Rivodia told me how cold-hearted Wayne was, but I think he canât compare to you.â Josieâs eyes turned cold. âDoes my fatherâs disappearance have anything to do with you?â she continued. She had never suspected Dexter before but couldnât shake the uneasy feeling after hearing his admission.
Dexter stared coldly into her eyes. âJosie, donât you think you should spare me some kindness the way you do for Arnold?â
The manâs deep and gravelly voice still tugged at her heartstrings, but she turned.
âI didnât get any news about Paul in Rivodia. I believe the incident happened in Wavery. I wonât be staying here for the next few days.â
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. âI wonât ask my men to return. from Rivodia. Theyâll keep an eye out for Arnold so that you can be assured of his safety.â
She didnât stop to look at him.
âI took care of your studio while you were gone. Take a look at it when you have time.â
She was reminded of her studio only when he mentioned it. She didnât have the capacity to manage 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.
âMs. Warren, Mr. Russell asked me to wait for you.â
âDo you think Iâm overreacting?â
Mosesâ forehead creased. âYou just came back from a near-death situation. No one would blame you.
Iâm sure Mr. Russell understands.â
But he didnât 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.
âForget it. I need you to take me somewhere.â