Read Around: Wrapped Around You for Free Online

telegraphed through her fingertip as if they were his own.
    “I fucking hate this,” said Eric, pacing the living room. Jackson showed up after he’d gotten back from the bank to go over the details for exchange and Luke came along for moral support, but the whole thing just pissed him the fuck off. He should be able to do this without making Julie vulnerable.
    “Jackson has everything covered,” said Luke. “Nothing is going to go wrong. By this time tomorrow it will all be over.”
    “Would you be so sure if Claire was the one making the drop?” Eric saw the answer on his friend’s face. “That’s what I thought.” He pressed his palm against his forehead, dragging his fingers through his hair and then he knelt in front of where Julie sat on the couch, taking her hands in his. “If there is any sign that something’s off, I’m pulling the plug. We’ll find another way to get Caleb back. Do you understand?” Her answering nod did little to reassure him.
    “I won’t let anything happen to her,” said Jackson.
    “I’m counting on it.”
     
    ~~~~~
     
    Julie watched Eric move around the room like a caged lion. His barely restrained energy made it hard for her to concentrate on what head of security was saying, but she had to. She wanted to get her brother back and get on with her life. The more time she spent with Eric, the clearer it became that there was no way she’d ever be able to live without him. She had no idea what he was thinking or feeling but she knew with every fiber of her being that she belonged with him.
    They’d get Caleb back and then she was going to shove aside every bit of fear and insecurity and do whatever it took to build a life with Eric, including convincing him if necessary. She was done holding back and waiting for her life to start. It was pacing the room in front of her.
    “You’ll need to drive your car to the parking garage,” said Jackson. “If you give me your keys I’ll have one of my people pick it up and bring it here. We’ll also put a tracking device on the car as a precaution, and one on the money and you, of course.”
    She heard Eric growl under his breath, but she forced herself to concentrate on what Jackson was saying.
    “Follow the kidnapper’s instructions to the parking garage and give them the money. Caleb should be there waiting for you when you make the drop but if he’s not there or if something goes wrong, give them the money anyway. I’ll put a tracker on the case. You are important, not the money.” He leaned toward her, his expression serious but kind. “Because the building belongs to Mr. Masterson, we have access to the cameras all over the garage, and I will have my people everywhere. I’ll be watching you the entire time. We will not let anything happen to you Miss Blake. You have my word.”
    She’d feel better when this was over, but Jackson’s promise reassured her. She felt certain he didn’t give his word unless he was absolutely sure he could back it up.
    “Thank you, Jackson,” said Julie. “I appreciate your help with all of this.”
    The man nodded and rose. “I should leave you for the night. You need to get some sleep, and I still have a few loose ends I want tied up tight before tomorrow. May I have your keys, please?”
    “Of course.” Julie hurried to the kitchen to grab her purse. She heard Eric grilling Jackson for assurances behind her and Luke trying to calm him down. God she hated that she’d brought any of this mess into his life, not to mention the hundred grand he was coughing up to save Caleb. She had no idea how she’d every repay him, but she was perfectly content to spend the rest of her life trying to figure it out.
    When she turned to give Jackson her keys, Eric was showing him and Luke to the door. She handed over the keys with her thanks and good-byes and then they were gone and she and Eric were alone again.
    “Are you hungry?” Eric asked.
    “Not really.” Her stomach was so knotted up;