CHAPTER FOURTY-TWO
Kieran
Melinda stood there in clothes I'd never seen before, cheap thrift store quality, her hair falling out of its ponytail. She looked exhausted, defeated, her eyes red like she'd been crying.
"Where the hell have you been?" The words came out louder than I intended, anger overriding the relief.
She flinched. "I was out. I told you I'd be home."
"Out where? Doing what?" I moved closer, my voice rising. "You disappeared for over twelve hours without telling anyone. Your security detail had no idea where you were. I couldn't reach you. Do you have any idea what I thought happened?"
"I'm sorry, I just needed some time."
"Time for what? To sneak out like a teenager? To ignore basic security protocols?" The fear I'd been carrying all afternoon was transforming into
