The Years Between Signing and Seeing novel Chapter 596

Suzie peered past the security guard into the stairwell. Jamie was leaning lazily against the wall, a lit cigarette between his fingers.

Suzie was speechless.

Hearing the door open, Jamie slowly turned his head. His sharp, intimidating gaze flicked over the security guard for a fraction of a second before he stubbed out the cigarette, crushing it into a tissue he held in his other hand.

He then closed the distance between them, stopping right in front of Suzie. His voice was incredibly gentle. "It's chilly out here. Go back inside."

As he stepped closer, the faint, undeniable scent of alcohol washed over her. Suzie looked at him in disbelief. "Are you... are you drunk? What are you doing out here?"

Jamie's bloodshot eyes locked onto hers, filled with a soft, enduring tenderness. He gave a faint smile. "The news about the toy store fire broke tonight. I was worried you'd see it and wouldn't be able to sleep. I wanted to check on you, but I was afraid you wouldn't open the door if I knocked... I'm not drunk."

Suzie didn't know what to say. She slowly turned to the security guard and offered an apologetic smile. "I'm so sorry for the trouble. Everything is fine. He's a friend. You can head back down."

The guard nodded respectfully. "Understood, Ms. Sterling. As long as he's someone you know. Have a good night."

The guard retreated through the fire doors. Suzie was just about to speak when an uncontrollable sneeze escaped her lips.

Jamie immediately draped his arm around her shoulders, guiding her back down the hallway. "It's autumn. The temperature drop out here is too sharp. Go back to bed. I'm sorry for waking you."

Suzie subtly shifted, letting his arm fall from her shoulders. Her chest felt tight with an emotion she couldn't name.

She had never felt so intensely cherished by anyone. Not even Stella or Oliver, who cared for her deeply, possessed this level of excruciating, hyper-focused devotion.

Had he truly changed, or was she just letting herself be blinded again?

When they reached her door, Suzie pressed her thumb against the biometric lock. The door clicked open.

But she didn't hear the sound of Jamie walking away.

She hesitated on the threshold. Then, Jamie's deep, gravelly voice sounded right behind her neck.

"Did you have a nightmare? Are your cramps still bad?"

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