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But my words have an opposite effect on her as she jumps in her seat. “Will is security?”
I hold her hand, not clearly understanding her panic. “Will is many things. He is ex-military and even been a part of several covert missions as far as I know. Don’t let his calm demeanor fool you.”
“I-I don’t understand.” She worries her bottom lip and her hand trembles as she brings it to her forehead.
Keith looks at me before getting up. “Why don’t I give you two a minute. Call me when you’re ready.”
Once he leaves and the door shuts, I turn to Hope. “What’s the matter, Hopper?”
“Zach, I’ve never had security,” she says in a throaty voice as her scared, wide gaze fixes on me. “I don’t even know anyone who has security. Are you in danger?”
Fuck! She’s worried about me. My chest tingles at her concern for me.
“No. I’m not in danger. But I don’t want to give anyone the opportunity to hurt me or take advantage of me, especially now, through you or Ray.”
“Ray?” Her face turns white in fear.
I hold her cold hands in mine, not liking the sight of her scared face. God, why didn’t I talk to her alone before introducing her to Keith?
Because you are insane, as she says.
“There is nothing to worry about, Hope. Keith is very good at what he does.”
“Y-you trust him?” Her voice drops to a whisper.
I nod. “He has been with me for many years. He was personally recommended to me by Lukas. They both are part of a very elite security company, which usually doesn’t offer personal security. But they have made an exception for us.”
“All three of you have security?” She rapidly blinks as if trying to process the information.
I nod.
Hope thinks for a while. “Rose too?”
“She does, but she doesn’t know. I would also not tell Ray. That’s why William or my driver, who is also trained personnel, drives him to school.”
She takes a while to process the information. “That’s why William delivers my orders to the bakery?”
“Yeah, it’s still dark when you go. I also didn’t want to startle you if you found one of Keith’s men following you.” I grab her hand. “All my cars are tracked by Keith’s team; this is the reason I’m asking you to use them.”
“So, you aren’t embarrassed by my van?” she blurts before looking away from me.
“Why would I be embarrassed?” I put my finger under her chin and bring her scarlet face toward me.
“Because the hotel staff will see…when I pull it from the garage,” she replies, still not meeting my gaze, and presses her palms over her cheeks, hiding the flush that had just crept in.
I can’t fucking believe her embarrassment. “Hope, I hate your van.”
She flinches hearing my words.This woman!
“But not because I’m embarrassed or any of that shit. I just think it’s not suitable to drive. What I want to do, is give you a new van—"
She attempts to say something, but I place a finger on her lips and it quiets her like always.
“I know, you don’t want anything from me and that’s why I’m not buying one. You told me you don’t want to lose control of your life and I’ll never do anything you don’t like, Hopper.”
A tiny tear trickles down her eye. My wife is emotional enough for both of us.
I remove my finger and run my thumb over her soft cheek.
“Don’t be scared. This is just a precaution. For the most part, you wouldn’t even know anything. Keith and his team are very discreet.”
“Keith works full-time for you?”
“I wish.” I smile. “As opposed to your worry, personal security for me is a boring job. Keith manages my security team and comes here only when needed, like today. Most days he’s working on something much more interesting.”
Her hands grab mine still holding her face. “I would like his job with you to remain uninteresting.”
I smile and my heart warms at her concern. “Shall I call him in now?”
