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“No,” Naomi said. “Just me.”
Thinking about the loss of her parents hit her harder than usual because she had thought of it suddenly, making it hard to breathe.
At least she couldn’t endanger them further.
“Well, take care of yourself,” Hala told her. “And I’ll try to keep you posted if I hear anything.”
The call ended and Naomi let her hand drop to her side.
She had been prepared to lose her job, though work was the only thing keeping her going lately. She was a hard worker, and surely, she would find another way to make a living, even if she couldn’t work in the industry anymore.
But she hadn’t been prepared to be in actual physical danger.
And she certainly hadn’t thought about the impact this could have on someone else.
She thought of Gage, and her stomach cramped like she was going to throw up her lunch.
The idea of him being in danger because of her made her want to weep. She hadn’t been willing to risk his fortune if he claimed her and the firm sued.
But losing his life because of a woman he had just met?
She paced the sand, wondering what to do.
Unfortunately, there wasn’t anything she could do from here, except hide out and hope she had the strength to resist the mate bond.
And Gage was waiting for her now, probably wondering what she was up to.
“Exit privacy mode,” she said softly.
“Confirmed,” Oberon said. “Are you finished with your lunch? I am asking because I thought you and Gage might each like a little spa time to prepare for this evening’s activity.”
Oberon was offering her time alone to try and relax.
“Thank you,” she said, feeling bone-deep relief. “I would love that.”
16
Gage
Gage waited for Naomi, trying to listen, and trying to stop himself from listening, all at once.
On the one hand, he had to respect her privacy. Mate or not, she was her own being.
On the other, it was his job to protect her, and she was obviously distressed about something. He had seen her let her guard down a bit to be silly, but the way she had run from him before picking up her comms was different. She had abandoned her elegance and sprinted like she had to put out a fire.
In Gage’s experience, that did not mean anything good.
“I’ve suggested to Naomi that she might enjoy some private time being pampered in one of our spas, to relax and prepare for this evening’s activities,” Oberon said. “And you would be welcome to do the same.”
“What did she say?” Gage asked.
“She agreed that it was a nice idea,” Oberon said.
“Then guess I’m game,” Gage said hesitantly.
“Wonderful,” Oberon said. “I also had an alternate option for you, if you prefer. Would you like to hear about it?”
“Yes, please,” Gage said. He had never been to a spa, and didn’t particularly like the idea of being touched and fussed over by strangers.
