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But a high school diploma wouldn’t have gotten us far. And now my fancy degree meant nothing anyway.
“You should have asked Everleigh or me for help. We would have given you anything. You know that.”
Shaking her head, she let out a whimper, the sound putting my body in a stranglehold. “I would never have taken advantage of you like that. You already saved me more times than I can count. I wouldn’t have made it without you and Everleigh. But William means a lot to me, and I won’t have my life devalued like that.”
Untangling her hands from mine, she turned and ran out of the room. I didn’t make a move to stop her, already having done enough damage.
I punished myself by working out until my legs gave up on me. Lying on the floor, the room encased in the low glow of the rising sun, I hated myself. This wasn’t me. And I knew I had to accept that Gunner was right. I needed to see a therapist. I lashed out at people who meant something to me. I didn’t get close to anyone. And I hurt the ones that meant the most to me.
Once I was sure I wouldn’t throw up if I moved, I pushed myself to standing, my movements sluggish, my limbs rubber bands.
The door on the far end opened, and William walked through. His steps faltered when he saw me, but a practiced smile quickly replaced his frown.
I didn’t know how to read him fully yet. He hid well behind his smiles and pleasant demeanor, but something didn’t add up. He was friendly with everyone, including his wife. But something felt off between them and I couldn’t figure out what.
Despite my outward asshole tendencies, there was nothing that would stop me from keeping Thea safe. And William was the reason she was in danger. As much as he cooperated with us and seemingly regretted his actions, I still didn’t trust him.
William approached, his steps sure once again, his stance relaxed. “Mr. Bennet. You’re up early.”
Standing up, swallowing the pained groan threatening to burst forth, I nodded at him. “Mr. Barlowe. I’m finished, so the room is all yours.”
He went to the mats Thea had been working out on earlier. “No need to rush out. I don’t mind anyone being in here. After all, I was the one who told you to use the gym.”
Giving him a tense smile, I stretched my sore muscles. I’d regret pushing myself so hard, but at least I’d be tired enough to sleep for a few hours tonight. Staying awake for more than twenty-four hours would help as well.
After doing the bare minimum to make sure my muscles wouldn’t lock up or cramp, I left William to his morning tai chi session with the trainer who’d arrived as I was walking out.
It was only five in the morning, and I had a few hours before officially starting my shift. It would give me a chance to get my head back in the game and check in with the office.
After taking a scalding-hot shower, I threw on my clothes, not caring what I grabbed. I only owned jeans, shorts, and T-shirts, and most of it was black, so it wouldn’t matter what I put on. My one and only jacket was also black.
I made myself a protein shake, then took a seat at the kitchen table and opened my computer.
An email from Gunner caught my attention, the subject line saying “Read Me.” The message was only a name and number.
I added the number in my phone and cleared out my inbox. Next, I brought up the security feed, checking everything was still quiet. I’d adjusted a few of the cameras and made sure all the guys patrolled the areas we couldn’t cover.
There were no cameras inside the house, something William had been firm about. He also had a strict rule on who could enter the house and when. He seemed like a straight arrow, which made his foray into his shadier business dealings even harder to explain. I wondered what he’d do if he knew how much I wanted his wife.
When the clock hit eight, I dialed the number Gunner had given me.
A female voice answered after a few short rings. “Peace of Mind, Jill speaking. How may I help you?”
“Yeah. Hi. I got your number from a friend. I’m supposed to make an appointment.”
“Of course. Unfortunately, since you’re a new client, I can’t get you in for at least four months. I can also put you on the wait list in case anyone cancels.”
Pinching my nose, I cursed under my breath. “That’s fine.”
“What’s your name, please?”
“Archer Bennet.”
“Mr. Bennet.” She sounded too chirpy for this early, her voice holding a smile. “I was expecting your call. And you’ll be happy to hear that you’re booked in with Mrs. Palmer in two days.”
“That’s great, thanks.”
“That’s no problem. I’ll see you then.”
