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“I know you didn’t mean to put me in danger.” Thea’s musical voice responded. “But you can’t complain about how things are going right now since it was you who put us in this position. So change your meetings to online and work from home for a little while. It won’t kill you. Who knows, you might even have time to spend with me.”
“I always have time for you. All you need to do is ask.”
The easy way they talked to each other made it clear that they had a good relationship. And I knew I should be happy for Thea. But deep down all I felt was gut wrenching pain that the person she wanted to be with wasn’t me.
Clearing my throat before knocking on the door frame I stepped into the room. No need to drag this out any longer. “Mr. Barlowe.” I tilted my head at Thea. “Mrs. Barlowe. Is this a good time?”
William waved me in and I forced myself to look away from Thea’s hand that was resting on his shoulder. She was leaning against his chair, her posture relaxed. The smile that had been playing on her face dropped as soon as I’d stepped into the room and I refused to feel hurt about it.
Sitting down I turned my focus to William. “The property has been locked down. This means that nobody can get in or out without setting off a few alarms. If you have to leave for any reason please let me know. If the alarm sounds, a team will be here three minutes later.”
A lined formed between William’s brows. “How long do we have to stay here?”
“At this stage twenty-four hours. There’s been talk that the Russian’s are preparing for an attack. What kind of attack and against whom wasn’t clear. But we don’t like to take unnecessary risks. So for now we’re staying put.”
William nodded. “I understand. Please let me know if you receive any additional information.”
I stood up, my gaze involuntarily straying to Thea. She was biting her lip, a nervous habit she’d been determined to get rid of when she was a teenager. I hadn’t seen her do it until now, and I worried that this might be too much for her. Unable to help myself, I shot her a tight smile. “You have nothing to worry about. You’ll be safe as long as you stay on the property.”
“I know you’ll keep us safe. But it’s hard not to worry.”
I knew that what had happened on the boat still haunted her. And I wished she didn’t have to make such an experience. “Locked Security is the best in the business for a reason. As long as you follow my instructions nothing will happen to you.”
She nodded at me and I left, the need to pull her into my body threatening to overwhelm me. She wasn’t mine. Never had been. And I needed to get that into my stubborn brain before I did something I couldn’t take back.
I spent the rest of the lockdown keeping myself busy with tasks that weren’t my job. The guys gave me funny looks when I took one of their shifts but didn’t comment. I only hoped word didn’t get back to Gunner or I’d be in for another lecture on work-life balance. Something he’d only recently discovered after meeting his girlfriend.
* * *
A perky receptionistgreeted me with a wide smile as soon as I stepped inside the cozy waiting area. The carpet was a deep burgundy, the pictures on the walls showing mostly serene landscapes.
The faint lavender smell and low classical music made me want to turn on my heels and walk out.
But after spending twenty-four hours locked in the house, I was grateful for a break. Even if it meant someone would poke around in my head.
“Mr. Bennet. Please walk right through to Callie’s office. Hers is the second door on the left.”
Saluting her and getting a giggle in return, I marched down to the door she indicated.
Best to get this over with.
Knocking, I entered when a voice answered.
The office was fitted out the same way as the reception area, minus the annoying music. Instead of the middle-aged woman with glasses I’d somehow made out in my mind, the psychologist sitting behind the desk was an attractive brunette around my age.
Her blouse was tight across her chest, one of the buttons barely holding on. Her pouty lips looked more fitting for a porn star than a therapist, her meticulously made-up face regarding me with open curiosity.
Not what I was expecting.
She stood up, holding out her hand for me to shake. “Mr. Bennet. It’s lovely to meet you.” She pointed to a chair in front of her desk, then sat back down. “Please, take a seat.”
Dropping onto the soft cushion, I smirked. “So, you’re the one who’s going to fix me?”
She flicked a pen between her fingers. “You’re not broken.” She fixed me with a stare before continuing. “Before we begin, I should let you know I’m also sending regular reports to your employer, as this is part of your employment contract. There’ll be no specifics in there, but I will let them know if you’re progressing or not.”
Leaning back in my chair, I crossed my arms. I knew she’d send reports. And I also knew I had to get through this. Didn’t mean I had to enjoy it.
“Okay then, let’s get this over with.”
