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Since that first night, I’ve become her stalker. Always just a few steps behind her in some way or another, gifting her the invisible space she needs to get used to the idea of me. Giving her the illusion that I’m not around when in fact, it’s the opposite.
I’ll always be here.
“Malcolm,” Twirl sighs in her sleep, completely unaware of my presence. “So confusing…”
Son of a bitch. Even her sleep talk is adorable. Makes me feel like a king when it’s my name that passes through those plump lips.
Leaning over her, I skim a finger down her soft cheek. Enjoy the way she turns into my touch so innocently. Her response is automatic. “Salvation comes with sacrifices. Yours will be in his blood.” I press the tip of my finger to her lips. Linger there for a moment as her warm breath caresses my skin. “Sleep, knowing that you are protected. I’ll always take care of you.”
My phone vibrates inside my pocket, alerting me to the time. Pulling back, I reach over and pick up her older-than-dirt flip phone to dial mine—the call goes through and after I hit the end button, I erase it from her directory.
Walking to the door without another backwards glance, I exit the house through the back door. It’s almost five in the morning, and I need to catch a few hours of sleep before heading in to work. There’s a new position I need to fill and soon; a personal bodyguard for her. A female.
My men are good, but any male in her presence rattles the cage of my demon’s jealousy.
Pushes me past what I am comfortable with.
I’m going to be the only man in her life.
There’s a timid knock a few minutes after one in the afternoon. “You wanted to see me, sir?” Earl asks just outside my open office door. He’s waiting for me to let him in, looking tired and full of worry—the deep wrinkles on his forehead crease and his brows furrow. “Is everything okay?”
I offer him a small smile to ease the tension and wave him in. “Come in and have a seat, please.”
“Should I close the door?”
“Not necessary.”
“Okay.” There’s a tray Mariah left before leaving for lunch with a few bottles of cold pop, water bottles, and a few pastries. He eyes them but makes no move to take one.
“You don’t have to ask or be offered one. Take whatever you want, Earl.” For this conversation I need him to feel at ease, to relax enough to be forthcoming with the information I’m after.
“Thank you.” He gives me a sheepish grin. “I’ve been so nervous after Mary relayed your message that I missed breakfast and lunch today.”
“There’s no reason for you to be nervous. None at all.” Standing from behind my desk, I grab a Sprite and walk over to the small seating area across the room, taking a seat in a leather chair. I point to the small sofa to my right and against the wall for him to follow; he does so with his snacks in hand and waits. Looks at me without making a single peep. “Please understand that what we discuss in here today is a private and delicate matter. That I’m looking to help someone I think is in danger.”
“Of course, sir...” I raise a brow and he chuckles “...Malcolm. Sorry. I’m just not used to addressing my superiors by their first names. It feels disrespectful.”
“It’s not when I’m asking you to. You’ve more than earned mine.” Uncapping my drink, I take a few sips and set it down on a small glass coffee table beside a plain manila folder. “And it’s because of that trust that I come asking for help.
“Anything I can do, I will. You know that.”
“I appreciate that.” Sitting forward, I let my hands hang between my thighs. “I need you to tell me the truth—everything you know about someone we both know.”
“Who?” he asks, nose scrunching up before taking a sip from his drink.
“Who is London Foster, Earl?”
The man splutters, choking on his drink while the pastry slips to the floor. Earl wipes his chin with a handkerchief he pulls from his front pocket, his eyes wide as saucers. “Whatever she did, I’ll take responsibility for. It’s on me. I’ll pay for.”
“That isn’t necessary. I assure you—”
“Please, Malcolm. She’s been through enough.” I’m not one to be cut off, but in this instance it works. He cares for her, sees what I do, and I have no doubt that he’ll help me. “Give her a break. I don’t know what she did, but her home life is shit and Mary and I do what we can to help without her brother or father knowing. Those two pricks use her—the money her mother left her—”
“I know.”
“What?”
“Earl, I’m not going to hurt her. I’m here to protect every single hair on that pretty little head.”
