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“She alright, bossman?” he asks, his tone now serious, his concern evident on his face. It appears that the beauty with pink hair from 10A has him wrapped around her finger as well.
“She is locked in. Safe. What did you find?” I ask, looking over his shoulder at the computer screen.
“Nothing. It is dark, the images a little grainy. If she was followed, then we didn’t pick up anything. I have security on alert, and they are looking around outside, but so far, nothing.”
“Keep security on it over the next few days. I will have Tony here every morning to take her to work, and he will drop her back here every night,” I say, and he nods.
“Ohhh, can we take Tony to the shops next weekend? There is a new clothing store that has opened downtown,” he asks cheekily.
“If she needs to go anywhere, Tony will take her,” I grit out, never wanting her to be walking the streets alone again.
“That is mighty nice of you, bossman,” Brian says, a small sly grin on his face.
“Yeah, well, I told her it was the building car. I trust you to keep that and my real identity a secret, please.” I feel bad asking him this when they are becoming friends. But I just need a little more time to get to know her. The real her. The woman who kissed my cheek because she wanted to, not because she wants my money or name.
“I’m not condoning it, but I will not mention it.” I can tell he’s not happy about it, but it won’t be for long. Then maybe I can send them both shopping with my card, and I can spoil her on my dime. I smile, thinking of the possibility of that being in my future, already knowing she is the kind of girl who needs spoiling, and I am the man to do it.
“Where are you taking her shopping?” I ask, now wanting to know what she might be doing in her spare time.
“Just downtown. Although she works so much, I think we might find it hard to organize the time.”
“She does work long hours… Keep on eye on her for me when I’m not here. Let me know if there are any other security issues.”
“You got it, bossman.” He nods in agreement, and I strut to the office and close the door. I’m angry that she was scared. And I’m frustrated at myself for the secret I am keeping from her. She is the first woman in a long fucking time who has held my interest, and already there are two obstacles in my path. I need to tell her who I am. The question that rolls around in my mind, though, is, will she like the real me?
CHAPTER NINE - KATIE
It took two weeks. I was gone for just two weeks, and he found me. I didn’t need to see his face to know that he was following me. I felt him. I always feel him. There were only a handful of people who knew I was moving to Baltimore, and as I mentally run through the checklist, I have no idea who would have told him. But like with everything my foster brother Steve does, he probably found out illegally.
I hardly slept last night. I stared at the ceiling for most of the night, weighing up my options. I could catch the Greyhound out of Baltimore and straight to a new city. Start working at a new hospital, perhaps even change my name. But I am sick of running. Sick of working so hard at being somewhere new, for it all just to be taken away by Steve. Then I think of what I have already in Baltimore. After a few weeks, I have a good job, secure housing, and a great friend in Shelley and Brian. Eddie…
Eddie.His protective instincts had my emotions scattered. It was uncharted waters for me, but it wasn’t hard to navigate because he is like a beacon, making me feel settled just in his presence. I have never had a man take care of me like that. Never had a man make me a warm drink, check my locks, ensure I was safe. No one has cared for my safety before.No one.
His hands on my body made my skin tingle and my heart race. Then I kissed him. It was only on the cheek, but I felt like I was floating. His large warm hands encased my waist, and I had to ensure I didn’t totally fall into him. I shouldn’t want him, but I do. He doesn’t need to get caught up in my drama, but I am finding it harder and harder to push him away. I don’t want to. I want to dive right in, kiss him more, touch him, feel him. That is what any normal girl would do with a man like Eddie. His strong arms, his boyish charm, his sexy as sin smirks. But it would be selfish of me to have any of that. The constant fear I live in is not something I want him dragged into.
He gave me his number, which is now stored in my phone, right next to Brian’s. It is not lost on me that I now have two people I would consider friends, and that is almost more than I have had before.
I was grateful to have the car drive me to work this morning. It felt entirely out of place. The car is yet another luxury that has now been placed in my life. Leather seats, a hot coffee just how I like it waiting for me in the morning, along with bottled water, the whole nine yards. Tony, the driver, is super nice and even opened the door for me. Now I know how those celebrities feel, not lifting a finger for themselves. It will take a while to get used to it, but my safety has to come first. So, I will swallow my pride and be driven to and from work in a flashy town car, all so I don’t come to harm or worse. This is now my self-preservation. Tony and a town car.
As I slip out of the warm soft leather seats and say good night to Tony, I make my way back inside my luxurious compound. No longer can I have thoughts of walking around the water, watching the night fall or going out for a late-night junk food snack. Instead, I now have to be holed up in my new apartment. Thank God it has a nice view, or I am sure I would go crazy.
“Hey, bestie. How you feeling today?” Brian greets, giving me his warm smile, which automatically makes my shoulders lower and allows me to take a breath.I’m home.
“Much better,” I say, smiling, my body almost on autopilot of exhaustion at this point.
“Hmmm. I don’t believe you. You know we have a full gym, swimming pool, and sauna on the top floor that is open twenty-four hours for all residents. You may not feel like it today, but any time you want to relax or swim, just use your key to access the elevator. If you want to go when it is a little quieter, I highly recommend a nighttime swim,” he offers with a knowing nod and smile.
“A pool?” I ask in disbelief.
“Yes, it is the best in Baltimore.”
“And a sauna?” I ask again, just to be sure. Brian winks at me.
“Yes, all on the top floor, open to residents, only I did sneak in my mom once for Mother’s Day.”
“Of course, you did,” I pretend to scold him but fail miserably, my smile automatic when he is around. This place really keeps on giving. I love the water. Swimming is something I enjoy when I can. Now that I have my own pool, that may be more often than before.
“Hey, there is a new shop that opened over in downtown. We should get your new driver to take us over in a few weeks,” Brian says, looking at me expectantly.
