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“Yes,” I breathed out.
“Good. Then why don’t you get up and start getting ready for work? I’ll go make you breakfast.”
At the final kiss, he stood and I followed suit, watching him leave the room. I wasn’t sure what he had planned for Saul, but if I knew my Master, he was keeping information to himself to protect me. It only meant that I needed to focus on getting better and step up my game. I would not be afraid. People with PTSD overcame their obstacles every day. I just had to stay positive and forge ahead. I’d done it once. I could do it again.
I opened my closet, pulling out a pair of black slacks, a white and gold button up shirt, and a gold belt to match. The boots I removed from the bottom were stilettos and I threw my black half trench on the bed for when I was ready. Showering didn’t take long and after I blow dried, fixed my hair, and put make-up on, I was rushing into the kitchen. The smell of coffee nearly had me moaning.
“You look better.” Slade’s voice had me peering over to the dining room area where he sat, sipping on coffee. The paper was resting in one hand and he was already dressed in his suit.
“Thank you. So do you. Are you going in today?”
The paper rustled as he set it down on the table. “Yeah, there are a few things I need to take care of. I hear Volstin is ripe for the picking and I want them.”
A smile came to my face. “Then you’ll have them. I’ll get together with Willard and we’ll look over the numbers, see what we’re working with. Alec…” My stomach dropped and I pressed my hand against it, trying to stop the flip-flopping. “Whoever has taken over for him will try to beat us to it. We’ll have to act fast.”
Zain walked over, handing me a glass of juice. “You okay?”
“Yeah, I think so. I forgot. God, how did I forget that?”
“It happens.” He led me to the table. “Sit while I grab your plate.”
I took a deep breath, meeting Slade’s blank expression. Something was there just behind his eyes, but I couldn’t read it.
“We’ll get it. Money talks and so do you. You may be new to this and less experienced when it comes to the dealings, but you’re the best. I wouldn’t have let you move up as fast as I did if that weren’t the case. You’ve got this, Lily. You’re a Roberts. We get what we want.”
A small laughed escaped and I took a drink. “What I want is normalcy. I don’t see that happening for quite some time.”
“But it’ll happen. Just give it time. That’ll be your worst enemy right now,” Slade said.
Zain placed a plate in front of me with fruit and a bowl of oatmeal. I threw him a smile while he sat down next to me with his own breakfast.
“What do I do? I can’t just sit around doing nothing. You still going to hire me?”
The men looked at each other and Slade took a drink of his coffee, continuing to stare. When he placed it down, he sat up taller. “Come in at nine. You can follow me around for the day. I’ll show you the different departments and let Richard introduce you to your new desk and what you’ll be doing.
Zain nodded and I went back to trying to eat. The meal went by in mostly silence and I pushed from the table, only for my Master to take my plate before I could stand completely.
“I’m going to go ahead and take off to work.” I turned from my brother’s acknowledgement and walked Zain into the kitchen. “I guess I’ll be seeing you in the office then. What are you going to do in the mean time?”
I grabbed my purse from the bar, looking down at my watch. It was still early, barely past seven.
“My clothes are at the house. I’ll swing by there and get dressed. I’ll meet Slade there. That way I’ll have the car. You want to ride with me to the appointment?”
I smiled, nodding. “I’d like that.”
“Then it’s done. I’ll see you soon.”
Zain opened the door for me and Brace was already waiting. I eased out, giving him a small wave before he closed it. From what I thought was going to be a horrible start to the morning had turned out better than I could have hoped. The ride down the elevator and to work went by in a haze as I relaxed into what I was hoping would be routine. Maybe Zain could come by and pick me up for work every day. Now that my car was actually being put to good use, it would be nice to ride in it. I hated driving and didn’t mind him stepping up. It could work. At least, I liked to think it could.
The car pulled in front of Slade Industries and it took me a second to realize we’d already arrived. My door was opened and I took a deep breath as I stepped out and straightened my shoulders. There was no room for my submissive nature here. Not with the role I played. I had to remember that. Too many people looked to me for direction. To show weakness would get me eaten alive.
“Morning, Ms. Roberts.”
“Morning, Chan.” I kept walking, passing the metal detectors, and heading to the elevator being held open for me. Brace was already by my side, Caleb opposite of him, flanking the back. I knew this routine. Thrived in it now that I wasn’t looking for a reason to drop my guard. “Zain and I will leave for my appointment at one. Follow and stay close behind. Watch everything,” I said to Brace, lowly. “We’re not out of the woods yet. I’m sure you already know that, though.”
He nodded and I forced a smile for him as I stepped onto the elevator car. The moment the doors shut, I let my shoulders sag, even if for the briefest moment. I trusted Zain to protect me, but I also knew I could be a distraction. He had a lot on his mind and his uncle wanted him dead. I wasn’t going to risk anything. Not concerning him.
Ding.
