“Fine. And here?”
“Quiet. This town is sleepy.” He yawns. Salvo’s used to big city jobs but he’s one of the best, according to Bryan.
“Don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Margot’s safety is your priority and the people who may come after her are no joke.”
“Affirmative, boss.”
“Let me know if there are any visitors. I’ll be watching, of course.” I end the call and grasp the wheel, not wanting to leave.
My research into her background showed Margot’s in danger, thanks to her father’s actions. He’s put her in the path of an unhinged lowlife, Louis Tate, who makes it a point not to take no for an answer. Her turning that disgusting arranged marriage proposal down has stoked the flame of his desire for her. Tate’s been overseas for the last two months, but he’s due back soon.
And I’ll kill him if he comes within fifty feet of my perfect girl.
ChapterThree
MARGOT
I’ve had a restless night.
Despite my best attempts, it seems that I'm unable to get my life back on track. To be fair, some of my current struggles are due to bad decisions I’ve made. But other parts, like the passing of my Mom and Aunt Thalia, Dad abandoning me, getting laid off from work, and being evicted from my apartment aren’t my fault.
I’m nauseous this morning, so I make a cup of ginger-cinnamon tea. Aunt Thalia always used to say it was the best remedy for anything stomach-related. Standing at the big picture window in my cozy little apartment, I watch the fierce wind blow all the fallen leaves around the street. I’m only half-aware of what’s going on outside, because my new boss is first and foremost on my mind.
Of courseDuncan is a Scorpio. He has that magnetic intensity, so when he stares at me it’s like I can’t move or even breathe. Something about his presence makes my heart beat faster and liquid heat pool between my thighs. It’s like I’m his only focus and the outside world fades to gray when he’s close to me.
I put my tea down on the windowsill and lean my forehead against the glass. I can’t add a crush on my boss to my list of mistakes. I can’t even think about how I’m going to tell him that I’m pregnant. What if he fires me? I have nowhere to go unless I take up Dad’s horrible arranged marriage offer.
My cell beeps and I walk over to pick it up from the table.
Serenity: ???
Margot: Yes. I know. I’m an idiot. I can’t believe it either.
Serenity: You’re keeping it?
Margot: Of course.
Serenity: Have you told him?
Margot: No, not yet. I’m still processing.
My cell starts to ring as I’m typing. I don’t recognize the number, but I pick it up.
“Hello?”
“Hey, Margot, this is Sienna from the office. Can you hear me okay? It’s so noisy here.” There’s the sound of sawing in the background and some guys shouting, followed by rowdy laughter.
“I can. Where are you?” I ask.
“I’m at the sawmill. We’re working on a construction project and meeting the suppliers. It’s all macho nonsense here, my boss is loving it. Anyway, we have to stay here for two nights, so I can’t go with you and Duncan to Hayden Lodge.” The end of her sentence is almost drowned out by the sound of an alarm going off in the distance.
“Hayden Lodge?”
“Duncan will tell you about it. I’ll text you his address. He works from home on Thursdays, so he wants you to go over there. Be warned, his dog is eccentric!” Sienna giggles.
“Um, okay. So I don’t go into the office today?”
“No, Duncan’s place is maybe a five-minute walk from your apartment. Let’s have lunch when I’m back and I can fill you in all the office gossip. Gotta go!”
