Touching his arm briefly, she smiled. "I know you'll keep her safe."
"Count on it."
Rounding his desk, he sat there for a minute, fingers tapping on the wood. She would be working now and would snarl at him for interrupting. So, let her snarl. He wanted to hear her voice.
Picking up the phone, he hit the speed dial. It took three rings for her to answer.
"What?"
A smile curved his lips at her rude response.
"It's customary to answer the phone by saying hello."
"What do you want? I'm working here."
"Just wanted to hear your beautiful voice." His grin widened when she swore.
"I thought we were staying away from that kind of language since the pregnancy."
"Oh bite me. What the hell do you want? Or should I guess? You're checking up on me. I'm in my office and your bodyguard is downstairs, as well as the housekeeper, who keeps popping inwith some tray or the other. I told her the next time she comes into my office, I'm going to fire her."
"And what did she say to that?" Leaning back, he relaxed as he listened to her.
"She promptly told me she was following orders and will continue to do so. Oscar, call off your dogs."
He laughed softly, the tension easing a fraction. "Not a chance. You know I can't let my guard down, not with everything that's happened." There was a pause, the kind that settled between them like an unspoken worry. "Kiara, I need you to trust me on this. I won't let anything happen to you, no matter what."
Her sigh on the other end was equal parts exasperation and affection, and for a moment, Oscar felt the weight of his promise anchor him, grounding the swirl of uncertainty that defined their days.
"I was thinking we could take a trip to Ireland for a few weeks." He added casually.
"Why? What's going on?"
"My parents are dying to spoil you."
"Not that I would not appreciate the gesture and the spoiling, but I have doctor's appointments. In case you've forgotten, I'm carrying twins and it is considered a high risk pregnancy."
He had thought of that. "There are competent doctors in Ireland."
"Be that as it may, I'm comfortable with this one. She knows my history."
"It's just a thought."
"You're worried."
"A little." He smiled when she snorted. "More than a little. I'll be home soon."
"I hate the fact that you have to cut your work short to come and babysit me."
"I enjoy the babysitting. Eat something."
"Yes mother."
"I love you."
His smile widened when she sighed. "I know."
Chapter 8
