But what other choice do I have?
Fuck it.
I add my own signature quickly, barely glancing at it before I hand the contract back to the woman waiting.
After she packs up her things and leaves, I look up from the copy she left with us to see Jade staring daggers at me.
“Sydney Marie Sinclair,” she says with a scowl, hands on her hips.
I flinch at the anger in her voice. “Oh no, not the middle name.”
“If I could add extra middle names to express how pissed off I am, I would. How could you not tell me about this? I’m yourpartner!” Her voice breaks over the last word, her eyes starting to fill with tears.
“I know, I’m sorry.” I rush to get the words out. Jade and Ineverfight. Just the idea of upsetting her makes me break out in a panic sweat all over my body.
“I need more than just a sorry, Syd. This isn’t okay! How is this any different from how the guys have been treating you? You kept this from me! And you lied to me, every time you came into work and didn’t tell me about this! It’s self-involved andmean.”
My chest constricts, and I feel a round of panic sweats coming on. I didn’t even think about that.
“You’re right,” I admit, swallowing hard. “I’m so sorry. I wanted to fix it, and I didn’t want you to worry, but you’re right. I should never have kept that from you. We’re partners, Jade. And Iknowwe’re stronger together. It’ll never happen again. I swear to you.”
I can see her thinking, mulling over what I’m saying. After a few painful seconds, she finally sighs and says, “Fine. I forgive you. But you owe me a present.”
I step forward to wrap her in a hug. “A big one,” I promise.
Later,as I’m closing the shop for the evening, my phone buzzes with a text from Sebastian.
Seb: Your new security system will be installed tomorrow. The crew has already been paid, all you need to do is let them in in the morning so they can set everything up.
I send him a quick thanks in response and gather up all my new kitten supplies to head home. I’m stumbling up the backstairs towards my apartment, Bea nestled safely in her newcat carrier and a lifetime supply of pet accessories in my arms, when I spot something that makes my blood run cold.
My door is open. Not wide open, just slightly ajar, enough to see inside.
It was storming earlier, and it was windy, but I can’t imagine not at leastshuttingmy door. I’m usually meticulous about locking it.
I keep Bea in her carrier as I do a thorough check of my apartment, searching it top to bottom, but nothing seems to be missing. Nothing has been moved or taken.
But it’s strange.
Unsettling.
I spend the rest of the evening constantly looking over my shoulder, feeling like I’m not entirely alone.
19
SYDNEY
The next day,as promised, there are four workmen waiting for me when I go to open the shop. And to confirm, Sebastian sends me a text message explaining exactly what they’ll be doing and why. He refers to them each by their name, instructing me to message immediately if any of them disrupt my work.
It takes them most of the day to finish the installation, but at least they keep to themselves, moving through the shop like ghosts, setting up cameras and sensors and doing their best to politely ignore me and Jade (and Bea, who not once but twice manages to make off with a spool of their wire, forcing them to chase her around the store to retrieve it).
It’s a relief when they finally finish, packing up their things and taking off. A relief not because of the disruption, but because of the sudden weight that’s been lifted from my shoulders, knowing that extra security is in place, and someone is watching over me and our store.
It’s strangely comforting to know that. And maybe I should be second-guessing their motives. Maybe I should remember that it’s a better idea to keep these men at arm’s length. Maybe I shouldn’t be putting so much faith in a man I know likes to…watch.
But you want him to watch, don’t you? You like it when he watches you.
Nope. Not thinking about that. Definitely not today. Because today, of all days, I don’t need the extra stress.
