"Of course. Not because he thinks you should be with his son." I can't help myself, I'm so jealous right now.
"Duncan, enough, Derek isn't like that to me. I told you Greg is like a father. Stop, now."
"Why not let this rest and we will have an excellent dinner." Joshua cuts into our argument.
The rest of the evening goes by without a hitch. I finally begin to relax and feel comfortable. I see out of the corner ofmy eye how many men check her out, but I know that I have to control my jealousy or I'll push her away.
"It was wonderful to finally meet you, Maya. I hope you know the offer will stand as long as I'm in business. I'd be daft not to hire someone with your talents. I'll also be in touch after Timothy runs his checks," Joshua says when we're leaving.
"Thank you, Joshua, but for now, I'm happy where I'm at." I'm not happy, but I can't push her.
"Lunch tomorrow, mate?" I ask him.
"Sure, why not. I'll see you both then."
"Duncan, we will have Ana with us and possibly Greg," Maya states. I see Joshua pause and turn to look at me with a strange look on his face.
"Your sister will be with you tomorrow?" Joshua asks.
"We're picking up Ana in the morning to go with us to Maya's solicitor's office. Maya has some paperwork to go over. The ladies wanted to go shopping after that, and I want to get my sister away from that smarmy arsehole for a little while. I swear something is going on with him." I didn't mean to say so much, but I know Joshua would understand.
"What do you mean something is going on?" he asks.
"She's lost weight, her eyes look sunk in, she flinches when he touches her, and worst he controls her," Maya provides.
"Has she talked to you, Maya? Do you suspect what I think you're saying?" Joshua asks.
I know he has experience with situations like this.
"Yes, Joshua, I think he's abusing her, but I don't ever see any signs. Although, she wears different clothes than she used to."
"Duncan, why didn't you tell me?" Joshua swings around to me, his body is vibrating with tension.
"Well, let me see. I don't always tell you what's going on with my family. Plus, she doesn't talk to me."
"I'll try to speak to her tomorrow. Okay, guys, just relax, both of you. When she figures out what an asshole he is, it will be as plain as Rudolf's nose. Alright?" Maya tries to snuff out the rapidly growing fire between Joshua and me.
I don't know what his problem is except his personal background with abusive people. Maybe that's it, although he seems more agitated about my sister.
"I'll see you tomorrow, Duncan and Maya, goodnight."
I hope I don't get a phone call later from him at the pub trashed. I decide to call Ian and put him on notice. I pull out my cell and dial Ian's number as I walk Maya to the Rover.
"Hella." Ian's thick Scottish accent comes over the phone.
"Mate, tell me you're not already mullered? Did you not just get off guarding Ms. Patrice?"
"Na, mate, just thinking about where to head. Yes, I was just with her. You with Bossman or something?"
"Will you call Bossman and go with him. Something is up and he's not going to call me to come get him."
"What, don't want to leave those lass’s legs tonight? Got some shagging to do?"
"Something like that, mate. Now, take care of it, he's there for you."
"Don't go there, mate," he angrily replies.
"Okay, go!" I hang up on him and swing my girl around to me and kiss her thoroughly. I want to infuse myself all over her skin. I want every man around to know she's mine. Mostly, I want my ring on her finger and her carrying my name. I can'tbelieve I feel this way, but after today with those wankers, I know she'll be mine.
