"Don't worry, Duncan doesn't know. I didn't tell him, but if you get her hurt, I'll end you."
"Got it." He walks into the kitchen and reaches for a coffee mug, exposing his left side, and I gasp. He turns to look at me.
"What are you fucking looking at?" he growls. Guess I deserved that.
"Hey, wanker, don't talk to my girl like that," Duncan growls from the hallway. He's in a pair of shorts and bare-chested too. Joshua and I turn to stare at him and then each other.
"Sorry, Maya," Joshua grumbles.
"Sorry, Joshua," I say back.
"Baby, you don't need to apologize to him." Duncan walks up behind me to wrap his arms around me. I lean back into his body. Wait, I can't become comfortable in his arms. I pull back and try to pull out of his arms, but he pulls me in tighter.
"Yes, I do need to apologize. I made a bitch comment before you came in. Joshua, beautiful tattoo," I say to let Joshua know I saw it.
Maybe he still cares.
"Thanks. Good coffee, who made this?" Joshua is looking around like there's someone else here.
"I did. Just because I'm a tomboy doesn't mean I can't cook. I just choose not to cook. But coffee, that's a science I know very well." Both of them laugh at me.
"So what are you two's plans for the day?" Joshua asks us as he tips his cup up for a sip.
"I need to go to my depository so I can get into my safety deposit box. I also need to call the damn condominium association,and I have a hair appointment. Then, for your information, I'm going to seduce my boyfriend, seeing as how we were interrupted last night. We also need to decorate our Christmas tree. Is that okay with you?"
"Jesus, Maya, TMI." Joshua laughs as he sputters his coffee.
"Safety deposit box?" Duncan asks as he steps around the counter to pour himself a cup.
"Yes. Most of my mother's jewelry is in it. I want to wear some of it tonight. Plus, I need to exchange some paperwork from the attorney yesterday."
"Care to share?" Duncan is looking at me hopefully. Share? Me? Can I do this without raising red flags? I'm aware I hurt him the other day at the solicitor's office, but I didn't want him to know yet. Plus, I wasn't sure how he'd react to how I'm helping Ana; I need her to be safe. Just as I'm about to answer, my phone chimes with “Welcome to the Jungle.” I know who’s texting me. I look at the message and cringe with worry.
Greg
Lawrence isn't either of your stalkers. We got nothing back from the search of your condo. I also got a delivery of dead roses here at the hotel.
Me
I'm sorry to pull you into this. Leave London, now. I'll see you soon.
Greg
No! I'll not leave you to this lunatic. Be careful, please.
Me
I will.
I look up to see both Duncan and Joshua watching me. How do I explain this? I don't share well.
"Well, first, before I share, Joshua I want to hire Securities International."
"Why?" they both say at the same time.
"You two are funny talking together like that, do that much?" I laugh. "Don't worry, I can pay. I'm going to need several complex background checks done. I'm considering surveillance too. How much?"
"Maya, what else is going on? Who's texting you? I know it isn't Derek, unless you changed his ringtone." Duncan is getting angry.
