CHAPTER 39
HONOR
I’m an addict for your touch.
Ishoot up in bed and blink into the room full of shadows. I’m slightly disoriented from last night, and as I gaze at the empty space next to me, I have to wonder if I dreamt it all. My hand grazes my swollen lips, the ones he couldn’t stop kissing. I squeeze my thighs, finding them a little achy. No, it definitely happened. I had a steamy night of sex with Fox Alderidge—my boss’ grandson. I must be insane.
I launch myself out of bed and cast a glance at the clock. I’m an hour late. So, not only am I fraternizing with my employer’s family, I’m also slacking in my duties. I race through a quick shower, tie my hair up into a messy bun, and grab a pair of jeans and a plain forest green T-shirt. My feet get smushed into my blue Crocs, and then I’m out of the pool house and heading to the main kitchen with a tumble of excuses and apologies prepared in my head. I stumble when I find Helen sitting at the breakfast bar with an empty plate and cup in front of her.
She raises a brow at me. “Fox said you were unwell.” Now that seems like a sensible excuse, much more believable thanSorry, I slept in. The aliens abducted me last night, and I needed a little more shut-eye because I got probed.
“I’m feeling better now,” I squeak as I hurry to clear away her dishes. If I wasn’t already aware of just how late I am, the banging coming from upstairs from Samuel’s team would have clued me in.
“He left you breakfast in the refrigerator.”
I open the door and find a small platter of fruit, yogurt, and granola. Ugh, this man. “Do you want another cup of tea?”
“Sure, make yourself one too and come and sit with me.” Great. An Alderidge-style inquisition—exactly what every girl needs to start their week.
I top her cup up and arrange my own breakfast before dropping into my seat and tucking into the food. I’m actually ravenous, for the first time in longer than I can remember.
“Now I get it,” Helen says.
I glance at her. “Get what?”
“The need for the contacts. I thought it was overkill. Who would be recognisable from just their eyes? Blue, brown, green, they’re all very common.”
I swallow the chunk of mango as panic seizes my lungs. I’m stupid—so very, very stupid. Fox is going to get me caught.
“But those mismatched blue and gray eyes are both stunning and memorable. So now I get it.”
I push my half-eaten breakfast away and turn to look at Helen, who’s wearing a soft smile. “Fox and I…”
She pats my knee. “No need to explain, Cleo. I know my grandson, and I like to think I’ve gotten to know you. Fox doesn’t let anyone in. He was orphaned at a young age, and while I have always strove to be there for him, and he knows logically that his parents death wasn’t abandonment, no onecan stop those feelings as a child and how they shape their relationships later on. He’s opened up to you, and even if you are still planning on passing through, I am eternally grateful that you managed to pull down his walls and show him not everyone is out to hurt him.”
“But if I leave, won’t I abandon him also?”
“That’s for you and him to work out. He knows your intentions—he’s in this with his eyes wide open. You will do what you have to do to stay safe. Just know that he’s strong, smart, and a protector. He will defend you with his dying breath.” She rises from her stool and sweeps out of the room.
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I whisper to the empty kitchen.
I findFox and Duke in the garage. My van has disappeared, leaving a nice big space for Fox to do his workout. I saunter in and am greeted by Duke with an aggressive lick to my hand. Fox is skipping, and I don’t mean hopscotch. I mean shirtless, gray sweatpants, hot and focused movement as he swings a rope fast enough to cause a stir in the air. His muscles bunch and tense as he powers through the jumps. He’s got a baseball cap on backwards, and his short beard is a little longer today, like it’s due for a trim.
“Morning,” he says with a grin. Damn, he’s not even out of breath. The stamina of this man is unreal.
I take a seat on a creaky wooden stool in the corner and sip my tea. “Good morning. Thank you for my breakfast.”
“Did you eat it all?”
I shake my head. “No, I forgot my contacts and Helen noticed.”
“She won’t tell anyone.”
“I know, but I can’t afford to make mistakes. There’s too much at stake.”
“Hmm.”
I raise a brow. “Hmm? That’s all you’ve got for me?”
