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I froze. I didn’t want to go back there, especially not this late.
“Can’t we do that tomorrow?” I tried not to let the fear show in my voice, but I knew I was doing a horrible job at it.
Sebastien squeezed my hand gently. “Nothing is going to happen to you. Do you trust me?”
“No,” I whispered.
He lifted an eyebrow and a smirk tugged at his lips. “Then, I have to change that now, don’t I? Let’s go.”
When we entered the parking lot, my car had been moved and two SUVs sat there, four security guards leaning against the cars casually. I knew two of them, Tony and Rex, but I’d never seen the other two before.
They greeted us, and Tony opened the door of one of the SUVs, Sebastien helping me inside. Sitting on the seat were my car keys. I slipped them into my handbag as Sebastien closed thedoor. He circled the vehicle and slid in beside me. Rex and Tony took their seat in front, with Tony at the wheel.
“We’re heading back to Ms. Malone’s apartment. It was trashed earlier today. Get your men there to scope it out to make sure there’s no one there, still lurking in the shadows.”
“Yes, boss,” the two men said in unison.
I closed my eyes and leaned back as Rex spoke into his phone. Even though Sebastien didn’t touch me his presence was very much felt. A presence I needed. A calming presence that kept my jitterbugs in check.
Honestly, I was happy that he not only offered to help me and Dean but that he didn’t judge me for what I’d done to protect my brother. But, that didn’t mean I trusted him. Having worked with Sebastien the past few weeks, I knew he didn’t make decisions on a whim. He made calculated decisions, determining the best outcome for him and his business. I knew that this arrangement would be no different.
The only problem with being married to Sebastien was that I’d be in close proximity to him, especially after work.
It was already impossible to keep him out of my thoughts. But, how on earth was I going to cope with being under the same roof as a man who drove me totally insane but also made my heart skip a few beats?
It’s only a temporary marriage, Delilah, remember?
The SUV stopped and I heard car doors opening. I opened my eyes and realized Sebastien was no longer next to me. My car door opened. I left my handbag on the seat, as Sebastien helped me out.
I expected him to let me go once I had gotten out, but he didn’t. It was as though he knew I needed the extra support. Together we walked to my apartment.
After pausing for a moment at the door, I stepped into the apartment with Sebastien. It was exactly how I left it. My breath hitched as Sebastien stared at the words scrawled on the wall. He didn’t say anything about it, though.
“Where do you keep your documents?” he asked.
“In the bedroom.”
He nodded, and I led him to the small bedroom. It was even worse than the living room. I didn’t care about the furniture, but when I saw the shredded picture of my parents, my eyes misted.
“Delilah,” Sebastien’s voice was soothing, his hand gently rubbing the small of my back as I clutched the shredded picture of my parents in my hand. “I know how much that picture meant to you, but we can print another picture of your parents. Let’s get the documents and you can pack anything you want to take. Once we leave here, you’re not coming back.”
I nodded and swallowed hard.
A knock on the door startled me.
“Mr. Quantum, a word please,” Tony said by the doorway.
Sebastien squeezed my arm. “I’ll be right outside,” he said and walked away with Tony.
I busied myself with getting my documents; my passport, birth certificate and other important papers I had hidden under a loose floorboard in the closet. Then, I packed my clothes and placed them in the suitcases that were thankfully still intact. By the time I was finished, I had two suitcases waiting.
“Ms. Malone, are you ready?” Rex asked, appearing in the doorway.
I spun around to face him and nodded.
Without another word, he picked up the suitcases and headed out. Just then, Sebastien returned.
“Which hotel will I be spending the night in?” I asked. “Or are you putting me in the apartment you offered me with the job?”