Page 25 of Hearts Held

He cannot hear me. Either my voice doesn’t carry up his six-foot-four frame or he is ignoring me.

I poke at one of his forearms near where a duffel bag hangs from his shoulder.

“Everett,”I say through grittedteeth.

He glances back at me, one eyebrow raised, then continues to look ahead.

“Everett, there are people followingus.” I grasp his bicep.

A couple more quiet strides and he murmurs, “Say that again.”

I’m contemplating screaming up at his tall frame.

“There are people following us,” I hiss through my teeth, trying to give emphasis to the threat looming around us.

This man has the audacity to crack a tiny smile. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it vanishes as he says, “I like how you sayus.”

“Everett!” I exclaim.

He chufts, “Relax, they are my men, Brielle. I always have backup nearby. It isn’t a bad idea, especially considering that we are walking the streets at 4 a.m.”

We come upon a line of town houses and Everett shifts one bag to the other arm as he draws out a key from his tweed coat.

“Everett, I… I don’t need a town house. This is too much. I can’t afford this,” I stammer.

No response. He just turns the key within the lock, then pushes the door open with my bags.

The town house is gorgeous, laid intricately with wood and stone. Cozy, not modern like some of the townhomes we passed.

A staircase hugs the left-hand wall, and a hallway expands to a small dining room. On my right is a living room, already furnished with a quaint leather love seat. A small stone fireplace and bookshelves line the walls.

Everett goes through explaining how to turn on the fireplace, then turns to face me.

“I’m going to place your bags upstairs and then leave. Don’t forget you have a massage appointment today.” So stoic with his words.

I gaze at his handsome features, failing to find words due to exhaustion and stumbling from his overbearing spirit.

“My paycheck cannot cover this, Everett. I am saving my money. Don’t you have a smaller apartment that would be more suitable for just me?”

“No,” he states.

“Everett?” I plead, panic starting to build withinmy bones.

He swiftly walks up the stairs and I can hear the weight of my bags being placed on the ground. Then his figure reappears, almost like he is a ghost gliding down the steps.

“Brielle, this suits you well. You deserve nice things, and it is safer here. Monthly rent is unnecessary. This is a part of your benefits package for working with us.”

“But, Everett…Mr. Afton…I still need compensation! This is wonderful, thank you, but…”

He cuts me off by delicately placing his hands under my chin. “You will still be compensated. Handsomely.” We stare at each other for some time, his amber eyes bright for a moment as we fall into a trance around one another’s essence.

“There are two rooms upstairs. Have a nice long bath. Then get some rest and go get your massage.” Then he lets go of my face, a ghosting touch that I long for to haunt my skin all day.

Everett places the key in my hand and then turns to leave. As he breaches the door frame he states, “There are several locks on the front and back doors. This place will help you feel much safer.”

Then he leaves.

Everything is furnished and the place is stocked with food, more than I could ever ask for.