Page 14 of An Eye For Illusion

I don’t have a single memory of my mother, but Dad has always told me about her. That man has so many detailed memories of her that he still talks about her almost daily, and I still get new stories. He wanted me to always know how loved I was by both of them. He felt it was his job to pass on her love to me and share her hopes and dreams with me.

According to Dad, Mom was so happy when she found out I was a girl. Nothing but the best would do for me. She didn’t trust a soul with me outside of her and dad. It’s hard to explain what it’s like to miss someone you never knew, but I do. I miss the mother I was supposed to have.

The devastation my father experienced over the loss of my mother no doubt played a role in how I feel about marriage. I thought Elliott would be a safe bet. One that would benefit the family and my career. What I failed to account for was the magnitude of what I agreed to participate in.

Only Elliott and I know the deal we made all those months ago. My stomach swirls with unease as I think back to that night. It was a deal with the devil, and I didn’t even realize it.

The clap of Dad’s hands snap me back to reality. “I’ll leave you to it, then.” He smiles.

“I’ll handle it,” I tell him.

The pressure I feel to make him proud doesn’t come from him. It’s pressure I put on myself. I know he’s already proud of me.

“You won’t find me doubting you.” He gives me a wink before he turns and leaves my office, the door softly closing behind him.

I sit at my desk, allowing my shoulders to relax. I tilt my head back and roll it from side to side. My eyes close, but the tension never eases from my body. For the millionth time in the past week, I send up a silent prayer that Colin will find what I need to save Dad and me.

Dad has always been my biggest cheerleader, but he’s also always kicked my ass and made me earn my way in this company. Nothing has ever been freely handed to me. He said his daughter would learn a proper work ethic and know the value of a dollar.

And thanks to him, I do.

I should talk to him about what’s going on, but I can’t bring myself to do it because Elliott’s threat still rings loudly in my ears. After Colin finds something, I can take that proof to my father, to the police, and to anyone else it needs to go to and ensure that Elliott gets what he deserves.

As though my thoughts conjure the man himself, I jerk in my chair as my office door bursts open. I blink several times as I focus my eyes. Colin stands in the doorway while Heather, my administrative assistant, shrieks as she runs in behind him.

“I tried to stop him. I told him to wait in the hall.” Heather’s words are fast and apologetic. She shifts nervously from one foot to the other just behind and to the side of Colin, who stands there so casually. It’s like he just walked into his own home, and he can’t understand what all the fuss is about.

I quickly stand. The intrusion has an unsettling combination of anger and desire swirling in my body. I square my shoulders and hold my chin high. He has some nerve barging into my office like this. He can’t seem to work a telephone, but he can show up unannounced and uninvited.

He crosses the room wearing that cocky grin that’s all him. Fucking Colin. He plops down across from me, crossing his leg to rest his right ankle on his left knee.

“Heather, it’s fine. No worries. I know Mr. Brooks can be…” I don’t finish my sentence.

His grin only grows wider by the second. Clearly, he sees he’s ruffled my feathers. Images of my dream float into my mind, nearly crippling the angry expression fixed on my face.

I look back at my assistant, desperate to recover my indifference. “…an asshole. He can be an asshole. You’re fine. Please close the door on your way out.”

Heather nods before scurrying out of my office and closing the door behind her. She drives me nuts most days, but she’s the best assistant I’ve had. She’s also the only one who’s stuck it out longer than a couple of months. I’ll have to remember to get her a small gift for her work.

“Who was the old guy?” Colin asks, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

He must have passed Dad at the elevator before he barged into my office.

“Boyfriend?” He smirks again.

I remain standing and with my hands clasped behind my back. My position is a conscious choice. I feel unsettled, partly from the dream from last night and partly because I don’t like the way my body reacts to being so close to him. I need to take control of the situation right now. I’ll be damned if he just barges into my office without notice or an invitation.

I’d like to slap the smirk off his face. His eyes immediately land on my breasts. Heat spreads across my skin under his gaze. I hate that he has this affect on me. Yes, he’s physically attractive, but his arrogance is far from it.

“What do you want, Colin? And why didn’t you call to schedule a meeting?” My arms fall to my sides as I walk back to my chair. His eyes watch my every move. I want to create as much distance as possible.

“I’m here to give you an update,” he answers casually. His body screams sex and confidence, and I hate him more for it.

I’m so hopeful right then that I momentarily forget to hold my mask in place as I lean forward, placing my hands flat on my desk. I wait for him to continue, but he doesn’t. He watches me, slowly stroking the stubble on his chin.

There’s something sexy and seductive about that motion; but it’s also irritating as hell because I refuse to be attracted to this asshole.

“And?” I ask, leaning back to stand at my full height again, my hands raising at my sides. What’s he playing at here?

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