Page 33 of Falling for Her Protector

“Keys are inside. Maybe get Lacey and have her drive it so you don’t fuck it all up,” I suggest, looking at his dirt covered boots.

“No worries, boss. I’ll handle it, you can hit the road,” he assures me and I nod. I trust him with my life, but Vanessa’s birthday is a whole different story.

* * *

A small dinging noise rings in my ears as I step into Goldman’s. Nadine’s head lifts and her eyes light up behind the counter when I step inside.

“Xavier. It’s all ready for you, and I have to say, it’s exquisite,” she chirps happily.

I special ordered Vanessa’s real birthday present a couple weeks ago, and I got the call two days ago that it was ready for pick-up. Nadine’s hand moves below the register as I step towards the counter. I watch as she carefully places a small black velvet box on the glass countertop.

“I’ll wrap it for you, but I thought you’d want to see it first. The coloring is beautiful. She’s a lucky girl,” she smiles at me as my hand covers the box.

My fingers curl around the soft lid, lifting it easily. The gold and opal look perfect together as they shine up at me. When I walked in here two weeks ago, I had intended to pick out a necklace or a simple pair of diamond earrings, but Nadine had suggested the Claddagh ring. As soon as she showed me the samples, I knew it was the only choice. The delicate hands holding the heart fit perfectly with everything I feel for her. She holds my heart every day.

“It’s perfect,” I finally pull my eyes away and close the box.

“Would you like me to wrap it up?” Nadine’s eyebrows lift in question.

“Please,” I reply. Wrapping is one headache I don’t have the time or patience to deal with today.

She pulls paper and tape out from a small drawer behind the counter and immediately starts cutting and folding. A faint ding touches my ear and I instinctively turn towards the door at the sound. The sun shining through the storefront hits her blonde hair as she steps inside.

No.

“X.? What areyoudoing in a jewelry store?” Jess’s high-pitched voice hits me like a fucking brick. “You know, I’ve been trying to get ahold of you, but you haven’t been answering my calls,” she adds stepping towards me.

Fuck. Not today.

23

Birthday Gifts

Vanessa

Ihad hoped that I’d be spending my birthday with Xavier, so I was disappointed when he had to leave me this morning. I’m guessing it was more club business, but I know that it’s not really my place to ask for details. Instead, Lacey and I got lunch and then spent a few hours shopping. I may be twenty-one today, but running around the mall had me feeling like a teenager again. I breathe a sigh as we step back into the clubhouse. I’m exhausted and more than happy to be back where we can just relax.

“I’m going to use the bathroom and drop these bags in X.’s room,” I tell Lacey as I move towards the hallway.

“Okay. I’ll pour a drink and have it ready for you when you get back. Any requests?” she asks excitedly.

“Surprise me,” I answer over my shoulder.

I step into the bathroom, looping my shopping bags on the small hook behind the door before dropping to the seat. I had my first legal drink at lunch, and apparently the alcohol is ready to leave my body. After quickly relieving myself, I rinse and dry my hands. I grab the bags again and then reach for the door.

A slight movement catches my eye, and as my gaze lifts, I see is Jess stepping out of X.’s room at the end of the hall. I freeze, completely stopping in my tracks before I can even take a step. It’s dark, but her bouncing blonde hair and the broad smile filling her face are undeniable as she marches down the hallway and disappears.

What is happening? Why would she be in his room?

The doorknob slips from my fingers, closing quickly as hot tears pool on my lower lids. The sight of her leaving X.’s room has my head spinning and my stomach churning. The bags slip from my now sweaty palms, hitting the floor as I spin around in just enough time to empty my stomach. My body continues to heave until my lunch fills the toilet and I’m left feeling completely hollow. I touch my hand to my forehead, wiping away the small beads of sweat as I stand and try to regain some small sense of composure.

Reaching for the sink, I turn on the cold water. I fill my hands and splash it on my face as I try to process what I just witnessed. After three times, I pull my head from the sink and pat my cheeks dry before once again retrieving my bags from the floor.

I pull in a deep breath and reach for the door. This time the hallway is empty. I glance down the hallway towards Xavier’s bedroom, the bedroom I’ve gotten used to sharing with him, and I find the door closed. I step out, but can’t bring myself to move in the direction I had originally intended. Instead, I turn back to the now growing crowd.

Lacey flashes me a smile as I move towards the bar, but it quickly fades. I know that despite my trying to hide it, she can tell that something is off.

“Is everything okay?” she asks when I’m close enough. “You don’t look so hot. You only had one drink with lunch, please tell me you’re not that much of a lightweight,” she jokes. Lacey’s eyes drop to the shopping bags still clutched tightly in my grasp.

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