Page 37 of Protect Thy Enemy

“No, you joined this agency to protect the fucking president. The First Family. And anyone else you’re assigned to. Not to playthe martyr.” Grant straightens, his imposing frame towering over me. “There’s enough of that already in your bloodline.”

I’m momentarily thrown off by his tone and confused about what he means by that. But before I can think, he takes a step closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “What if your recklessness gets someone killed?Youkilled? What difference will that make?”

The intensity in his eyes is overwhelming, a quiet but raging storm I can’t look away from. My chest tightens, but I force myself to hold my ground. “I won’t let that happen.”

“You better not,” he snaps, his voice like a whip. “Because next time, Williams, there won’t be a second chance. I will make it my mission toneverallow you to walk through those doors again.”

His words linger as he turns and leaves the room, the door shutting behind him with a heavy finality.

I exhale shakily, the tension in my shoulders finally easing as the silence takes over. The argument plays over in my head, every word sticking like a thorn.

He doesn’t trust me. Not yet. But he will.

Because I’ll show him, everyone, that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. I took an oath swearing to protect, and I’ll be damned if I let anyone stop me from doing just that.

So help me God.

Chapter Thirteen

Arden

The security scanner buzzes as Agent Royal swipes my badge. Somehow, the sound feels louder today, cutting straight to my nerves. My stomach twists.

Well… that can’t be good.

“You’ve been requested to meet with the First Lady,” Royal says, casual but with that raised brow of his that always makes me uneasy. “East Wing. ASAP.”

I blink, the words not quite registering. “I’m sorry, what? Meet with who?”

“It says that you’re to report directly,” he says, gesturing to the screen. “Kind of strange. I’ve never seen a notification like this before.”

I wish I could lean over and look at the screen myself, but that probably wouldn’t end well. No matter how nice Agent Royal is when I enter his security gate.

My chest tightens, my pulse picking up as yesterday’s near-disaster floods back into my mind.

Why would she want to see me?

And then it hits me. Agent Grant. He must’ve written the real report for yesterday, detailing exactly how I disobeyed his direct order. Fucking fantastic. Here I thought we were starting to come to an understanding.

I can’t even be mad. It’s my fault. Ididdisobey his order, and while I appreciate Park for not saying anything, I should be reprimanded.

Though, I will say I wish it were Agent Harris doing the scolding and not the wife of the man who runs everything. Literally.

But I guess it can’t be helped.

Royal leans back in his chair, his face one of pity. “Guess that’s not something you can say no to.”

“No,” I mutter, already feeling the dread settle in. “I guess not.”

The walk to the East Wing feels longer than usual, my thoughts racing with possible explanations.

Sorry I didn’t listen. I just felt like saving your life.Yeah, no.

To be fair, I was right, so… bygones?

I shake my head, giving up. There’s no spinning this. If I’m about to lose my job, I’ll just have to take it standing.

When I reach the First Lady’s suite, I pause, forcing myself to breathe. The room is oddly perfect. Like a pastel postcard come to life. The furniture looks untouched, everything arranged just so, and the scent of lavender perfumes the air. Even the sunlight streaming through the windows feels deliberate, as if someone orchestrated it.

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