Page 42 of Pretend
“Graves, I can’t, but I’ve been stalking her,” I look at the pliers soaked in blood. “I’ve been watching her from a distance. We go on long romantic walks together, except she doesn’t know about it. She’s caught my attention, to say the least.”
“What’s stopping you?”
“She’s my boss's stepdaughter. I can get fired if I cross any lines. You know that.” I remind him of my position. I know my place, but her existence makes me question how much my career truly means to me.
“I think you already have crossed lines.” He points to Frankie. “It makes sense. I know how much being a SEAL means to you. You can just keep it hidden. You’re already doing a good job at that.”
“Secrets always come to light, one way or another. I need to stay away from her, but I can’t. I’ve been placed on PSD.”
Graves bursts into laughter while my face deflates at his reaction. Of course, he thinks it’s humorous. “PSD? Personal security detail? Operator Creature is placed on babysitting duty. Good fucking luck with that. At least you’re getting paid to follow and stalk her.”
I lift an eyebrow, and a mischievous smirk unfolds. I never thought of it that way. I can’t complain too much.
“It’s whatever…plus my intentions aren’t good anyways. I don’t commit. I don’t put my career at risk, ever. Still, she’s very…” I rub my beard with my fingers, “Tempting.”
I take out a cigarette, lighting it in seconds. Burning one helps out when I’m stressed. Graves takes his job very seriously.
We’re around the same age, and to my surprise, we’re very much alike.
Workaholics. In our thirties. Single, with no interest in marriage in sight. Although, he likes material things like overpriced suits and luxurious cars and mansions.
I’m simple. I have no interest in owning the most expensive clothing, houses, or cars. I like music, food, whiskey, the outdoors, and a good fuck when the desires get too much.
“How have you been?”
His question makes my stomach sour, and I inhale deeply to prevent the horrid memories of The Surgeon from resurfacing…and Dario.
I know what he means. I know why he’s truly asking.
Of course, he’s asking me this. I’ve been avoiding everyone lately.
“I’m fine.” I lie with bitterness laced in my tone. This is my cue to leave. I don’t like to talk about it.
“You know, you can’t control everything. Sometimes, shit happens, and?—“
“Graves. I like you. And I don’t like too many people. But keep pushing me, and you’ll end up like my good friend Frankie here.” I pat Frankie’s unconscious shoulder, smiling at Graves.
Graves snaps his mouth shut and purses his lips. He grips the table and tilts his head to the side, avoiding me further.
“I’ll take care of this, and you get outta here. I’m sure it won’t be long before you’re called out on a mission.”
He’s right.
“I heard about these traffickers teaming up with special operators on post.” Graves opens up about the current crimes plaguing the base. He knows everything.
I sit there, twirling the bullet in my hands, as he spills out information he’s learned. I can’t concentrate on Graves. The obsession to explore what Alessia’s insides feel like possesses my every thought. After he finishes, I step off the chair and walk towards my victim.
“Well, this was so much fun…we should definitely do this again sometime!” I exclaim to an unconscious Frankie in his ear before patting his shoulder twice. I give Graves a brotherly hug before heading towards the elevator.
“Hey. Your father has been asking about you. He wants to see you soon since you’re back home.” He starts texting on his phone, probably reaching out to his other business partner. They are always on standby for him, twenty-four-seven.
“You told him I’m home from deployment?” Anxiety twists inside my chest.
“Yeah. He is like a father to me. He misses you. He wants to talk.” He keeps typing away on his phone screen, and I exhale heavily, feeling a wave of guilt surrounding the rift between my father and me. I rub my beard in deep thought.
“I’ve gotta go. It’s getting late.” I drawl, avoiding the subject of my Catholic father. Graves gets the message and leaves me alone.
I already miss my little Valentine.
