Page 55 of Royal Deception
We run through the security arrangements for the night—escorts, crowd control, emergency protocols. It’s business, plain and simple.
My eyes land on Finn again, and the way he stands there, rigid by the door, staring at Callie like he’s waiting for something… It makes me uneasy, like I’m seeing something I wasn’t meant to.
But I keep my thoughts to myself. Finn is a grown man, older than me, even. If something is going on, it’s between them.
For now, the job’s the priority. Callie’s safety is the priority. And I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure nothing happens to her.
“Rory…” Callie says again, her voice softer now. She looks at me with that mix of curiosity and caution, like she knows something’s off.
I hesitate, then lean back in my chair, trying to gather my thoughts. I should tell her about the Russians, about theirthreats. I don’t want her to worry, though, so I rack my brain trying to think of how best to address it.
Finally, I speak, keeping my words neutral. “There’s something I need to consider about the security situation.”
She tilts her head, her eyes narrowing just slightly. “What do you mean?”
I meet her gaze, trying to gauge whether or not to tell her everything. “It’s nothing you need to worry about for now. But someone’s made some threats. They might make a move at the gala. I don’t know when or how, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t warn you.”
Her expression hardens, but she doesn’t flinch. “You don’t have to sugarcoat things with me, Rory. Just tell me what I need to know.”
I feel the weight of the moment press down on me. “If they do show up, we’ll be ready for them. I’ve already planned for that contingency. But, Callie, you should be aware that there are risks involved. This could escalate quickly.”
Her eyes flicker, calculating, but she doesn’t shy away from the truth. “I’m not some fragile thing, Rory. I know the stakes. We’ll handle it.”
“We can still cancel,” I offer. “The launch can be moved back.”
“No,” she says firmly. “I’m not going to cancel. We’ve worked too hard to back out now.”
I’m surprised by the conviction in her voice. She’s always been professional, but this side of her is a little… badass.
I suppress a smile. “Are you sure?” I ask, wanting to make sure she understands the gravity of the situation. “Your stalker could make a move at any time. I could pull some strings and get you out of the spotlight for a while.”
But Callie shakes her head, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing at the corner of her lips. “I’ve been in toughsituations before, Rory. I can handle this.” Her voice is steady, unwavering. “You don’t have to worry about me. I’m not some delicate flower that’s going to wilt under pressure.”
Her words surprise me again. I had no idea how much she’d been through before she’d entered my orbit. But from the way she carries herself to the strength in her eyes, it’s clear she’s no stranger to danger.
“I respect that,” I say, my voice low, filled with admiration. “You’re an amazing woman, Callie. You always have been.”
Her lips quirk up in a small, satisfied smile. “Glad you see it that way.”
Before I can say anything else, the door to my office opens and Clary enters, her presence instantly noticeable. She’s in the mood to clean, it seems—starting with picking up papers and stacking them on my desk. Her movements are purposeful, but there’s a subtle softness to them, like she’s trying to be unobtrusive.
As she moves past me, she lets her hand linger on my shoulder for just a beat longer than necessary. The touch is light, almost innocent, but I can feel it—a claim, a quiet reminder that she’s here.
I don’t know what it is, exactly, but something about the way she’s acting rubs me the wrong way. I swallow the tension rising in my chest as I watch her, feeling my control slipping just a little.
Callie seems to notice the change in the atmosphere but doesn’t comment. She simply exchanges a final look with Finn and gives me a nod. “We’ll be in touch, Rory,” she says, her voice cool but appreciative. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
Finn offers a curt nod as well, his gaze flicking briefly to Clary before they both exit the room.
As the door clicks shut behind them, I turn slowly to Clary. Her attention is still on the papers in front of her, but I can tell she’s aware of my gaze, of the shift in the air between us.
I lean forward, my tone quiet but firm. “What was that about?”
Clary doesn’t meet my eyes right away. She simply shrugs, pretending to be absorbed in her task. “What was what?” she replies, her voice light, too light.
I don’t let her off the hook so easily. “You know exactly what I mean. The hand on my shoulder? What was that? Were you trying to mark your territory?”
She hesitates for a moment before offering a small, almost dismissive shrug. “It’s nothing. Just trying to be there for you, you know, since things are tough right now.”
