Page 4 of Wickedly Played
“Mr. Fitzpatrick, your next appointment is here,” Adam’s secretary, Bridgett, says behind the door.
Adam straightens his suit and looks at what I’m wearing. “You didn’t tell me there was a dress code for this meeting,” I chide. I’m wearing chinos and a polo shirt, as it's uncharacteristically warm for Michigan.
Just when he’s about to give me some shit, the door opens with a man entering first. He looks stressed out with bags under his eyes, wearing a wrinkled suit, and pulling on a dainty hand to come behind him.
Serena.
Serena exudes sex appeal. Her hair is pulled into a high ponytail, her makeup is minimal, and she’s wearing a casual outfit. With just a pair of black jeans and a high-necked top, I get why people are attracted to her.
“I’m Serena Jermaine,” she introduces herself. Her voice is dripping with honey, and I see her looking around this office with wonderment. “Quite frankly, I don’t know why I’m here. My agent is going to make this arrangement without my approval.”
“Please take a seat,” Adam points to the chair next to me. Once she’s seated, I can smell her sultry perfume. “I’m Adam Fitzpatrick, and this is my brother, Max. Your agent found my firm and let us know some of what’s been going on.”
Her agent gestures at his neck like he’s telling Adam to stop talking. Adam doesn’t say anything about it, but I’m not one to beat around the bush.
“What’s that about?” If the girl is in danger, shouldn’t she be made aware of the threat? This is fucking stupid.
“What aren’t you telling me, Jim?” Serena demands. She’s sitting straight up with her head held high. “Tell me right now.”
Jim starts stuttering. “Uh, Ser, there’s been some shit going down.”
“Obviously,” she claps back.
“Your stalker is back. We need the extra security while Robert and David are on leave.”
This pretty girl is being stalked after flashing her tits and pussy all over the internet, and she’s alone? “Why are two of her details on leave at the same time?” I snap.
“Yeah… They got shot a couple of weeks ago.”
I look at Adam with an incredulous look. “You’ve got me fucked up,” I mutter.
Serena rolls her eyes. “Which one of you is going to step in? We need to discuss some shit first.”
“That would be me,” I retort. She looks me up and down and then smiles when she sees I’m not backing down. “What do we need to talk about?”
“First, we need to talk about the sleeping arrangements.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mumble.
“Jim, I’m going for a walk with Max. We’ll be back in half an hour,” Serena informs him, stands, and then looks at me with a pointed stare. “Let’s go.”
“Look here, little girl,” I begin as I stand to walk her out. “You might have these people begging for you to boss them around, lick your boots, and all that fun shit, but I’m not that guy. You need security? I got you. I’ll follow the basic rules, but I’m not your slave.”
She assesses me from where she’s standing. “Mmm, I underestimated you.” She says the words casually, but they are dripping with venom.
Chapter Two
SERENA
I wasn’t lying. I’m not sure why I’m here, since Jim will do whatever he wants, regardless of my opinion. I’m pissed at Jim for dragging me out this early in the morning. After finishing a party last night, I didn’t go to bed until four in the morning.
Of course, I seem like I don’t care about my stalker coming out of hiding. I knew they would eventually, after word got out that I was without protection. Every night, I check the locks numerous times. I checked my closet to make sure no one was there. I check the backseat of my car in case someone is going to jump out at me. I’m not stupid. I know I’m in danger.
However, many of these people don’t realize that I’ve always been in danger. I’ve been in the type of danger where, at any given moment, I could be shot or stolen. I know it is only a matter of time before they all find me.
Growing up the way I did, I’m aware of the monetary and power gain someone could have once they have their hands on me. I’ve never told Jim this, but I take solace in knowing I’m worth more alive than dead.
I don’t want to be reminded of this continuously throughout the day. I feel the pressure every moment of every day. Thisperilous feeling is why I don’t do relationships. It is also why I hide out in the open.
