Page 8 of Unmasking Secrets
The pounding in my head hasn’t stopped since I got home from the hospital. It feels like a truck ran me over, and I have the bruises to prove it. Lingering handprints that pressed and squeezed too hard on various parts of my body. I was expecting to come home to peace and quiet, to rest. Instead, my house has had a constant stream of people since I got home yesterday.
My best friend, Max, showed up and took over the living room. I’d expect nothing less and would do the same for him. It also helps that we have the same agent; he’s in the loop and posted some stuff for me to keep anything about my personal life out of the news. The last thing I need is for my ex to control the narrative.
A few people from the agency, and police officers, have been hanging around. The police—I scoff. They need proof for me to do anything. Apparently, my body isn’t enough.
My ex’s connections are too deep, and there’s nothing I can apparently do outside of a restraining order. So, that’s done. Iwant nothing to do with my ex and wish he would just move on with his life and forget me.
Part of me wants to just be left alone. The other part is terrified of what could happen if I’m left alone again. I hate that I’m living in fear. I feel stuck with no direction.
My agent let me know the new bodyguard would arrive today. I wasn’t expecting them for a few more days. I don’t want to meet anyone in my current state. I’m grateful for the added security. I told the agency that they could help find someone, but I wanted to be responsible for paying for the service. When it comes down to it, I need to know the person is on my side. Period.
I rub my temples and then reach for my painkillers. I’ve been hiding in my room since this morning, with the door locked. I know I should feel grateful to have people here, but it’s somehow made me feel even more alone. Part of me debated returning home. I could surround myself with family and the MC for a while, but I didn’t want to risk their safety too.
The events of two nights ago continue to haunt me every time I close my eyes. I can’t sleep. The doctor prescribed something, but I can’t take those pills. Not when I know whose face I’ll see when my eyes close.
There’s a knock at the door. “Tabitha.” Max’s voice carries underneath the door. “Your bodyguard is here.”
I stand and walk towards the door. I hesitate at the mirror. This is one of those moments I wish I had the ability of a superhero who could alter their appearance. I just want to look like my normal, happy self. Not this tired, broken version. I unlock and open the door.
“He’s hot.” Max blurts out and fans himself with his hand. “Like muscles on muscles and dreamy eyes. Oh, girl!”
I roll my eyes. It doesn’t matter what he looks like. I have zero desire to get romantically involved with anyone ever again. I tried once, and failed. I’m clearly not an excellent judge of character with my love life. I’ll stick with my flower-shaped friend in my nightstand.
“Let’s go and meet him.” I stretch my neck and wince at the lingering pain.
“I’m just saying. I saw him first, if he swings that way.” Max laughs then turns to lead the way down the hall.
“You have a boyfriend,” I argue.
“Who would gladly put this man in a sandwich with me.”
We walk down the hall and into the living room. “Nobody is hooking up, Max.” I hold back a laugh that would only have me clutching my sides. He’s incorrigible.
“Ah, here she is. Tabitha, I’d like you to meet—” My agent, Harper, starts.
“Archie.” I freeze in place as all the air escapes me.
“Hey, Tab.” Archie crosses his arms. His muscles strain against his dark cotton shirt. His eyes narrow on mine. And. He. Looks. Pissed.
Damn it.
“Wait, the Archie?” Max laughs beside me. “Girl, we’ll catch up later.” He makes an appreciative noise as he passes by Archie, then walks out the front door. “Text me later!” He hollers before closing the door.
“You know each other?” Harper’s southern accent comes out a little more. “Should we arrange for someone else?”
“No,” Archie responds.
“Yes,” I argue.
“Don’t think I’m capable?” He smirks.
“I—” I freeze. I can’t think of a good reason, except he absolutely can not do this. “This is going to be a live-in situation, and I have to travel for work sometimes. I don’t think your wife will appreciate your living with another woman, even for work.” It’s a good enough reason.
“I’m not married.” He shakes his head. “I didn’t even know you knew about that.”
“I read it in the paper years ago.” I cross my arms. “I had to find out in the fucking paper, Archie.”
“Seriously, do we need to arrange for someone else?” Harper interrupts.
