Page 76 of Quiet Protector
Grayson calls my name before I fully lower my phone from my ear. “Alex and Isaac are on the move. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Thanks,” I reply, genuinely grateful.
Even more so when he adds, “I’ll also find your briefcase. You’re not the only one who likes wasting Sundays immersing himself in times gone by. I’ve got the files backed up, but nothing replicates seeing decade-old footage on an ancient screen.”
I stare down at my phone’s screen when he disconnects our call. If he only piggybacked the CTC feed when Isaac’s hacker logged in, how did he know I was watching videos of Melody and me before he called me? His mainframe is linked to Tobias’s laptop, but I used a private proxy, aware he’s a creep who has no qualms stepping over lines deemed as acceptable for friends.
Clearly, I need to start watching Grayson as closely as he’s watching me.
32
Melody
“Are you sure you don’t want to come in and clean up before your flight?”
Julian’s smile competes with the low-hanging sun. “Thank you for the offer, but I’m good. I don’t want to be late for my flight.”
“It’s a private jet, Julian. I’m sure it can wait.” I rib him with my elbow, ensuring he knows there’s no malice to my tone.
The past twenty-nine hours have been good for us. Although Julian didn’t expand on the disclosure Leo made yesterday morning, he was more open and honest than he had been the three years of our relationship. We talked as we should have the morning he left and ended things more amicably.
Heartache is associated with any breakup, especially one as long as ours, but when both parties agree it’s for the best, it can also be encouraging. For years, I relied on Brandon. When I didn’t have him, I felt lost and alone, which had me leaning on Julian more than I should have. It wasn’t fair of me to do. However, I’m taking steps to fix that now.
That’s why I’m back here at the ranch. I lost who I was here, so it’s only right for me to re-find myself here. Then, once that’s achieved, I can shift my focus to fixing all the mistakes I made. Brandon included.
Not wanting Julian to see the wetness dwelling in my eyes, I move our exchange onto the dreaded farewell stage. “Thank you for the ride. I much appreciate it.”
Julian waits for me to press a kiss to his cheek before replying, “You’re very welcome.” After raking his eyes over my family ranch standing proud in the distance, he shifts them back to me. “Are you sure you don’t want Tiny to stay with you?”
“I’m sure.” I nudge my head to the tinted SUV that followed us here. It doesn’t belong to Julian’s convoy of vehicles, however, I know who’s inside. “I’m safe here. Kwan will make sure of it.”
It’s amazing how the shredding of someone’s shield has you seeing them in a new light. Kwan isn’t a man to be messed with, but that only applies if you’re hurting the people he classes as family. Since I have Gottle blood running through my veins, I’ve been given that title from him.
After dragging my purse from the back of Julian’s car into my lap, I pull out a small wrapped box. “Will you please give this to your mom for me? She was eyeing it earlier this year during our weekend in Santa Barbara, and I really want her to have it.”
When Julian dips his chin, agreeing to my request, I throw open the door of his flashy sports car. After climbing out and straightening my clothes, I pop my head back in. “There’s also a gift for you in the trunk. Don’t eat them all at once like you did last year, or you’ll get an upset stomach.” He laughs, fully aware as to what I’m referencing.
I wait for his laughter to die down before saying, “Goodbye, Julian.”
A touch of sentiment is added to our exchange when he signs, “Goodbye, Mel.”
Once the taillights of his vehicle fade into the distance, I shift on my feet to face the lonely SUV parked at the fence line of my property. “Are you coming inside? Julian’s cook stowed some mouthwatering pastries into my bags.”
Kwan slips out of his car quicker than I can snap my fingers. “You won’t tell the boss, will ya?”
“It will be our little secret.” He freezes mid-stride when I barter, “On one condition.” I wait until he’s sweating before spelling out my terms. “You have to clean Socks’ stall in the morning. I don’t do poop.”
“Deal.” His smile would have you convinced I said he could have Socks. “I’ll get to that as soon as I’ve fixed the thermostat in the water boiler. Damn near froze my nuts off last month when I snuck in for a quick shower.”
I laugh for the first time in over a week. I’m not laughing at Kwan’s confession. It’s recalling Brandon griping about the same thing two weeks ago when the water temperature barely rose past freezing.
* * *
“She loved it, Mel. Thank you.”
I nurse my hot chocolate into my chest before snuggling deeper under the blanket. “You’re very welcome. I’m glad she liked it. It’s not expensive, but sent—”
“Sentimental value far exceeds the highest price tag,” Julian fills in, smiling. “Is that why you’ve decided not to sell the ranch?”
