Page 33 of A Soldier's Destiny
“And that’s the reason it sounds like that?”
“Yes, most likely. Is that usually how the calls are?”
“Mostly. In the beginning, it was just breathing. The caller ID always shows up as anonymous. I wouldn’t answer those, but I have customers whose numbers also show up that way.”
“Right. Maybe you should let me get the phone while I’m here. If it’s a legitimate call I’ll hand you the phone.”
It was the smart thing to do, but her pride wanted to yell, ‘no, I can answer my own damn phone.’ But he was there to protect her. Why was she fighting him so hard on each little thing he wanted to do to keep her safe? It freaked her out every time they called, and it was definitely worse this time. “Okay.”
“Really? From the look on your face, I thought you were going to object.”
“I almost did,” she replied with a smile. “But you’d just bully me into submission anyway.”
“Is that what you think I’m doing? Bullying you?”
“No, not really. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t apologize, Angel. I need to know if that’s what you think. Because it’s the last thing I’d ever do. I am just trying to keep you safe. I watched the color drain out of your face as you listened to whatever crap he was spouting. I don’t know what that mother fucker said to you, but it was clear that you were scared.”
“It was more threatening this time.”
“Do you remember what he said?” Oh yeah, she remembered, it would take a while for that memory to fade.
“He said that you wouldn’t be able to protect me. That I was dead wrong if I thought you could.” She shivered after she said it. It sounded so ominous and she’d been there before. Caring about people and having them stolen from her way too soon. It was the real reason she didn’t want to let go of any control. The last time she had, everything had been taken from her. There was no way she was going through that again.
There was something between them, lust for sure, but more, it was too early to really tell. But she couldn’t bear to lose anyone else she cared about.
“You know that’s not true, right? I can and will keep you safe. I promise.”
“I’m not sure you should make that promise. We’ve both lived through things that shouldn’t have happened, that left us scarred inside and out.”
“But this is different. My sole job is to make sure you’re safe. And even if I hadn’t met you before I would be just as dedicated to my task. It has nothing to do with how I feel about you, and everything to do with your safety.”
Rori nodded as she turned back to the dough. She wanted to believe him, but she couldn’t. The threats were so personal and maybe they’d just wait him out. It’s not like she could afford to cover his salary indefinitely and she would never consider not paying Chase’s firm for their work. He wasn’t running a charity.
“What are you thinking about now? I can practically see the wheels turning.”
“You should be stirring that custard and not staring at my head. If there are lumps in there we’ll have to toss it and start over.”
“No lumps. But how do I know when it’s done?”
Grabbing the towel, she wiped her hands as she walked over to the stove. Her world was off balance and nothing seemed right. She’d forgotten all about the custard and it was probably burned. Taking a peek into the pot it looked okay, but the true test was the flavor. Grabbing a spoon from the drawer, she dipped it into the pot and took a taste.
“Well, how is it? Did I destroy it?”
“Nope. It’s perfect. You did a great job. Turn off the gas and move it to the back burner to let it cool a bit before we put it in the walk-in.”
“Done. What can I do next?”
“Nothing. I just have to finish this up and do all the dishes.”
“Let me do them.” Again, he was just offering to help why was it so hard for her to say yes. Damn stubborn streak.
“Sure, go ahead. Thank you.”
“See, was that so hard?”
As she turned back to the dough, she mumbled, “You have no idea.”
