Page 60 of Secrets (The Sins Trilogy 2)
Chapter Twenty-Two
Iris
By the time Monday rolls around, I feel like singing the “Hallelujah” chorus. My period is over this morning, and I can finally resume normal life, including returning to the job I love. Humming, I put on a power dress—an ice blue one—and pull my hair back into a ponytail.
“Most people aren’t that happy on a Monday,” Tony says, mildly amused. He hands me a pair of diamond studs, then puts onyx and silver cufflinks in his sleeves.
“Well, I am,” I say, putting the earrings on. “I’m back to my routine. I need it.”
“Isn’t your routine more like get up, have breakfast, practice the piano, eat lunch and nap?” he says teasingly. “Oh, and swimming half an hour or so before going to bed?”
“Hush. You know what I mean.” I slip on my pumps and turn to him. “I love my job. I love it that what I do has meaning, and I’m making a real impact, not just making my employer rich.”
“Elizabeth isn’t getting rich off the foundation, that’s for sure.”
“Exactly.”
By the time we go downstairs together, Bobbi’s already in the kitchen, helping herself to a fresh mug of the coffee she loves so much. Tony gave her a key to our place, just like he did with TJ. Since she knows I’m going to work today, she’s in a dress jacket, cream-colored blouse and slacks. But the boots are the same. I decide to call them ass kickers, because they’re the kind of footwear that says if you mess with her, you’ll regret it. Her hair’s twisted into a tight updo, making her lean face appear even sharper.
“Coffee?” she asks.
“Sure. Thanks.”
She pours me one, then another for Tony.
I eat quietly. After our heart-to-heart, I should be more comfortable with her, but I’m still adjusting to having someone around all the time. Tony told me she signed a nondisclosure agreement to be discreet and keep things secret. But it’s impossible to act like she’s not here when she is standing right within my vision, her eyes alert and piercing. And nobody’s going to act like she isn’t watching over me at work. I have no idea how I’m going to introduce her. “This is my bodyguard” sounds unbelievably pompous.
After we’re done with coffee and breakfast, we go to the lobby, where TJ is waiting in front of the Cullinan. She and TJ say nothing to each other.
Is she still mad at him for making her take the assignment? Or is there something else? TJ doesn’t look like an asshole, but assholes don’t have their assholeness tattooed on their faces.
She gets into a black Escalade parked behind the Cullinan. Tony and I climb into the Rolls-Royce SUV, and we start toward work.
I check my agenda for the day on the ride. The gynecologist Dr. Young referred me to last Friday sends me a text, letting me know she can fit me in at eleven thirty today, but otherwise I’ll have to wait for at least four weeks. I text her back and let her know I’ll see her today. Her office is close to work, within walking distance.
In front of the foundation, Tony kisses me, then whispers into my ear, “See if you can leave a little early today. Maybe around four. I have a week’s worth of things I plan to do to you tonight.”
My cheeks go hot. “We’ll see,” I reply before hopping out of the car.
Bobbi is already waiting. She and I walk together. In front of the door, I turn. Tony’s car hasn’t moved, and he’s watching me through the open window. I blow him a kiss and wave.
A crooked grin on his face, he waves back.
Happiness glows inside me. This is probably the hardest thing in the morning—saying goodbye. I know he won’t leave until I’m in the building, so I slip inside with Bobbi. At the sight of the security, I falter. Nobody gets inside without an employee badge to swipe or a visitor’s badge.
I reach for the sign-in book, wondering what to put down as the reason for her visit. One of the guards shakes his head. “She can go in.”
“I thought the protocol was that every non-employee needs to be signed in.”
“HR said she’s new. So it’s all cool.”
“I see. Thanks.” So Tony already told Elizabeth. Hopefully that will make introductions less awkward if people ask.
When I step into the foundation’s office, I see Tolyan at his desk. He’s reviewing a document. His face is granite hard as usual, and he doesn’t smile when he sees me or Bobbi. I should be used to his brand of greeting—cold gaze and even colder vibe—but nope. Never.
I steal a glance at Bobbi, who’s put on a pleasant face. At least my bodyguard isn’t a nail eater in public. I put my purse in the bottom drawer at my desk and boot my laptop. While it’s starting up, I say, “Hi, Tolyan. This is Bobbi. Bobbi, Tolyan.”
“Nice to meet you,” Bobbi says, her voice smooth.
