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“Notify Smith to be on the lookout and we are on our way down. This unit is compromised,” Bruce says sharply to Ice as he pulls me along like a ragdoll. We get back on the elevator, and both men’s demeanors have changed to combat mode and readiness at the slightest twitch of an attack. The car is outside waiting before we step out of the building. We get in and drive off fast.

My tears are rolling nonstop. They found me again, my mind bellows. Bruce turns my tearful face to him.

“You have my word that I will keep you safe,” he assures.

I blink and feel the hot sting of tears as they continue to roll. “Have the chef prepare food for her,” I hear him say. “Any allergies?” he asks. I shake my head.

We arrive at his place after driving in what felt like hundreds of turns and hours. I keep my backpack close and follow him into the building from the garage. The ride up the elevator is quiet and I have no idea where I am or what floor I’m on. The large unit looks nicely decorated with large windows and feels airy. I follow as he leads me to a bright bedroom with a king-size bed in color blue. It’s all I see.

“Shower and change. Food will be ready for you in a minute,” he states and turns to leave.

I instinctively grab his arm. His eyes move to my tight grip, then my face.

“Please, don’t leave me,” I plead, taking my hands off him and wiping my tears.

“I promise, I’m not leaving. I’m just going to get your food ready. You are safe here. No one is getting to you under my watch,” he says.

I keep my head down, not responding. “I promise,” he confirms softly. He gently tilts my chin upward. “I promise,” he repeats. His voice resonates with determined conviction. His second utterance sends a shiver down my spine as his gaze meets mine, his thumb tenderly wiping my tears. A silent nod confirms my understanding. My whole being believes and trusts him. It sounds wild, but Jonah’s confidence in him gives me the courage to trust him as well.

“Go ahead and shower and your food will be ready.” With a barely perceptible nod, I pick up my backpack. Its familiar weight settles on my shoulders as I make my way into the bathroom.

In the bathroom, I find towels and shower gels. Locking the door, I strip out my clothes, brush my teeth, and step into the shower once the temperature is right. My shower washes away my tears. Amrit had trained me to always move fast and be ready at a moment’s notice.

They know I’m here in Chicago, being ready to run is important. I pull out my small body lotion and lather it on my brown skin, then put on my leggings, sports bra, socks, and Jonah’s oversized T-shirt. Every item is put on at effortless speed. I pack everything up, including my toothbrush, into my bag and step back into the room. I move closer to check the bed, which looks very inviting. I slide open the white bedside drawer. It’s empty. The room is decorated in blue and white. The drapes are also the same color. I like the feel of the carpet. As my eyes roam the room, I hear a knock. I grip my bag tight before answering.

“Come in.” The door opens and it’s Bruce. His eyes assess me, and I notice a frown that is just as quickly hidden.

“Do you have extra clothes?” he asks.

“No, just this. My plan is to shop once I’m settled.”

“Wait here,” he says.

He returns with some of his shirts and also informs me about a personal shopper who will come tomorrow.

Once he leaves, I immediately put Jonah’s shirt away and put Bruce’s shirt on after sniffing it a bit. It feels like he’s wrapped around me. I step into the hallway and follow the sound to the living room. The smell of food hits me. To my surprise, it’s just Bruce and I. Ice is gone.

We eat in palpable silence, with only the sound of our cutlery filling the room. When we finish, the reality of my other problem hits. I can’t take my meds because I’m not sure if I’m safe here, and I need someone with me. I don’t have a choice but to ask him.

“Please, do you mind staying with me till I fall asleep?” I plead, my heart racing with my request, even as I mentally beg, please say yes.

“I don’t mind,” he answers.

Relief washes over me. We move in palpable silence to my room, and I get into bed with my bag tucked close to me. If he finds it weird, he doesn’t say or show any sign of it. I also thank him for agreeing to be my bodyguard as I drift off to sleep. I’m tired.

Chapter four

Bruce

Soon as I close her bedroom door, I exhale, releasing a torrent of frustration over the unbidden emotions that arose the moment I laid eyes on her, and the strange compulsion that kept my hand clasped with hers in the car, and the few minutes ago I spent extra minutes watching her sleep, a completely uncharted territory for me. I feel an overwhelming urge to hold her, to soothe her sorrow and wipe away her tears. My logical mind reminds me that it would be crossing boundaries, ones which I never cross, must not cross, and should not cross, because for me in every sense, she’s forbidden, as forbidden as the proverbial forbidden fruit.

She belongs to Jonah, and I must always remember that, regardless of any emotion or feeling which shouldn’t even come into play. I must stay focused on my agreement, which is to protect her and send her back. Do not touch her rings loudly in my head. Keep your men away from her. That I will make certain, but the problem is how I keep away from her with this sudden ripple of yearning that has come upon me. She belongs to Jonah, I forcefully remind myself.

Either someone is genuinely pursuing her, or she is an incredible actress. Though I doubt her tears, shock at the apartment, and the way she gripped my arms earlier were feigned.

Earlier

“Shower and come out, so you can eat,” but she gripped my arm before I could leave, fear blatant in her eyes, I had to reassure her that she’s safe with me. I’d left the room with emotions I couldn’t understand or explain the moment I wiped her tears.