Page 12 of The Protection Agreement

In my room, I brush, shower, and change into one of my new pairs of jeans and a simple blouse, before heading out to find Bruce and Ice drinking coffee. Bruce is dressed casual today, unlike yesterday.

“Good morning,” I say casually, while avoiding Bruce’s gaze and keeping my eyes fixed on Ice’s impassive features. His raised brow questions my unusual gaze.

“Good morning,” Bruce says.

Stone-faced Ice simply nods in my direction, avoiding my eyes. Not a word out of him.

“Sleep well?” Bruce asks in a conspiratorial tone.

As I reach for the coffee mug, my body tenses, and I have to mentally count backwards to relax before I answer him in a calm voice. “Yes, I did. Thank you.” And I keep my back turned. I’d hoped we wouldn’t discuss my sleeping in his room, but I guessed wrong. I pour my coffee and stir the creamer in.

“Make a list of what you like to eat for breakfast and other foods you like, so Chef can have it ready for you,” he says.

“Okay, thank you.”

“Why jigsaw puzzles?” he asks.

I pick up my coffee and turn to face him, holding on tight to the mug.

“Puzzling is how my mom kept me occupied when I was younger. It’s my safe solitude,” I answer. The rich aroma of coffee fills my senses.

“Cool. Let Ice know if you need more puzzles or anything else you need,” his voice commands.

“Thank you. Can I get some shoes and some toiletries?” I quickly request before he leaves. Better now than having to tell Ice.

“Make a list and give it all to Ice. Chef Wayne will be here later to make your lunch and dinner. Be sure to give a list of what you like and dislike as well.”

I nod and watch him leave.

I grab a cup of yogurt before returning to my room. I inhale and exhale to calm my mind and not cry today. Dad and Amrit used to help with my puzzles. It was Dad’s favorite hangout time with me. Amrit did it to keep me quiet. Now they are both gone. I will forever cherish my time with them. I finish my yogurt and return to puzzling alone. I can’t call any of my friends. I have practically disconnected from them for their own safety. Amrit was the only friend I had, and he died protecting me. I wipe the tear that’s threatening to fall and keep my focus on the puzzle, blocking out all my pain and grief that I know will crumble me.

Chapter eight

Bruce

First action once I’m out the door is a call to my PA.

“Good morning, boss.”

“I need you to order a soft and comfortable three-seater sofa and have it delivered to my bedroom.”

“A sofa, boss?” his voice questions.

“Yes, and I’m sure I didn’t stutter. Make sure it’s soft and comfortable.”

“Yes, boss.”

I hang up and head out with Smith. I need to check on a few spots for my new clients. Also, a quick lunch with Declan.

On the drive, I start to think about her. She came into my room and slept on the floor again, as if she could only rest with me nearby. When I sensed she was asleep, I sat up and watched her. The demons chasing her have messed up her life. Yet she clings tightly to some semblance of normalcy and her backpack. I’ve searched the bag while she slept. It holds her contacts, glasses, extra clothes, a journal that I decided not to read, and a locked pouch, which I’m quite sure holds her passport and other documents. No weapon and nothing to indicate she has any other mission than to stay alive.

Each time I watch her sleep, I realize how vulnerable she is. But I need to know more about her and why I keep wanting her when I know she’s forbidden to me. She belongs to Jonah, my known enemy.

Smith and I survey the unit for my client’s son, making notes to reinforce some weaknesses and exit strategies should things go awry. We are making plans for the protection team and rules to keep my client safe. Taking on this client’s son isn’t an easy task, but I’m always up for a challenge.

My phone pings with a flash from Ice. What could be wrong?

I call him immediately; he answers on the first ring.