Page 82 of Vetted for Vengeance
Just… mine.
I would happily kill anyone who so much as frowns at him. Which makes my work environment… complicated. People frown here all the time, but I've learned to build an emotional barrier between the real me and the one my staff see.
I may have difficulty when his parents return…
The thought hits suddenly. Where did his parents go so late in the day after I was so convinced they'd be a pain in my ass?
Something isn’t right.
They should still be here.
People like his parents don’t walk away quietly. Not when there’s attention to be had. Not when there’s something to gain.
They would push.
They would stay.
They would wait.
So where the hell did they go?
Knock, knock.
Noah jumps at the sudden sound. It's beautiful how he moves forward into my chest, as if I can protect him from the work tasks awaiting us outside.
“Yes?” I call.
“Telephone call for Noah,” Martha’s voice replies sharply. “Wouldn't give his name.”
No, of course he wouldn't. Noah’s parents are stubborn like that.
“I need to face them one day. Maybe over the phone is a better way to do it?” Noah sighs.
He moves away to respond to Martha’s message. My hand catches his wrist before he reaches the door.
“Wait.”
Silence stretches for half a second. Noah just smiles at me, gives a soft nod, and turns to the door. It's time to stop avoiding these calls. I follow immediately, close enough to touch.
Ready to protect him from anything.
Especially the man who just made himself known.
Chapter forty
Noah
Rhys stands right behind me as I reach for the phone. Martha has given us the room, probably assuming it’s about the police investigation.
I hope she’s right. I'm expecting my dad with a lecture about how bad he felt being kicked out.
Rhys’s presence against my spine suggests he agrees.
“Hello?” I greet, using the weird coiled handset that would be an exciting experience if my heart wasn't threatening to beat right out of my chest.
For a moment, there's only heavy breathing.
It's unnerving, but completely normal for animal welfare protesters.
