Page 44 of A Cursed Heart
“Continue.” He stood and rounded the corner of the desk to stand beside me just as I broke through the protections. The majority of Salvatore’s files were in my possession. I just needed a few minutes, the exact amount of time I would need in this database.
“Well done,” Salvatore praised when I began copying files over. He sniffed. “Is that a new cologne? You didn’t smell like that earlier.”
Shit. He could smell Mal’s fire and spice scent.
“Ugh, no,” I aimed for embarrassed. “It’s this new deodorant I’m using. I sweat a lot when I’m stressed, and I thought this was gonna go to hell. It activates with sweat.”
Though he didn’t sound convinced, he let the matter drop.
Go,I urged Mal.I’m nearly done.Mal didn’t question me. I felt him move away, then vanish. He assured me he was home and would get Freya as soon as I returned.
A few moments passed in silence. “That’s the files almost copied over, Mr. Salvatore. From what I can see, this is the oneyou should be most worried about. There are folders with your name on them.”
“Wonderful, Ryan. Thank you for your diligence. I can only wonder why you took so long in the first place.”
This prick. I couldn’t wait to take him down. Thankfully, with Mal helping around the house, I’d clocked enough hours at work to play with Salvatore’s files too. A couple of days and I could send them off and wash my hands of this entire thing. Then I could focus on my family. Maybe even take Mal on a proper date. I couldn’t wait to get home to him.
“It’s not as clean a job. My skills were rustier than I thought. There’s every chance they’ll figure out where the leak came from.”
“Thank you for your time. I apologize for cutting your night short. Some of this information is time sensitive.”
I didn’t care what his reasoning was. I just wanted out of there. “It’s fine.”
“Anders will drive you home.”
Apparently, I was dismissed. I closed all of my programs down, leaving the folder Salvatore wanted open for him to read through.
“Thank you, Ryan. See you again.”
My heart sank, though I knew deep down he wouldn’t let me go until he had to.
The bodyguard trailed me all the way to the car parked out front in the special parking spot. He remained silent throughout our journey to my apartment. Only when we stopped, instead of driving away when I got out, Anders got out too.
We were a short distance away from the car when he spoke.
“Whatever you’re planning, you better do it soon. Hide that gem. He’s getting desperate.”
Icy cold fear ran through me. I didn’t acknowledge the man, just raced inside.
My finger throbbed because of how hard I pushed the button when I called for the elevator. The door opened after a second. I launched myself inside. I needed to check on my family.
Warm arms surrounded me.
“I’ve got you.” Pulling away slightly, I caught sight of those concerned dark eyes. “It’s okay, Ryan. I’ll protect you both.”
Unable to resist it any longer, I pushed into him, locking my lips with his.
