Page 27 of Scarred Temptation
And there were tons of them.
“Well, you’d finally get your corner office.” She laughed as she swirled her drink.
My eyebrows furrowed before I realized she was teasing. “That wouldn’t be the reason for taking the job.”
“Oh, come on. I know you. Remember? Plus, you’ll have the joy of sticking it to dear ole Bob.”
While she was laughing, I found myself searching the bar, fearful I’d catch sight of the monsters from the day before. The same ebb and flow of anxiety lingered, following me as if a noose around my neck.
“What’s wrong?” she asked with a voice that told me I wouldn’t be able to shove the conversation under the rug. “Is this about tossing Steve to the curb?”
“Oh, please. I’m glad he’s gone. I have zero regrets about breaking it off. Even if he did send a couple texts trying to get me back.”
She snorted. “Let me guess. He’s broke.”
“You’re right.” We both burst into laughter. Being cajoled into having a drink after work had been a great idea. Only we both worked long hours and it was already past seven.
“I tried to hold my tongue, girl, but I couldn’t stand that man.”
As I shook my head, I rolled my eyes, still frustrated with myself that it had taken so long to see the light. “I don’t blame you. You should have knocked me over the head, so I’d listen to you.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll do just that next time. Although I hope there isn’t a next time.” Hope’s statement was leading.
“Don’t worry. I have no intention of allowing him back into my life. I learned a very valuable lesson about men. They are users who only think about themselves. Maybe I won’t have time to even think about him anyway.”
“A plus. However, what’s really going on? You seem nervous. You’ve checked the windows and even the entrance several times. You’re even making me anxious.”
I was. Every reflection in the window of the restaurant created shadows, figures morphing into monsters.
“Maybe I am somewhat apprehensive. The craziest thing happened and don’t freak out on me. I took a walk after I tossed Steve out yesterday, heading to the school and the gorgeous area they have behind the gates. You know how I like the fountain. Anyway, there was this little girl there all alone. All the other kids had gone home.”
“Was she lost?” She took a sip of her drink.
“Just waiting for her ride.”
Hope rolled her eyes, offering a slight snort. “From her chauffeur? You know that neighborhood.”
“Yes, I know. The children of the rich and famous. And sure, if you call three huge men in expensive suits and one with a Russian accent necessary for a five-year-old child just to be able to go to school safely chauffeurs, then the answer is yes.”
“What?”
“I’m not kidding,” I snarled. “Can you believe that? These goons were all over her. I cannot imagine what would have occurred had I not been there to save her. At least she trusted me after a brief conversation.”
“Please tell me you did not play hero.”
I toyed with my glass briefly before I nodded. “What else was I supposed to do, allow her to be kidnapped? I scooped her into my arms and rushed toward the back entrance while they chased us.”
Hope’s scoff was almost indignant, far too similar to what I’d seen with everyone else on the street. “Run and hide. That’s what you were supposed to do, not act like Superwoman.”
“I couldn’t do that. The little girl was terrified but holding it together. The child was taught what to do in case big bad monsters tried to steal her innocence. Unbelievable.”
She looked away briefly. “You said they were Russian.”
I nodded, taking the time to scan the bar again. “Yes, or at least I believe her uncle was of Russian descent. However I am certain every one of them was carrying weapons, which was a good thing since I helped the girl get away from some savage thugs who’d taken interest in her. Mace only goes so far when you’re dealing with trained assassins.”
“They could have been. You do know there’s a mafia element in town.”
“Isn’t there one in every city, or at least men who like to believe they’re all powerful and mighty?” I challenged.
