Page 89 of After Hours

“Thank you for telling me and thanks for coming here. I appreciate it.” My steps toward him quickened until we were wrapped in each other’s arms. My head on his chest, listening to how beautiful his heartbeat was.

“And why didn’t you tell me that you fund my school’s housing program? And is Mara okay? How’s her baby?”

“Because I thought you would have realized the connection with the name; Xander Towers.” He’s right. I never thought about my school’s housing name before, and wow, what a small world this is. “She’s good now, but she wasn’t before and her baby is okay.”

His manly scent was overcrowding my brain. I couldn’t think straight. I love how he smelt, how he felt, how he tasted, how he spoke— oh God, he’s completely inhabited my body and my thoughts.

“Thank you for the books,” I said and pulled away from the hug, walking over to the coffee maker. “They’re beautiful.”

“Let me,” he said and started making the coffee. I watched as he put the right amount of creamer and sugar using the tiny measuring spoons I had.

I’ve never told him how I made my coffee, but I’ve made it many times at the office. He pays attention, and that’s the best thing to ever know. “You’re welcome. You deserve the best.” He handed me the cup of coffee and poured his out. He’s a black coffee type of guy. No added sugar. Nothing. Straight black coffee. What a psycho he is.

“The coffee is good. How’d you know I liked this?”

“I texted your friend Abigail, and she told me. I had an idea because I’ve seen you do it in the office, but as I stepped through the door and took the first glance at you, I could only think of how beautiful you are. She also threatened me,” he said, with a light chuckle.

I choked on my coffee and let out a laugh. Only Abigail would threaten one of the world’s most powerful men and get away with it. I loved her to death. “How’d you get her number? And what did she say?”

“When I explained the situation to Mikkel, he gave me advice along with her number. I think they’re fond of each other.” Trust me, I think they’re fond of each other too. “As for what she told me, I’m sure you already know, but either way, can we do a do-over date?”

“I don’t know,” I said playfully, “what if the president calls you next, you know?” His expressions softened, and he grabbed my waist, pulling me in. I love these moments between us. The “fight” wasn’t gone from my brain, but it was the least important thing in my life right now.

“Precious,” he said in a low voice, “what are you doing today?”

“I’m going to call my mom.”

“Let me know how it goes. I have to do painting today, and Mara’s going into labor anytime soon. I’m getting a nephew…” His tone didn’t give off too much as he seemed very neutral on the matter, so I didn’t push it along too much.

As I stared into Dillon’s bright hazel eyes, I felt captivated. I want to believe he was the one, and I wanted it to work, but I knew how much of a fuck up I was. I knew how sad I was, and how my past reeked of disgust, embarrassment, and shame. However, a small feeling came over my body with a voice popping into my head saying it was going to work out. I hope it did work out. I needed it to. Something told me that we both needed it.

Dillon

Azzaria messaged me saying she had to get stuff done at school because her graduation is upcoming, and she told me about the talk with her mom.

Aside from us being whatever we are—I don’t know the labels yet, she’s a great assistant. Everything’s been done timely, and she doesn’t even need the training. Which saved my team and I a lot of time. I sometimes find myself forgetting that this is just an internship.

I sat around my desk, staring at the file Mikkel and Arnoldo gave me some time ago. My mind weighed on opening it, but I didn’t know what to do.

This was an ultimate violation of privacy, and if she saw it, I’m sure whatever we had would be done. But on the other hand, I needed to know. I needed to know something more about her— everything. Fuck it. I’m opening it.

The first page made me sick to my stomach. There was background on her family life, and then a few lines about her father. There was a story about how much he abused both Azzaria and her mom—there was even mentions of rape but it was speculated. Nothing confirmed.

My brain quickly ran to the first sexual encounter we had, and I saw some very distinct markings and scars over her body. The obvious thing to do was to not point them out, but my mind did wonder about them, and now I know why.

By the time I’ve read page 6, I threw the file down, stopped reading, and called Arnoldo, Lucio and Mikkel. Her protection needed to be ensured.

“You called?” Arnoldo said as he took a seat on the couch, followed by Mikkel and Lucio entering the room.

“Yes. I did. We have matters to discuss. First things first, I need a discreet watch on Ms. Willis. Nothing obvious, please, but a close watch on her. I just want to know where she is at all times. This protection order may be extended to her mother and her best friend, Abigail.”

“Are you sure you’re not fucking her? Why are you so interested in this one girl?”

I sighed. “No, I’m not just fucking her. We’re dating.”

Arnoldo looked at me with shocking expressions and turned to Mikkel and Lucio. “Did you two know?”

They remained silent but the look they gave him answered all the questions. “Does Ronan know?”

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