Page 10 of Not Ready

He sighs, coming back down the steps. “I will ensure those fools never treat another guest the way they just acted with you. We have some high-profile clients, and we’re always on the lookout for threats, but you’d think even new hires would have enough brain cells to not interrogate the obviously terrified woman showing up on our doorstep.”

I’ve needed the restroom since before I even arrived, but Aurora rolls around in my stomach, landing right on my bladder, and the bathroom situation becomes an emergency. My hand flies to cup my lower belly. She’s getting strong enough that it hurts sometimes.

“Come in. You can wait in the living room or even Bishop’s room, if that’ll make you more comfortable. Let’s get you off your feet, sweetheart.” He holds out a hand, waving me forward again.

I don’t know what the right call is, but before all this, I really did trust Bishop when he said he’d protect me. I don’t have a whole lot of choices at my disposal. With my access to Slick cut off…

My head shakes involuntarily.

I just lost two-thirds of my income. Over half of that normally comes from Bishop’s subscription and his generous monthly gifts.

“You’re an omega. You popped up on our doorstep for a reason, and our entire business model is protecting people who need protected.” Holt steps around behind me and gives my shoulders a gentle shove toward the stairs. “I’m not going to be able to walk away until I’ve got you settled in somewhere safe.”

I nod, letting him guide me inside.

Let’s be real. He’s big, even for an alpha. He could pick me up and physically stop me from leaving, but he’s been nothing short of polite.

Well, to me.

Those guys I first ran into are an entirely different story.

The warmth of the hallway hits me as we step inside. “Could I use your restroom?”

“Oh yeah, of course.” He guides us down the hallway, past a huge laundry room on the right. Farther down, there’s a massive kitchen that opens into a living room. “Here you are.” He stops at the last door on the left.

“Thanks.” I exhale heavily, moving to escape into the bathroom.

“Holt, I’ve got Ranger on the line. He says he’s got exactly two minutes,” a gruff voice calls from somewhere in the house.

“Ahh, fuck,” Holt says, pulling off his hat and running a hand through the thick brown curls on his forehead. “Okay, you use the bathroom… I’ll be back in five minutes. Have a seat in the living room when you’re done. If you run into anyone, tell them you’ve been cleared by Holt.”

My eyes widen as I swallow thickly, but he takes off before I can beg him not to leave me alone in this crazy place.

Chapter Four

Vale

The only thing that keeps me from escaping back out the door I came in is that when I search Assurance and the words personal security, a whole slew of websites and articles pop up. I’m sure a fancy website could be faked, but some of the press talking about the company seems to come from legitimate sources.

The bathroom is so large, it has a chair. After I’m done using the toilet and washing my hands, I take a seat.

The Slick website still won’t let me log in. It says I have to contact customer service. I briefly consider calling Bishop’s work number from the card, but with my luck, Holt would answer.

I finally decide I have no choice but to wait. I head out of the bathroom and try not to gawk at the incredible kitchen. It’s unreal, with black stainless steel appliances and more amenities than I’ve ever seen in person.

I’m just heading around the counter when a very tall man in a suit comes down the long hallway to the left.

Freezing, I glance toward the living room, where I was told to wait.

The man misses a step upon seeing me. Yeah, I bet it is a shock to run into a random pregnant woman in the kitchen when this place is locked down like a military base.

“Hello,” he says, tilting his head. He has an English accent, if my dialect discerning abilities haven’t failed me.

My neck cranes up so that I can meet his eyes. He’s extremely tall. I’m five-eight, which I wouldn’t consider short, but yeah, he’s a big guy. He has a slender build, like a runner or possibly a soccer player. His dark hair is just a little longer on top than on the sides, and he has a thick black beard that’s the same length as the shorter hair.

“Hi.” I raise a hand, waving awkwardly. “I was cleared by Holt?” It comes out as a question, and I cringe.

“Sylvia said she’d be sending one more over, but that was several hours ago. I assumed you got cold feet.” He adjusts his cuff, giving me a soft smile. Deep dimples appear in his beard, and it’s a little distracting.

---