Page 59 of Untamed Protector

“What do you mean?”

“Everyone at work found out about what Lucas did, even though he deleted that stupid video. Gabriel went after him hard. Peter pulled every string he could to get him out of jail. Lucas will be pissed if he sees you around. It’s good you have that guy in the hallway with you.”

I don’t know what Gabriel did, but I need to play along. All I knew was he was busy getting that video removed, and I had a hunch he might’ve threatened Lucas. Since he was with me the whole time, I figured he’d handle it or talk to Lucas later. I completely forgot that Gabriel has countless friends and an entire team of people working for him around the clock.

“Oh, that’s what you meant. That’s okay. There’s no need to worry about me. There won’t be any drama. I’ll be out of here soon.”

“Peter insisted you speak to him before you leave. He’s in a meeting right now, but he’ll come down to see you. He said it’s better this way.”

I left Peter a message this morning, letting him know I planned to quit. He just texted back, “I understand. I’m sorry.”

Susanah gives me a rushed hug, looking emotional, and walks out with an awkward smile. As I check the drawers to make sure I haven’t left anything behind, I hear Mike’s voice from the door that Susanah left open.

“You can’t see Lexi.” His large silhouette is blocking the door, so I can’t tell who he’s with. God, I hope he’s not talking like that to Peter. But instead, I hear Lucas’s voice. “Get out of my way, you idiot.”

I head over to the door. I should let Lucas in before he causes a scene. “He can come in, Mike. It’s okay.” He knows better than to pull anything on me at work.

Mike lets Lucas in but remains standing by the door, holding it open with his hand while Lucas tries to close it. Visibly annoyed, Lucas gives up and steps inside the room.

“Stay there,” I raise my voice as I look at Lucas.

“Why? Don’t tell me you’re afraid of me.”

“No, but if you get too close, Mike will intervene. You can say whatever you feel like from there. Why did you come?”

“To tell you I’m sorry.” I give him a skeptical look.

“I’m sorry you didn’t like my joke,” he continues, smirking. “You and that bodyguard boyfriend of yours.”

Yup, that’s the Lucas I know… “It wasn’t a joke, Lucas. It was mean, cruel, and unnecessary. What did I ever do to you to make you act like that?”

“You? Nothing. You’re too dull to make any difference in my life. At least, that’s what I thought until you hooked up with Gabriel. By the way, you can tell that thug it’s not over. Having friends in the police won’t help him. I have connections who are even more powerful and dangerous. You picked the wrong side, and you’ll get hurt. Your weakness for bodyguards will cost you.”

As he says the last words, Mike walks in and steps up close, staring him down with his arms folded. Lucas snorts and backs off. “Get your dog off me,” he says, looking at Mike. “Idiot. Just a bunch of meatheads.”

He rushes out of the room, his threats still lingering in the air. Mike grunts, clenches his fist, and strides into the hallway. If they ever cross paths again, I’m guessing he won’t be so civil toward Lucas. The guy has it coming, anyway.

I go back to my drawers and check the last one. “Mike, I’m all packed up. Let’s get the hell out of here before things get heated,” I say.

“Can you stay for five more minutes?” I hear Peter’s voice as he walks into the office and pauses, scanning the room. The place looks sad now that I’ve removed all the colorful stuff and the plants. All that’s left is the table, the chair, and a bookcase.

“Hello, Peter.”

He doesn’t speak right away, making me feel like I need to fill the silence. His face doesn’t say much, but it’s definitely not a happy one.

“I took care of the paperwork with HR. IT already has my laptop, so there’s nothing left to leave or take,” I mumble.

“I’m sorry,” Peter says, echoing his text from this morning. “I should’ve taken better care of you. Tell your father I’m sorry. I’ll still help with your medical bills if you let me know. That’s the least I can do. And, of course, if you need recommendations for your next job interviews, count on me, please.”

Why does he insist on helping? What sins is he trying to make up for by being so generous?

“Thank you, Peter, but I think I can manage. And my dad is doing fine. Thank you.”

“At least I did something right by bringing Gabriel into your life. You’re in good hands. Take care, Lexi,” he says, his voice trembling, then leaves before I can even respond. Wow! You never really know where you stand with the Maiers.

“Mike, we’re leaving,” I grab the box and shout so he can hear me from the hallway. It doesn’t matter where he takes me; I need to get out of here. Gabriel was right. I can’t stay here for one more day. But I need to find out what on earth he did to Lucas.

Giving the office a last scan, I head out to the hallway. Across the hall, I see Anita rushing over to me. Instinctively, my eyes turn to Mike, who’s a few feet away and comes next to me.

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