Page 108 of Corrupting Ivy

I put my phone on silent, then put it in my back pocket so I wouldn’t forget. After brushing my hair into a ponytail, I walked into the kitchen to get the credit card.

The bright kitchen smelled of freshly baked bread, despite the fact that Sam had not made any. I’d know since I’d devoured it all before anyone else could get their hands on it. I picked up the small black purse with the name Prada engraved on a tiny upside-down triangle, then grabbed my key and credit card beneath it.

He bought me a Prada purse? I couldn’t accept this. It was too much, too fast. I’d accept the credit card. At least I could choose how much money I spent.

I left the purse on the counter and pocketed the credit card, then walked outside.

That’s when I saw him.

A large man with a military-style haircut stood beside my car, dressed in black cargo pants and a black t-shirt that didn’t look like it would survive him flexing or moving. I stopped and took a step back as he came towards me.

“It’s okay. Mr. Randall ordered me to drive you today.”

My heart couldn’t decide if it wanted to race or stop altogether until the man stepped forward again.

“You should call him if that will make you feel better.”

I swallowed hard and reached into my pocket while keeping my gaze pinned on him, then dialed Randall.

“What’s wrong?” Randall said, answering on the first ring.

“There is a man next to my car.” I looked at Johnny Bravo. “What’s your name?”

“Jason—”

“His name is Jason,” Randall answered before I could relay the information. “I wanted him to drive you around your first time out without me. Just while I’m busy.”

The heavy weight holding my shoulders down eased, and I took a breath, then walked back inside.

“I don’t need someone to take me places, Randall.”

“It’s just a precaution. He’s good and has military experience.”

“What do I need a man like that for?” I gritted my teeth and threw my hands out to the side as if he could see me.

“Just until you’re used to the city. Liz doesn’t go anywhere without one.” He sighed. “Can we discuss this later? I’ve got to go.”

“Okay.” I groaned as the phone went dead. I tucked it back into my pocket and walked back out to Jason.

“I guess you’re going to hang out with the girls today.” I smiled as though it made me happy to have a man I didn’t know tag along.

“You’ll never know I’m here.”

Somehow, that just didn’t seem feasible. How do you become invisible when you’re a man the size of a bodybuilder and a face like that?

“Sure.”

“Are you ready?”

“I guess.”

He climbed into the driver’s side, and I climbed into the front passenger.

“So why did he stick you with me today?”

“Mr. Randall is a very important man, and people would do anything to take advantage of that.”

I swallowed and looked out the window as he started the car and backed out of the driveway.

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