Page 62 of Secret Billionaire

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The police arrived and took her statement. “We’ll file the complaint but understand, since we don’t have an address and he’s not a citizen, it will be difficult to monitor his movements or even find him. It’s not against the law to send flowers and we have no proof he was behind the break in.”

Faye nodded her head in understanding. She looked so fragile and alone, sitting at a table next to the burly police officer, her hands folded in her lap. It made Jesse want to howl at the top of his lungs. He felt the weight of his actions resting squarely on his shoulders. I never should have bailed on her.I’ve was supposed to protect her.

Ty hissed in his ear, “Can I have a word with you,” he jerked his head toward the deck, “Outside?”

Jesse pinched the bridge of his nose but nodded his head and followed Ty out.

Ty was pacing back and forth then he stopped and slammed his hand down on the table. “What the fuck man? Faye deserves better than what you did to her.”

“Listen Ty, you’re young, I don’t expect you to understand, life’s complicated.”

“Fuck you. I may be young, but I’ve had my share of life’s complications dude. That’s bullshit and you know it. It was all about your ego.”

Jesse clenched his fists. “I know you care, and I’m glad Faye has you in her corner. I like you Ty, I’m sorry I hurt Faye and its tearing me up that I wasn’t here to protect her. But I’m here now.”

“Too late dude, you blew it.”

“That may be true, but I can still be there for her as a friend. If she’ll have me.”

“You know what bothers me the most? That you just cut out and didn’t finish the job man, that’s cold. This is her livelihood.”

“I had full intentions of finishing the job! Did you see me taking my tools? No, because they’re all still here. I just needed some time to get my head on straight.”

Ty rubbed the back of his neck, “Well I’m relieved to hear that at least.”

“I’m glad you’re pissed at me. It shows that you’re loyal and that you’ve got integrity.”

“I don’t need or want your approval anymore dude.”

“Ouch! I guess I deserve that. But not for you to decide dude. Whether you want it or not, you’ve got it. I’m heading back inside to check on Faye. Good talk.” He couldn’t resist the dig. He respected Ty’s gumption, but his words still stung.

The police had left and Maddy was hovering over Faye who still sat at the table. She had her hand protectively on Faye’s shoulder as she turned toward them.

“They weren’t much help. But the Bennett name did get their attention at least. You need to call your brother Kyle and get him to put the pressure on.” Maddy said. “In the meantime, we’ve got to come up with our own plan to keep you safe. You should never be alone. Not until this guy is shipped back to New Zealand or sitting in jail.”

“I agree,” Jesse said.

Tyler puffed out his chest, “I can be her bodyguard.” Faye’s mouth curved into a smile.

“Everyone let’s calm down and think this through. Obviously, he’s been around for a while and hasn’t done anything violent,” Maddy said. “The biggest threat is when she’s here alone and coming and going to work.”

“Faye, you have to start driving your car or letting someone take you. Then either Ty or I will be here whenever you’re here,” Jesse said.

“I can’t ask y’all to put your own lives on hold for me.”

“You’re not asking, we’re telling you,” Jesse said stubbornly. “Look I’ve been MIA for the past week, I know that, but I was always going to come back and finish the job. I gave you my word.”

“Under the circumstances, I understand if you don’t want to tackle the kitchen anymore,” Faye said quietly.

“The circumstances are that I own a company and you hired me to renovate your bar. Despite our personal problems, that’s what we agreed to. This is my job and my reputation on the line. No arguments. That is…unless you’re firing me?”

She bit her lip, eyes glistening with unshed tears. “No, I’m not firing you.” Bowing her head, she said, “Thank you, Jesse. I don’t deserve that after what I did to you.”

Maddy and Ty snorted at the same time which made Faye giggle. “Okay you two pit bulls…stand down.”

Maddy and Ty looked at each other, and seeing their defensive stances mirrored in one another, uncrossed their arms and relaxed their shoulders.

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