Page 18 of Betrayed

My heart beat a little faster as I approached. Not because I wanted to see AJ, but because it reminded me I, we, needed protection. I told myself I wasn’t disappointed when the man who got out of the car and turned towards me had longer, lighter colored, wavy hair.

It shouldn’t have surprised me; John said someone else would be here in the evenings. The guy introduced himself as Jaden and asked if everything was okay. His voice was deep like AJ’s, but it didn’t sound the same.

“Just taking a walk,” I answered.

“Okay, let me know if you want to leave. Or if you want company, I’d be happy to walk with you.”

He’d be happy, my ass. His job was to make sure I didn’t leave the house unattended.

“Thanks, but I think I’ll go back inside.” Seeing my bodyguard negated the calming effect of the garden.Maybe I’ll take a long hot bubble bath and have a glass of wine.

Half a bottle later, I stepped out of the now bubble-less, tepid water and dried off.Much better. I corked the wine and blew out the lavender vanilla candle after putting on my favorite pajamas. After putting the leftover wine in my mini fridge, I grabbed my text book and got under my down comforter.

I must have fallen asleep because my book fell to the floor when I sat up in a panic a few hours later.

It was a dream. The faceless man wasn’t real.I’m okay.

I padded down the stairs and peeked out a front window. Jaden leaned on the hood of his car, stretching his arms over his head. His presence was comforting after my nightmare.

Everything’s okay. It was just a dream.No one is trying to kill you.

I told myself the whole thing was just a stupid prank.Tomorrow, one of Dad’s friends will own up to it and we’ll have a good laugh.

I'd have to force mine, because I didn’t think this was funny. Not one bit.

Chapter 12

Blake

Much to my disappointment, AJ waiting for me when I walked out the door Tuesday morning. He looked relaxed, leaning against the side of the car, but his eyes never stopped moving.

Until he heard the door slam.

Then his intense dark eyes focused on me as he closed the distance to the bottom of the porch steps so he could escort me to the car.Like I need help walking a few lousy feet.

He opened the rear passenger door before I reached it.

“I’m not helpless, you know. I can open my own doors.” It was bitchy, and not who I believed myself to be, but I hated when men treated women like they were helpless.

“Just doing my job, Ms. Davenport.” He grinned, pissing me off even more.

“Whatever.” I got in the car and tried to slam the door, but he held it until I gave up. He made a production out of closing it softly.

Big, stupid, jerk with his big muscles trying to intimidate me.

I glared as he walked around the front of the car, willing him to notice me, but he was looking left and right. When he finally got in and glanced at me in the review mirror, I scowled.

He fucking smiled, causing his dimples to crease like crescent moons in his cheeks.

“Which lot do we need to park in today?” he asked calmly.

“The same one as yesterday.” I barked at him, then looked away from his stupid face. It was like he was trying to piss me off by being polite.Who fucking does that?

“Buckle up.” After a short pause, he added, “Please.”

I buckled up. Not because he wanted me to, but because it was the law.

“I’m meeting some friends for lunch today. Can you try not to attack them for no reason?” I didn’t think of myself as a rude person, but AJ incited my snarky side.

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