Page 56 of The Heir

My patience is up. "Your daughter is safe, Ms. Brookes. I just ask that you give us a few weeks alone, with no interference to settle into our marriage. I don't want you trying to talk her out of it, or scare her for any reason. I am truly sorry that you are upset, but I would like for you to have a good day, Ms. Brookes. If you need something, have Pablo contact Gustavo."

"Hendrix, are you insane? You cannot keep me from Isobel-"

With a click I hang up on her through the tablet and then exit the gym room.

No one will be allowed to come between us. Not her family, nor mine. No, we're about to become an impenetrable island for a bit. Until I can get a better grip on this little she devil of mine.

Until I am assured that she can behave herself and won't run from me.

Chapter twelve

I Do?

Pissed, I side eye the tall stoic man sitting calmly with his legs spread and his arms crossed on the far side of the room by the door. "How much does he fucking pay you to babysit me?" I ask.

Cradling Sweetie close to my chest, I sit in the corner of the room on the floor in between the terracotta planter and the wall that holds so many things I've touched over the months, solidifying the answer to my question that he has in fact been following me for the better part of a year.

I bury my nose in her fur. Though I'm upset at him, he's found a soft spot within me that I didn't even know existed.

My eyes cut back over to my appointed babysitter. Xavier, who I've so far learned is a tough as nails ex-marine who will not share one ounce of his business with me other than that, looks over at me from his seat against the far wall by the door that connects my bedroom with King's.

Or,ourbedroom, as he calls it.

"I'm paid pretty nicely. Thank you for asking." His tone is gruff, no-nonsense, and I can tell he doesn't want me to keep asking questions. He takes his job very seriously. "Do you need anything?"

Looking over at him I arch a brow. "I could use my one phone call. Shouldn't I get one of those a day?" He stares at me impassively, but I can see a spark enter his eye. "I mean, since I'm in prison and all. Even prisoners in state penitentiary get more rights than this!"

"No." Xavier looks away from me. Ending that conversation.

Putting Sweetie down gently, I stand up and stretch, plucking at my shirt. "Can I have something else to wear? I don't want his clothes on me anymore."

Xavier pulls out a phone and dials another number. "Marianne, can you please bring Ms. Brookes a change of clothes?"

Then he hangs up and then calls a number. "Mr. King, Ms. Brookes is requesting to get dressed. Marianne is bringing her a change of clothes. Do I have permission to give her privacy for five minutes?" My eyes go wide as Xavier grunts. "No, no she did not eat her lunch either, sir." He pauses for a second before side eyeing me. "Just got off the floor. No. Yes, sir." He hangs up the phone.

I stand there, waiting. When Xavier's not forthcoming, I throw my arms to the side impatiently."Well?"

Just then, Marianne comes through the door, holding a cream, slinky dress tossed across her arm. "Ma'am." She smiles at me and then lays my dress over the bed. "Mr. King requests your presence for dinner."

The nerve.

"Tell him I saidfuck you.And to give me my phone."My eyes flash as hers go wide before she looks down nodding.

"Yes, ma'am." She turns on her heel and then leaves the room.

Xavier stands up and gives me a look. "You've got three minutes to change. Not five," he says simply, exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

I lunge for the dress, ripping off my clothes and seeing that she didn't bring any panties, or a bra. Not even a strapless bra. I hold the dress up, seeing it's rather low cut. I make a small sound and turn, searching for a dresser that I know is not there. Holding up his shirt to my breasts, I walk gingerly to the door and crack it enough to speak.

"Um… Marianne?" I call out.

Her eyes come up to the door, startling me. "Yes ma'am, I'm here. Are you okay?" Her voice holds concern that I wish I could feel would help me. But, she's under his instruction, his payroll.King's,not mine.

"I think you forgot a bra…and some undies," I say, hopefully.

Marianne's eyes turn timid. "Mr. King instructed me to provide you with only a dress, ma'am."

I lick my lips. "Okay… but woman to woman, I need a bra-"

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