Page 76 of Shâhzâdeh

Xerxes.

I had to admit that I’d used what he did to mask how I felt. To mask what I wanted. Which was him. I wanted him despite whatever perceived danger that was around him. Frankie and the other women I’d met at her wedding were confident enough in the men that they’d chosen. Part of me felt like I was insulting Xerxes’ ability to protect me. And I knew that was something that just wasn’t true. I didn’t know how to make it right, but I would.

The phone rang giving me something else to do instead of focus on how I was messing up. Putting a smile on my face so it could be heard in my voice I picked up the phone.

“Flourish Realties this is Vanya speaking.”

“Is this Mrs. Kennedy?”

“No, this isMs. Kennedy, how may I help you?” Despite my disdain at their mistake, I kept the smile on my face because I hoped it was an honest mistake and not some bullshit.

I hated that people still played these games. Especially the people who ran in the same realtor circles and knew I’d been divorced far longer than I’d been married.

“Are you alone right now, Ms. Kennedy?”

My instincts told me to hang up the phone but I didn’t listen to it quickly enough. “Who is this?”

“I wonder how Xerxes would feel if you were found in pieces today.” My antenna went up at the joy that I heard in his voice. Like he was excited at the way he was making me uncomfortable with his words. His voice was deep and measured. Like he knew exactly what and how to convey this threat so I was terrified.

“Pieces?” I’d tried to sound strong but I couldn’t help that my voice cracked slightly. My eyes darted around the room to see if there was someone or something about to appear out of nowhere.

“There are so many ways we could get to you right now, Vanya. Because what type of man would allow you, something he values, to be left all alone? How soon do you think he can get to you, Vanya? Before I make my way in that building and lift that pretty skirt you have on? Beautiful pleats on it. Very classy. Are you going to risk driving your car home tonight? Even with the little addition we’ve added to it?”

My eyes went to the door and the entire panel of glass that was at the front of my building. No one was coming inside the door, but I was still going to be prepared. “Who is this?”

A sadistic chuckle filled my ear making me feel like I was speaking with evil. “Me? You will find out soon. I’m going to go now. Make sure you call him and tell him to hurry. My patience is growing thin.”

The line went dead and I gripped the receiver before putting it back on the cradle. I immediately picked up the cell phone Xerxes had given me when we first started working together and dialed his number.

“My day vas going well but it has improved by an infinite amount seeing your name on my screen. Tell me, ziba, how are you?” His voice held the normal charm, but it did nothing to soothe me after the call I just had.

“Xerxes—”

“What’s wrong?” The playful sound that had been in his tone had dropped and it held a hardness I had only experienced that night in my apartment. And in front of my ex. Xerxes was moving around and I knew he was coming to me.

Should I want him to come?

“Xerxes, they’re saying there is something on my car.”

“Who are zhey,ziba? I know you’re scared but I vouldn’t allow anyzing to happen to you. No one has been close enough to your car to put anyzing on it.”

I looked down at the key to my car before picking it up toying with the idea I had. “I don’t think you should come here. I don’t know if they’ve put a tracker or a bomb or what on my truck. I’m going to remote start it—”

“Don’t! Even with zhe ballistic glass zhat I had zhe windows replaced wiz, it could still leave you vulnerable. Is your secretary back from lunch yet?” His tone was panicked but immediately went back to the normal, measured cadence.

I stopped pacing briefly to glance around my office. “How did you—”

“The answer, Vanya!” It was the first time he’d ever snapped at me and I knew he wasn’t playing with me.

“No. She’s not.” A tear slipped. I hated that it had because I felt like I was going to lose control.

“Don’t let anyone into your office until you see me, do you understand?” The background of the conversation changed and I could hear him say something to Shoaib in Farsi as he waited for me to speak.

“Of course but—”

“I’m walking to my helicopter and Quentin is getting Navi on the phone. I understand you’re worried, but I will be in front of your office door within ten minutes.”

“Okay.” I bit my lip but now my concern was shifting from myself to Navi. What if she tried to walk into the door and they hurt her? What if they’d tried to hurt her when she left?

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