Page 2 of Set In Stone

“Yes, you did,” I agreed. My cheeks began to redden as I thought about the passionate love we made the night before. As strained as things had been, sex was never an issue for us. Our passion for each other was the one thing that could erase all the problems from theday.

“So, take the morning off. Go in after lunchtime.”

“Mmm…now that’s a novel idea,” Imurmured.

“Good. I’m glad you see things my way,” he said, as if the matter was settled. “A morning off is just what youneed.”

It was then that I realized his suggestion wasn’t a joke. It was acommand.

“Wait. I didn’t think you were serious. I can’t take the morning off,” I laughed, trying to keep my tone light. “I have too much todo.”

He pulled away from me and frowned, worry lines spreading over his beautifulfeatures.

“I’m sure whatever it is you have to do can wait. Besides, you can use your home office to handle anythingpressing.”

“I can’t just show up at work whenever I please. I have a responsibility, not only to Turning Stone, but also to the people that work for me,” I pointedout.

His frown deepened. He appeared to be contemplating my words, but thankfully didn’t push it further. Instead, he took a step back and began to fasten the buttons of his shirt. Sadly, I knew the tender moment we shared just a second before was now over. Turning away, I moved towards the walk-in closet to retrieve a pair ofheels.

“Have it your way. You’ve just been very tired lately. I don’t want you to become run down.” He paused and seemed to remember something. “Speaking of being run down, Hale has been stretched pretty thin trying to run security for the both of us. There have been too many schedule conflicts and it’s making me uncomfortable. I asked Hale to line up someone else to take over your security detail and chauffeur responsibilities. He starts next Monday. Hale will bring him by your office this afternoon so the two of you can getacquainted.”

I stopped on my way to the closet and turned back tohim.

“Alex, I don’t need a bodyguard or a driver. Do you think it’s really necessary to hire someoneelse?”

“Absolutely. Like I said, Hale is swamped. He can’t do it allalone.”

“No, you’re misunderstanding what I mean. I don’t use public transportation because you don’t want me to, which I understand even though I got along fine with it for years. The Porsche you gave me just sits in the parking garage at Cornerstone Tower because you insist on Hale driving me everywhere. I can get around on my own,” I said with a shake of my head. “You worry too much aboutme.”

“Krystina, you’re failing to recognize a very important factor. You’re with me now. That became public the minute we exited the car at the Stone’s Hope Charity Ball together. You can’t be alone. The press will eat youalive.”

Ilaughed.

“I think I can handle a reporter or two, Alex,” I assured, attempting to keep the conversation lighthearted. However, the smile faded from my lips when I saw the seriousness of hisexpression.

“The only reason why you haven’t seen your face all over the tabloids is because I’ve shielded you from it. They have learned to leave me alone, at least for the most part, because I refuse to give them anything. You, on the other hand, are freshmeat.”

I shook my headsadly.

“I think you’re being a little paranoid. It can’t be that bad,” I said gently. I placed my hand on his arm for reassurance, but he wasn’t havingit.

“This will not be a debate. I’m not taking any risks with your wellbeing or your safety, Krystina. Not again,” he insisted firmly, casting me a knowinglook.

I knew what he was referring to. He didn’t need to spell it out forme.

If it wasn’t for that damn caraccident…

My stomach tightened as images from that awful day flashed before me. It was more than just a caraccident.

Kidnapped. Locked in a trunk. Charlie andTrevor.

I shuddered, still able to hear their menacing voices in my head. I could still feel the panic. I could still smell the stale odor from the trunk and hear the crunch of metal when the car rolled. The memory raised the hair on the back of my neck and goose bumps peppered myarms.

Don’t think aboutit.

I tried to push away the thoughts about that terrifying day, only to have them evolve to the gut-wrenching weeks that followed. I often wondered if those weeks were harder than the incident itself. I didn’t like to remember how vulnerable Alexander had been. To see such a strong and utterly alpha man completely broken from worry as he sat by my hospital bedside was something I would not soon forget. I squeezed my eyes shut in an attempt to block out the horrificexperience.

Trevor is dead. He can’t hurt meanymore.

---