Page 24 of Burned
Davian hung back to pay the breakfast tab, while the rest of us headed for the lobby. Once we were all together, we went over the plan again before going our separate ways. In my heart, I felt like Kenzi would leave with me. The minute she said, “Yes,” I was to take her down one floor and hop on the elevator to the second floor, just as I planned before this mess. The only difference was that Davian would be there with a change of clothes for her. It was the best part of the plan. Having Kenzi look the part of a business executive was ingenious on Patton’s part. No one would look twice at her when we left the building. Not even the two linebackers from yesterday who were there to protect her. Once she was safely out of the building, she would ride with me in the rental from the hotel. Davian thought it best to ditch the Audi in case it was spotted and Stevenson tracked it. When we were back at the hotel, Davian would have another rental waiting for us. Kenzi and I would finally be together.
~19~
Kenzi
Last night with River was amazing. Not only had he confessed his feelings toward me, we were, in my heart, a couple. It was a surreal feeling. I never thought I could feel anything for anyone again. The way I felt about River was unlike anything I had felt before. He was an extraordinary guy. Handsome, caring, and although he could be bossy at times, I liked it.
Everything about us clicked. Our morning routine was in sync with him getting up early to do his morning workout while I slept. By the time my alarm went off, he was already dressed and making breakfast for us.
Starting my morning routine, I stood in front of the mirror, splashed my face with water, and grabbed my toothbrush. While in the middle of brushing my teeth, I remembered what I told Axe yesterday when he showed up out of the blue. I really didn’t care what he had to say. I knew the truth. Even if he didn’t blow up my mom’s bookstore like the evidence showed, how could I believe him? He was connected to Van Wilkerson and Niles Harris and that was something I could never get past. They kidnapped me. But I never go back on my promises. I would let him say his piece and then we were done.
Running a quick brush through my hair, I twisted it in a low bun and secured it with hairpins. River had mentioned a meeting with a client tonight, so I opted for something that would be appropriate for work and dinner. Choosing a teal-colored sheath dress, I slipped it on and took a quick look at myself in the full-length mirror inside the closet to make sure it wasn’t too short. The length was perfect and when I slipped on my white heels; it made my legs look longer than they were.
I rummaged through the jewelry River had picked out for me and found a gold boxed link chain with a pearl wrapped in diamonds. I held it up to my dress and smiled at how well the two went together. Adding two gold bangle bracelets, I headed out of the bedroom to welcome in the morning with River.
Just like yesterday morning, River was wearing an expensive suit, gray this time, fitting him perfectly. I couldn’t get over the difference in his appearance from the first day we met. I liked his rugged side, but I fell in love with the man standing before me in a gray suit.
Giving me one of his signature smiles, River walked around the center island and handed me a cup of coffee. Holding it to my lips, I took a slow sip and smiled. “Mmm… just the way I like it. Strong and sweet.”
“Be careful, sweetheart, or you just might not make it to work on time,” he answered with a twinkle of mischief in his blue eyes.
If I didn’t have a full day, I might have played hooky for a couple of hours to take advantage of his comment. “That, Mr. Stevenson, is very tempting. If my day wasn’t full and I wasn’t a new employee, I just might take you up on your offer.
Kissing the top of my head, like he always did, he whispered, “Shall we go, my little minx?”
Smiling at his pet name for me, I grabbed a freshly baked croissant and smeared it with jam and placed it in a to-go container. As I placed it in my briefcase, I replied, “All ready.” Breakfast was the most important meal of the day and there was no way I was going to miss out on River’s croissants.
Mark and Brian were once again standing by the black Audi, waiting for me and River. Today was one day that I wished they would take a break. The thought of Axe being caught by them twisted my stomach in knots.
My apprehension was evident when I clung to him as I stumbled. “Are you okay, sweetheart?” he said as he reached out and put his arm around my waist.
Gathering my composure, I released his arm. “I’m fine. Damn new shoes.”
The drive to the Monadnock Building was uneventful, other than River explaining to me what tonight’s meeting would entail and when he would be here to pick me up. I could tell by River’s expression and the way he spoke about this Mr. Turner; he wasn’t fond of the guy. Calling him an arrogant SOB might have been my first clue.
Confused why he would go to a meeting with such a jerk, I asked, “If you despise the man so much, why do business with him?”
River kept his eyes straight ahead. “Because he is one of our top clients. He has paid millions upon millions for Triage’s service.”
Before I could ask what services were so important, Mark chimed in. “We have arrived, Mr. Stevenson.”
River and I could both see where we were. Mark’s abrupt comment was a way to end this conversation before it got heated. Mark pulled the car to the curb and turned off the engine. He and Brian exited the car, with Brian opening the passenger door for me. It was like déjà vu, and I wondered how long this routine would last. The best part was River leaving me with a sweet kiss.
Call it paranoia, but before we entered the building, I had this creepy feeling I was being watched. As I looked around, no one walking along the sidewalk or parking their vehicle seemed out of place. Maybe it was the anxiety of meeting up with Axe in a matter of a few hours that had me on edge.
Mark and Brian perched on the bench near the elevator while I headed to the twelfth floor. Before I walked through my office door, just like clockwork, the phone in my office rang. I didn’t need to answer it to know it was either Mark or Brian. Knowing that I had to pick up the receiver, I held it to my ear and said nothing. I was in a mood and only playing with them.
Waiting for one of them to say something, my heart fell to my gut. “I hope my sweetheart is on the other end of this line, because if not, I’m coming down there.”
“River, I… thought it was Mark or Brian. I’m sorry,” I backpedaled. “I was only playing around.”
“I took it upon myself to call you instead. When I left you, I forgot to wish you a good day and to remind you to be ready to leave at five.” Annoyance coated his voice, clearly because of my immaturity. “No more games, my love. We are both past that.”
“I promise, no more games.”
“Good. Games are not out of the question when satisfying your pleasure, though.”
My pulse quickened, and my body heated. “I’ll remember that.”
