Page 31 of Royal Deception
13
RORY
As I sort through the pile of paperwork on my desk, I glance up to see that the usual hum of the city seems like a distant buzz today. My brain is filled to the brim with thoughts about Danny, the Russian threat, the usual business issues, and everything that’s been going on between me and Clary.
My phone buzzes, startling me out of my thoughts. I glance down at the screen and see Callie Fitzgerald’s name. My mind leaps at the chance to ignore all the pressing issues and talk to a familiar voice, especially one that has nothing to do with everything else.
“Rory,” I say, a smile tugging at my lips.
“Hello,” Callie replies, her voice warm but professional. “I’m calling to touch base about my upcoming book premiere.Time Thiefis coming out soon, and we need to go over security for the event. I’d like to meet to make sure everything’s in place.”
Her voice prompts me to sit up straighter. The wheels start turning in my head. “Of course, Callie. I’ll clear my schedule for tomorrow. What time works best for you?”
“How about one?” she offers.
“See you then,” I reply.
I’m already looking forward to a break from the chaos and focusing on something more fun. I order Clary to clear my schedule and begin preparing a dossier for event security. This book premiere isn’t just any old event. It’s a big deal for us to showcase what we can do in public. The last thing I need is something going wrong.
The next day, as the clock strikes one, a knock sounds at my door. I walk over to open it, and Callie stands there, a confident smile on her face.
“Rory,” she says, breezing past me and sitting in one of the leather armchairs facing my desk. “Thanks for meeting with me.”
“It’s my pleasure.” I smile and settle into my desk chair across from her. “I’ve got some preliminary plans, but I want to go over the details with you, just to make sure we have everything covered.”
Callie takes the file from me, glancing through the documents. “I brought the guest list,” she says, handing me a file from her bag, “and some additional details. There’s going to be a huge media presence this time, and the whole event will be a gala-style affair. Enchanted Dreams wants to make a splash for the third book.”
I study the guest list, taking note of some high-profile names and VIPs who will be in attendance.
“Got it,” I say. “We’ve outlined how we’ll ensure clear communication between our team and the venue, but I’ll make sure the security doesn’t feel overwhelming.”
“I agree.” She nods, scanning the plans. Her eyes lift to meet mine, a slight hesitation in her gaze. “There’s one thing I wanted to mention, but I wanted to do it in person.”
I set down the file and steeple my fingers. “I’m all ears,” I say. “I need to know about anything that could be an issue.”
She breathes out slowly and shakes her head. “It might be nothing,” she starts, “but the other day, when I was arriving home, I saw a package at my door marked,From a fan. My building is secure, Rory. No mail goes directly to our door. And I don’t get fan mail sent to my personal address anymore—it all goes to a PO Box.”
I lean forward, concern tightening the lines around my eyes. “Did you open it?”
She shakes her head. “I handed it directly over to Finn, as instructed. He disposed of it immediately but wouldn’t tell me what was inside. I could tell it wasn’t just a letter.”
“So we’re looking at a potential stalker,” I murmur, leaning back in my chair. “Are you sure you don’t want to cancel the event? You’d be a huge target there.”
She frowns, her voice firm. “I can’t cancel,” she says. “I’m not going to cancel. I’ve worked hard to build a relationship with my fans. I won’t let fear take that away.”
Callie crosses her arms, determination in her gaze. I can’t help but admire her strength. She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever known.
It’s undeniable that Callie’s confident attitude is magnetic. It’s a breath of fresh air to be around a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to go after it. She’s driven, independent, with no hint of hesitation in her mannerisms.
Everything about her exudes control, from the way she speaks to the way she carries herself. She’s got a firm grip on life, and I can’t help but respect her for it.
Some part of me can’t help but contrast that with Clary. Clary’s different, far more fragile in some ways. Her self-doubt lingers in the air between us like a constant presence. I know she has a lot of potential, but she never seems to see it in herself. She second-guesses everything, hesitates before making decisions, always asks for more but is unwilling to go above and beyond.
It drives me crazy. I’d like to see her grow a backbone, to stand up for herself once and take charge.
Between the two of them, if I were ever to get into a relationship, Callie would be the obvious choice. Callie is a woman who can handle herself in any situation. She’s someone who could survive in my world, no question.
But something draws me to Clary. Something I can’t explain. Even if she were to grow into a woman like Callie, I can see her still retaining that innocence, that vulnerability that shines through, the goodness that I’d never want to squash out. The thought of her opening herself up just for me sends a thrill down my spine.
