Page 67 of Thiago
Now was the time to come clean about what he had done. “There is something you should know about your doctor friend. I hired a private detective and had him investigated?—”
“You had him investigated? Oh, this should be good.” She crossed her arms, her face settling into firm lines.
“Do you remember how two minutes ago you told me you didn’t mention he was contacting you because you wereconcerned about my reaction? Well, for the same reason, I didn’t tell you that I had him investigated. I didn’t see the point since you had ended your relationship with him. Now I see he has been keeping in touch, that changes everything.
“The investigation uncovered a couple of parking tickets and a speeding ticket from two years ago. All minor. What interested me were the accusations made by his ex-wife. After their marriage ended, he continued to text her and send flowers. Then, according to her, shortly after he saw her with another man, he became violent. One day, he smashed her car windows. Another time, he flattened her tires and threw a rock through the window of her home. The good doctor denied the charges, and the restraining order his ex-wife requested was denied since there was no proof he had done any of those things. Fortunately for her, a few weeks later, he moved to Atlanta to work at the hospital.”
India’s eyebrows drew together. “He doesn’t give off stalker energy. I’m genuinely shocked.”
“Which is why I should be the one to talk to him.”
“No,” India said immediately.
“Why not?” Thiago demanded.
“From what you said, it sounds like the behavior escalated when he saw his wife’s new man, and if you talk to him, Iknowyou’ll piss him off. It’s better if I handle the situation. I’ll give Simon a call and politely but firmly ask him to stop contacting me.”
“Politely and firmly sounds like the right way to deal with a stalker,” Thiago said in a dry tone.
India pursed her lips at him. “If my method doesn’t work, then you can get involved.”
Thiago didn’t like her plan, but at least she lived and parked in a secure building. He also knew her well enough to knowshe wouldn’t budge. He locked eyes with her to ensure she understood the gravity of his next words.
“You have until tomorrow to talk to him. If he gives the slightest hint that he will not accept what you say, let me know. ThenIwill talk to him. I will walk right into the hospital where he works and make sure he understands you are off-limits.”
“Got it, but I doubt you’ll have to get involved. Now, I’m going to take your offer and go home.”
Thiago captured her chin between his fingers. “I know you are accustomed to taking care of yourself, but you have me now. If this man gives you any problems, or if anything seems out of the ordinary in the coming weeks, you let me know right away. Am I clear?”
Her face softened with appreciation. “Yes, and thank you. I promise I’ll let you know if my car is vandalized or anything else odd happens.”
“I hope so. And do not take any work home. Get some rest. I will stop by later.”
“I’ll see you later.”
He kissed her briefly and watched as she walked out of the office. When she was gone, he rounded the desk and sat in his chair.
They’d had a wonderful time in Brazil, and since they’d been back, their relationship was stronger than ever, but he didn’t like that Simon continued to reach out to her. As a man, he knew what that meant. Simon hadn’t accepted she had moved on, and being nice only encouraged the doctor, making him think the door to their relationship was still open. India would have to put her foot down hard to make sure he understood he didn’t stand a chance with her.
As for Thiago, he meant what he had said. He would go to speak to Simon if he didn’t leave her alone. He would check inwith India to make sure she did talk to him. In the meantime, he wanted to ease her burden at work.
He hadn’t known much about lupus before their conversation in Brazil, but since their return to the States, he had done his research.
While the average person’s immune system helped them fight infection and disease, for people like India, the immune system actually attacked the body, causing inflammation and leading to lupus flares and potential long-term damage. The disease destroyed the body’s organs and was completely unpredictable.
In addition to learning more about the disease, he also understood how the steps India took helped minimize her symptoms. He wanted to help her but couldn’t let her know. She was proud and independent, but he already had ideas.
Picking up the phone, he called his assistant into the office.
Amir arrived with his iPad and an electronic pen in hand, stopping in front of Thiago’s desk.
“I need you to work on a couple of projects that I think will boost morale and increase productivity. Here’s what I want to see happen.” Swiveling his chair to the right, Thiago crossed his ankle over his left knee. “I want to institute a new program in the company. It will be a wellness program, and we need a name. If the program works here at our U.S. headquarters, we will roll out the idea to the entire company. First, we’re going to start offering in-house massages to staff as a way to help with stress. Anyone who needs a break can book a massage.”
“Will there be a limit to how many massages staff can get in a week?” Amir asked, his pen poised above the tablet screen.
“No. If they need one, they can have one.”
Amir raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Aren’t you worried some people will abuse the policy?”
