Page 48 of Decoded
“Just talking with my friends, I answer. “By the way, have you ever noticed how much Camden resembles Clark Kent?”
“Huh. I’ve never thought about it, but I guess I can see it. Good to know that I’m the superior superhero.”
I crinkle my nose at him. “Oh, and who is that?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He lowers his voice and puffs out his chest. “I’m Batman.”
Ugh. It’s been a long ass week and even though it’s Friday, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. Keaton has had to work late the past two nights and has let me take his truck home early while he caught a ride with Lincoln. I’ve dozed off before he hasmade it home both nights now, and I miss him. It looks like another late night is in store for us, though.
My phone buzzes on my desk and with a yawn I pick it up and flip it over.
Unknown Number: It’s been weeks, and I can’t get your taste off my mind, sweet girl.
My mouth goes dry, and a rush of nausea comes over me. I make it to the bathroom just in time for my lunch from Pizza Papa to come up. Thankfully we have private bathrooms here, so nobody can see what a mess I am right now. Walking over to the sink, I wet a paper towel and put the cool, damp cloth on the back of my neck.
It’s one thing for Daniel to send me the messages he does. But why did he have to send one that reminds me of the worst moment in my life? It takes several minutes for me to regain my composure and be ready to go back out and sit at my desk, but just as I’m about there, I literally run into my husband.
“Anna, Baby, what’s wrong?” He whispers, a reminder that the staff doesn’t know about our nuptials yet.
I sport a fake smile and in a high pitch I don’t think has ever left my mouth before, I shriek that I’m fine. It’s clear Keaton doesn’t believe me, and I can’t say I blame the man, but before he can demand the truth out of me Lincoln comes up behind us. “Keat, we need to go over these numbers.”
My husband looks at me with a pained expression and this time I give him a real smile, albeit a very tiny one. He motions for his brother to go into his office and then he shuts the door. I sit at my desk and delete the vile message before blocking the new number.Soon.I tell myself.This will all be over soon.
“Miss Keith, can I see you in my office, please?” Keaton’s voice is a bit louder than usual, and I note a few of our colleagues, well my colleagues, his employees, giving me theooo girl, you’re in troublelook.
When I hear the click of the door closing, horrible memories pop up.He isn’t Daniel. He won’t hurt you. He loves you.
I repeat the words I know are true in my head, but it doesn’t stop me from jumping when Keaton’s voice booms in the small space. “Bend over, put your hands on the desk and pull that skirt up, Baby.”
“What? Why?” I ask, confused about what’s going on.
“It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you. I’ve missed you so much. I can’t wait until we get home. I need you now.”
I can hear the desperation in his voice, and any other time this would be hot as hell, but after the message and the memories, I can’t help but see myself in Daniel’s office.
“I…I can’t.” I stammer out. “I want to, but I can’t do this, Keaton.” Tears get stuck in my throat as I choke out his name.
“Hey,” he comes over and pulls me to him in a hug. “Baby, shh. I’m sorry. I just wanted you so bad, but I didn’t know trying something here in the office would make you upset like that. If you’re not into public sex, that’s fine. I’ll wait. I’ll wait for you, Anna.”
His sweet understanding has me crying harder, drenching his crisp shirt that fits his impeccable body just right.
“Is something else wrong, Baby? Do you want to talk about it?” His hand strokes my hair as I cling to him like a fucking koala that can’t be bothered to leave the tree. I shake my head and the incredible man I married just continues to hold me and tell me everything will be okay.
God, I hope he’s right.
Chapter thirty-four
Keaton
A
nna and I are a couple of hours later than usual when we pull into the parking lot of Phismerman’s Cybersecurity, and I have no regrets. She has been extra emotional these past few weeks and I can’t imagine the hell she’s going through internally. Making love to her this morning was cathartic for the both of us and the need for each other was so strong we had to go for another session in the shower.
I look across the truck as she paints her lips with her signature dusty pink color. It may have just been moments ago that I was inside of her but if she’d let me, I would hike up that navy dress she’s wearing and go for another round right here in the cab of this vehicle. The way she reacted in my office the other day tells me that’s not going to go over well, so I adjust myself and try to calm the fuck down.
“What if we just go back home and stay in bed for the rest of the day?” I’m only half joking, but she grants me a smirk.
“It’s a little late for that now. We’re here, so we may as well go in. Besides, you have that meeting with Caruso Enterprises in ten minutes and they will not take kindly to being rescheduled.”
