“Liberty,” I called out to her and her beautiful hazel green eyes met mine.
I’m going to make you mine,my mind whispered a promise, but I couldn’t tell her that. She’d run.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Liberty
“Liberty,” Alexander’s voice reached me and I met his gaze in the mirror.
I was falling apart, desperation and anguish engulfing me with the fear I would lose Brandon. I promised I would always be there for him. I felt tears burning my eyes.
I swallowed hard, staring at his face. He really was beautiful. Although his calmness could rub me the wrong way, right now, his calmness helped, just like at the funeral.
He took my hand, and I followed him in a haze. Maxim was still there too. I had to finish up the work day with those two, taking up notes on the acquisitions so I could take Brandon to dinner. And just like that, with my little Brandon on my mind, tears started pouring down my face.
“Sorry,” I sobbed, desperately trying to calm down.
Maxim embraced me. “It’s ok.”
He patted my back and that made me cry even harder. Then, I pushed him away. “Stop it,” I told him through sobs. “You are making it worse.”
He looked at me confused and then at Alexander.
“Liberty.” Alexander’s voice was calm as usual. I glanced over at him and saw that he’d seated himself in his executive chair, leaning backwards, observing me completely detached. “Calm down and let’s talk.”
I nodded and wiped tears on my cheek. For some reason, seeing him calm and detached, helped me calm down. I should’ve never let anyone see me like that. Unfortunately for me, Alexander saw me break down into a crying mess twice now.
Maxim sat in the chair next to me. He handed me the tissue and I grabbed it, dabbing at my nose.
“Sorry,” I mumbled softly. “Can we go through the acquisition paperwork quickly? I want to go to dinner.”
If I couldn’t keep Brandon, then I didn’t want this job. He was the only reason why I stuck to it.
“Liberty,” Maxim started. “It is not over until it’s over.”
I frowned at him. “I am really not in the mood for your riddles right now, Maxim. If they take him away, I am not doing this anymore.”
“I’m sorry,” he apologized. He was looking at me like I was some kind of caged animal, ready to strike. And that made me feel bad. He had been nothing but friendly to me since the beginning and even though he was trying to comfort me, I was snapping at him.
“No,” I stopped him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t take it out on you.”
He nodded understandingly. “We heard the conversation, some of it anyhow.”
“Please,” I had no energy to do this right now. “Let’s get this paperwork over with.”
Alexander nodded and Maxim followed suit. We were done in fifteen minutes and I felt calm enough to face Brandon. I needed some quiet time tonight to figure out a plan.
I got up to leave and Maxim followed to leave as well.
“Liberty,” Alexander spoke, his eyes on me were intense, his body relaxed and leaning casually against his executive chair. God, it must be good to be in his shoes, have everyone at your feet. “Can you stay a few more minutes?”
I glanced at Maxim who was already on his way out and raised my eyebrow. He winked, actually winked at me, and shut the door behind him. I looked back to Alexander.
“Why did he wink?” I asked him suspiciously.
“Who the hell knows?” he answered. “He is always up to something.”
I didn’t even care what he was up to. I sat down in my chair. I felt exhausted, emotionally and physically. I had been working so hard, and they still wanted to take Brandon away from me.