by Kate Benson
ADAM
I’m about twenty minutes into my meeting when my phone gently vibrates against the conference table beside me, pulling my eyes away briefly. Usually, I’d ignore it, but it’s Bella.
With everything going on and her being so stressed out right now, there’s little to nothing that can keep me from picking up.
We’re leaving Moxies and heading to my apartment. I need to pick up a few things. I’ll check in once I’m home.
I love you. XO Bella
I begin chewing on my lip in concern, hating the idea immediately. I know to her, it seems harmless. However, I also know how hard I worked at keeping her from the internet and news all weekend. She has no idea how many reports have been surfacing from the front steps of her quiet and, until recently, secluded apartment building.
Right now, it’s anything but calm over there.
No. I don’t want you going there right now, Isabella. It isn’t safe, even with security. -Adam
I reluctantly set my phone to the side, silently hoping for her compliance as I try to put my focus back on the task at hand. When more than ten minutes pass without any word from her, however, I begin to get nervous and reach for my phone once more.
Answer me and tell me you’re going home. -Adam
When five more minutes go by with no response, I swallow the annoyance building in my chest and lift the phone into my palm once more. This time, I text Maya and Troy.
Are you with her? -Adam
Troy replies almost instantly.
Yes, sir.
Tell her to answer me. Now. -Adam
Yes, sir.
I’m sorry. My phone was in my bag and I didn’t hear it. We just arrived at my apartment and things seem to be reasonably quiet. Maya and I are just running up to grab three things and I promise I’ll go straight home.
I love you. XO Bella
My frustration spikes and I release an involuntary growl of annoyance that pulls more than a dozen eyes toward me.
“I’m very sorry,” I apologize, giving my best smile despite the growing pit of anxiety in my stomach. “I need to step out for a moment and will return very shortly. Keep working on what we can do about the Keller account and I’ll be right with you.”
ISABELLA
Troy comes to a stop near the curb outside my building and gives the area a quick sweep, making me roll my eyes as I step out with Maya. We’re halfway across the wide lawn and I’m about to make a sarcastic quip about them overreacting when two men step out from the side of the large, brick structure.
“Miss Baxter?” one of them begins. I assume it’s another resident, but when I turn to find him trotting quickly across the lawn with a camera in hand, it sends my heart racing.
“It’s her!” the other calls out, lifting his camera as four more photographers begin to approach us. “Did you and Adam Avery break up? Is that why you’re back here?”
“What?” I start, but Maya cuts me off, shaking her head.
“Say nothing,” she reminds me as I glance back to the car, now too far to flee safely.
“Keep your head down,” Troy insists, shielding me from them as we quicken our steps and make it to the building. “Back off!” he demands of them. “You have to back up!”
“We just want to ask Isabella…”
“Isabella, you look beautiful!”
“Where is Adam Avery?”
I step to the right, Maya hot on my trails as I follow Troy closely and glance up just in time to see three more coming from the other side, two of them snapping pictures immediately.
“Miss Baxter!”
“How did you bag Adam Avery?”
“Is it true he’s going to lose his company?”
“A source told us you’re pregnant with the next heir to the Avery fortune. Is this true?”
Oh, my God.
“Maya, please get me inside,” I whisper, gripping her arm and pushing passed them, pulling a deep breath in as I launch myself up the stairs.
“Are you alright?” Troy asks, giving me a quick onceover as I nod quickly, the sound of my phone blaring from my pocket pulling at my attention.
“Hello?”
“Where are you?” Adam demands into the line.
“My apartment,” I manage, my breathing heavy and on edge as I risk a glance through the small window framing the main entrance to my building, swallowing hard as I take in the small throng of people shouting back at me. “They’re everywhere, Adam.”
“Baby, I told you no. What the hell are you thinking?”
“I was thinking about how I’ve been fucking isolated for three days and I wanted my things. I was also thinking that I’m not an interesting person, so why the hell would all these people be here, Adam? It’s not like I was-”
“Isabella,” he cuts me off, his tone full of a combination of worry and authority. “I understand that you’re upset, but you know better.”
“I know. I’m sorry,” I breathe, collecting myself. “I just… I didn’t think it would be like this and I didn’t get your message until we were already here. The lawn was clear, so we got out and that’s when all hell broke loose. I wouldn’t have intentionally walked into this. You have to know that.”
“Alright,” he sighs. I don’t have to see him to know he’s raking his palm over his forehead in concentration. “Listen, just get what you need and go straight home, okay? John is already on his way to help Maya and Troy. Next time keep a better eye on your phone. You’ve got me worried sick right now and I’m in the middle of a meeting with seven department heads.”
“I’m sorry,” I say again, my chest swelling with regret. “I didn’t mean for this to interrupt your work.”
“I don’t care about that,” he admits. “Just be quick and let me know when you’re home and safe.”
“I will,” I reply, turning the key in the latch and stepping inside the small space after what seems like forever. “I prom-” My words are cut off by a deep gasp of surprise, followed by a flood of emotion. “Oh, my God.”
“Bella?” he says across the line. The concern in his voice is obvious. I try my best to answer him, but I’m in shock, my small frame beginning to rack with both sorrow and fear. “Isabella? What’s wrong?”
“Adam,” I whisper, my voice broken and small as I take in the destruction that used to be my home. “Adam, someone’s been in my apartment.”
Chapter Six
ADAM
By the time the police are ready to escort us out to the car, the sun is starting to set outside her apartment.
Try as I might, the sound of her voice, the rustle that came after as Maya and Troy sprang into action, commanding her to get down as they swept the apartment… the fear that spread over me like wildfire is something I know I won’t shake anytime soon.
While I’m feeling a rage radiating within my chest unlike any I’d ever experienced before, Isabella has started to verbally shut down.
I find her in the kitchen, her hands still shaking as she leans against the edge of the counter sipping on the drink I’d made her a few minutes before.
“Darling?” I start, my voice low and gentle as it pulls her eyes to mine and I hate the sadness building there. She swipes it away almost instantly, but as I begin to approach her, pulling her close, she tears up once more. “Talk to me.”
“I don’t…” she starts, leaning her cheek against my shoulder and wrapping her arm around my waist. “Adam, I don’t know what to say.”
“I know, kitten,” I sigh, pressing my lips to her hair and holding her closer. “I’m so sorry this happened.”
“It’s not your fault,” she argues, shaking her head when my expression morphs into one of disbelief. “Adam, it’s not your fault that some crazy person broke into my apartment, went through
my trash and destroyed all my shit,” she insists, her language making me bite my tongue. “I mean, yeah. It sucks really bad, but it’s not your fault.”
“Agree to disagree,” I hum against her skin, pressing my lips there once more before I pull away and face her. “But this? This is exactly why I didn’t want you to come here without me.”
“You didn’t know this was going to happen, Adam. You can’t take the blame for all of this onto your shoulders.”
“You’re right. I didn’t know it was going to happen, but I also knew it wasn’t outside the realm of possibilities,” I admit. “I’ve seen the paparazzi go to some pretty incredible lengths to get their information,” I shake my head. “Did I know this would happen? No, but that doesn’t mean I’ve not been constantly thinking about the fact that it could have. You may not think it’s okay for me to feel liable for this, but my job is to protect you and keep you safe. Through your training, your surroundings, your home… your time with me must be safe in every aspect, Isabella, or I’m not holding up the biggest responsibility I have to you. There’s no one else’s shoulders that this should be on right now.”
“Adam…”
“You never should have come here,” I insist, my blunt words softened by my worry.
“I didn’t come in alone.”
“I know and thank you for that,” I offer, glancing around us to take in the broken glass that surrounds us. My eyes slowly return to hers, pulling a sigh of regret from my chest when I see the hurt lingering in her eyes. “I’m sorry, princess. I’m not trying to upset you or make you feel bad. I just can’t stop thinking…”
I trail off once more, this time swallowing hard over the emotion that’s been lodged in my chest for hours.
“Can’t stop thinking about what?” she asks as I shake my head, fending off the emotional turmoil swarming inside me.
“What if you’d been here, Bella?” I ask, my voice cracking slightly this time, making her features begin to soften in understanding. “You’ve been begging me to let you come back here since all this started and thank God I didn’t because what if you’d been here alone and this maniac came in here and something happened to you?” I continue, taking a step back as my jaw squares. “I can’t…”
“I’m okay,” she cuts me off, gripping the edge of my jacket and holding me in place. “I know you’re upset and this is scary, but I’m safe.”
“Not safe enough,” I whisper, raising my hand to her neck to gently cradle her face. “You need more security.”
“No,” she shakes her head vehemently. “I don’t need more security. I promise I’ll be more careful next time…”
“There isn’t going to be a next time, Bella,” I cut her off, my voice as firm as my resolve. “You’re not to come back here again. Not without me.”
“Adam…”
“Look around us,” I gesture toward the debris that used to be her most prized possessions. “Bella, I can replace every single thing inside this apartment save for one,” I vow, the gentle break in my voice making her swallow hard. “Nothing in this apartment is worth losing you over. Not a fucking thing,” I insist, my voice shaking slightly once more before I compose myself. “The police are done. Please just get what you need and give me your word that you won’t come back to this apartment again.”
She clears her throat, holding my eyes for a moment before finally, she gives me a subtle nod.
“Yes, Sir. I promise. You have my word.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, leaning in to give her lips a gentle peck. “You’ve had a long day. I need to get you something to eat before it gets much later.”
She drains the last of her glass before setting it onto the counter and taking my hand. We make it to the edge of her doorway and she hesitates, turning to take in the destruction once more and releasing a long, low breath.
“Come, darling,” I whisper, giving her hand an affectionate squeeze. “Let’s go home.”
ISABELLA
Saturday morning, I’m surprised to hear his voice slipping into the living room when I wake hours later than usual.
With as much work as he missed a few days earlier after having to leave early to tend to me, I’d assumed he’d be at the office already trying to get caught up. When I gently tap on the heavy wooden door and step inside, his eyes move from the desk to my face and I can’t help but smile small to myself.
From the moment he brought me back here after everything happened at my place Wednesday night, he’d not only barely let me out of his sight, I’d been ordered to stay here with Maya and Troy without exception until he returned from the office. I’m getting cabin fever something fierce and I can’t deny the relief that fills my veins with finding him home.
“Good morning, darling,” he greets me quietly, his lips quirking up slightly on either side before he returns the bulk of his attention to his phone call, though his eyes stay locked on mine. “No, that’s not a problem at all,” he says into the line, pushing away from the desk and gesturing for me to join him. I slip onto his lap, savoring in the feel of his large palm falling low on my waist as he presses his lips to my hair. “Well, if we keep it at three, that’s more than doable on my part. I just need to wrap up a few things here and I can be available to go over the rest of the details with you then… Okay, perfect. Talk to you soon.”
He ends the call and sets his phone onto the desk before glancing down at me and releasing a low sigh of content.
“How did you sleep, kitten?”
“Good, thank you,” I yawn. “Did you take the day off today?”
“For the most part. I’ll still need to go in this afternoon for a conference call, but not for a few more hours,” he admits, much to my disappointment. “I just thought it was important that I was here when you woke.”
“Hmm…” I smile, kissing his jaw. “I’m not sure how you do that.”
“What’s that?”
“Know what I need before even I do.”
He studies my features for a moment, his eyes softening at my words and the low sigh of appreciation leaving my chest before he returns his gaze to mine.
“You know, there’s a method to my madness,” he declares quietly, winding his arm around my waist, his thumb gently brushing over my skin.
“Yeah?” I ask with a soft smile, leaning further into his chest, gazing up at him. “What’s that?”
“Sometimes the best way for me to take care of you is to listen to the things you don’t always say.”
“Thank you, Daddy,” I whisper, stroking his short beard.
“You’re welcome, pumpkin,” he replies, pressing his lips to the tip of my nose before rising, lifting me before setting me onto my feet. “Come with me. I have something I need to show you.”
“What is it?” I ask as he takes my hand and leads me from the room and out into the hallway.
“Wednesday put more than a few things into perspective for me,” he admits as he glances over his shoulder and finds my eyes for a moment.
“Like what?”
“Like your safety and how lenient I’ve become with you,” he replies bluntly, making my stomach lurch with nerves. “Don’t worry. You’re not in trouble, I’m simply counseling you,” he smirks when he sees my expression shift. “This isn’t your fault, but you’re not getting enough discipline.”
“Have I done something to make you feel that way?”
“Yes,” he replies immediately, my eyebrows quirking together in apology until he gives my hand a gentle squeeze to calm my nerves. “You never should have felt capable of blatantly defying a direct command as important as the one I gave you on Wednesday, Bella,” he explains. “In fact, if I hadn’t been so relieved to find you safe, I would have worn your little ass out for pulling a stunt like that,” he admits bluntly. “I gave you very distinct instructions,
even explained my reasoning, something I should never be expected to do in that type of situation. Instead of doing as you were told, you deliberately went against my instruction,” he shakes his head. “Have I not been clear enough with you?”
“No, Sir. It’s not that at all,” I admit. “I just didn’t think it would-”
“That doesn’t matter,” he cuts me off, his blunt words softened by his tone. “If I was clear, you should have stopped and at the very least asked to speak with me about it later, Bella. Anything less is completely unacceptable, sweetheart,” he insists. “When it comes to your safety and well-being, that’s simply something I won’t tolerate.”
“I wasn’t trying to-”
“And you certainly know better than to interrupt me when I’m speaking,” he cuts me off, making my cheeks heat. “I know you weren’t intentionally misbehaving, but the fact remains that I asked you to do something that would keep you safe and you felt comfortable enough to ignore it,” he continues. “Your training should never allow for that kind of leniency. Your training does not allow for that.”
“No, Sir. It doesn’t,” I agree. “So, is that where you’re taking me? Am I being punished?”
“This time? No,” he shakes his head, coming to a stop in front of one of the guest rooms. “I’m just as at fault for allowing you to behave like that, but I want you to take this as a very serious lesson. If I give you an order, you will obey me without question or your punishment will be severe. Your safety is something I will not negotiate on. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Sir. You have my word.”
“Good girl,” he says, pressing his lips to my forehead before facing me once more. “In the spirit of keeping you as safe as I possibly can, we need to talk.”
“Okay,” I nod, failing slightly at hiding my nerves.
“I’ve been on the fence about increasing our security for some time now,” he admits. “I’ve done that for when we leave, but here, it’s been minimal and I think that’s a mistake.”
