by Mary Abshire
Resolve filled him as he rose to his feet. Thanks to Emily, he’d seen the error of his ways. Her courage gave him strength. He realized now what he had to do.
He strode down the sidewalk, heading back to the hotel. He had to talk to Emily. He couldn’t let her leave. She deserved respect and honesty. She had a good heart and soul regardless of what color her aura showed. She was an incredible woman worthy of love and compassion, not gropes from strange men. No one should make her feel insignificant or unwanted. No one should treat her as an object to be used or mistreated, including him. She’d earned his trust and loyalty and so much more. He’d give anything to stay with her. Filled with determination, he’d fight to keep her now and if needed, he would wage a war to get her into heaven.
The streets had quieted more by the time he’d reached the apartment building. He hadn’t checked his cell since he’d left Emily, but he estimated the time was around three in the morning. In the lobby, the older lady slept on her side near the staircase. He climbed the steps quietly, two at a time. By the time he reached the top, his heart was racing and he knew it wasn’t solely because he’d hurried up the stairs.
He unlocked the door and then pushed it open. The dark room made it difficult to see. The nightlight from the kitchen offered a little light. A gentle breeze drifted inside from the open windows and pushed the blinds. They gently slapped against the window when the air shifted outward. After he secured the locks, he stopped at the blue lawn chair and dropped the keys. They hit the seat with a soft jingle.
The inflatable bed groaned as Emily moved. She’d left the sleeping bag open and part of it covered the floor. A light fleece blanket hid over half her body. She sat upright and twisted to face him.
“Sorry for waking you.” He stepped out of his shoes while he tugged his shirt over his head.
She said nothing as she scooted over the mattress until her back lined up with the wall. Her knees were bent and close to her chest with the blanket still covering her limbs. He walked toward her. Before he reached her sleeping area, he tossed his shirt into the dirty clothes pile in the corner near the closet.
“Do you want to talk?” he asked.
“Do you?”
“Yes, I do.”
She tilted her head to one side. “Sit.”
He carefully lowered onto her mattress. The damn things were awkward sometimes like the floaties in swimming pools. He feared he might pop the inflatable beds at some point. So far they’d held up well.
He leaned his back against the wall and stretched his legs out in front of him.
“So talk,” she said, her tone quiet and calm.
His pulse sped as he rubbed his hands together. He had so much to say and he feared he might screw up again. One thing he knew for sure, he had to come clean. He had to speak what was on his mind and how he felt. And by all means possible, he couldn’t lose her.
Chapter Seventeen
Andrew looked confident and nervous at the same time. He had walked in self-assured, but the way he fidgeted with his hands indicated otherwise. He had her attention.
“I know I made mistakes. I won’t make them again. I truly am sorry for the way I acted and I won’t disrespect you like that ever again. I was stupid to think you couldn’t defend yourself. You’re a much stronger and braver woman than any I’ve ever met. If I lose you, I will hate myself. I will fail at my job and I will have failed you. I’m not a failure, Emily.”
She slowly turned to meet his gaze. Unlike his earlier apologies, his words now held more conviction. It was as if he’d opened his eyes and could see with clarity. But even more interesting, he didn’t want to disappoint her.
He moved his hands to the sides of his thighs. “I’ve been wrong for a long time and since I’ve met you, things have felt right. I know that sounds corny, but it’s true. You’re special. You bring out the best and the worst in me. I need to learn so I can change. And I will. So I’m asking for another chance. I won’t disgrace you or dishonor you. If you want me to stay back and let you run the show, I will. If you want me to throw a few punches, I’ll do that too. I’m not saying I’ll be your lap dog, but I’ll honor your wishes. You deserve a chance to be happy and get what you want. I won’t stop you, and I won’t get in your way. All I ask is that you give me another chance to prove myself worthy of your trust and friendship.”
He inhaled a relieving breath. The confession was a start, a toe dip into the pool. Taking action would require diving in. Was he ready to take the plunge if she agreed to stay with him?
“It’s been a long night. I think we should get some rest,” she said.
“Will you at least think about my request?”
“Yeah. Of course.” She owed it to him since he had asked politely.
“Thank you.” He scooted forward before he rose. “I’m going to clean up.”
He walked to the closet, grabbed a few articles of clothing, and then disappeared into the bathroom.
Emily stretched out her legs over the inflatable bed and rested her head on the pillow. Earlier, she’d dozed off with ease after she’d lied down. Her head had ached from their intense argument. It still did a little, but she’d taken a few aspirins before her shower. She’d napped until she’d heard the lock on the door. Although lethargy tugged at her, she couldn’t return to a peaceful sleep. Andrew dominated her thoughts. What was she going to do about him?
He’d seemed much calmer and focused from earlier. His confession and request had taken her by surprise. She had to wonder if threatening to leave had caused him to reconsider his actions. After he’d left, she had thought he might return to the club to find a woman to stay with for the night. The fact he had returned composed and with a clear purpose gave her pause. Maybe he could change.
Andrew wasn’t a bad man. He had a kind heart, generous personality, and willingness to help. He’d offered to cook and do laundry for her since he didn’t have any funds to contribute to food, rent, or anything. The man had a conscience and good morals. His manners were better than most. Compared to other men she’d known, he ranked above and beyond them. His weakness was his hormones and if he could control them, he could accomplish anything.
Andrew had told her she was special and she brought out the best and worst of him. The same could be said about him and not because he’d been returned to destroy demons. Since she’d met him, she’d wanted to do something worthwhile and respectable. Before, she’d held a job and helped her friends, mostly Troy. But assisting him often involved a criminal aspect. She wanted to do something right, and working with Andrew fulfilled that need. Maybe she’d let her temper get out of hand. Maybe she’d let him stir other desires within her. Maybe she’d egged him on sometimes. In the end, they made a great team.
She blew out a long breath. Cool air from the open windows brushed over her feet. The breeze felt good, but it chilled her slightly. She shifted the blanket to cover her exposed parts.
Walking away from Andrew at this point would be easy, but leaving him with no means to accomplish his tasks would weigh heavy upon her conscience. She’d tried to give him money and the only time he’d taken funds were to buy food for them or to use at the club. If she left, he would likely refuse any cash. He wouldn’t get far and completing his tasks would be beyond difficult for him, most likely impossible. He needed someone like her or he would fail at his mission. How many others would believe his story and want to help him?
He’d said he would change. Did she believe him? Her experience with men showed they didn’t, but Andrew was a cut above the rest. He’d asked for a second chance to prove himself. Why not let him? At least for the remainder of their current job.
The splatter of water in the bathroom stopped. Minutes later, the door to the bathroom swung open. Light from the room spilled out until he flipped the switch. Andrew strode out dressed in boxers and a t-shirt.
He stopped in the middle of the studio. “Would you like some water?”
She sat up and the blanket fell
across her lap. “No thanks.”
He turned and headed to the fridge. He took a bottle of water from it before heading to his bed. “I hope I’m not keeping you up.”
“I’ve just been thinking,” she said.
He stopped near his inflatable mattress. “At this hour, you could hurt your brain. I hope you’re not thinking too hard. I’d to have to rush you to the hospital.” He sat on his bed.
She smiled at his sense of humor. “You know, I think I might have damaged a few brain cells. My head is hurting.”
“Uh-oh. What’s two plus two?”
“Five.”
“Shit. We’re in trouble.”
She chuckled and then a yawn suddenly erupted. She tried to hide it with her hand. “Oh, sorry.”
“You should get some sleep.”
She couldn’t disagree. Her heavy eyelids and the lethargic tug within her were demanding attention.
“I’ll give you a second chance,” she said as he drank some water.
He lowered the bottle and swallowed. “Thank you.”
“But don’t disappoint me, because I will leave.”
“I know. You mean too much to me. I won’t let you down.”
“I have to call Michael in the morning and set up a time to meet with him. I want you with me, so I’ll have to introduce you as my business partner.”
He set the bottle near the head of his bed. “I can play the part. And I promise not to punch anyone unless you’re okay with it.”
Having said enough, she rolled onto her side and pulled the cover over her arms. Andrew stretched out on his back. He rested his hands flat on his abdomen.
“Sleep well, Emily,” he said.
“You too.”
The air had cleared between them. It took a lot of heated words and the threat of leaving, but the end result turned out well. The ball was in his court now. He had to make changes and prove himself or she would walk away and never look back.
Chapter Eighteen
Andrew woke to the sound of Emily’s voice. He opened his eyes and saw her walking into the apartment. She wore tight jeans and a purple tank top under a jean jacket. She held a plastic bag in one hand and the phone to her ear with her other hand. She used her foot to close the door.
“Twelve thirty is fine. Thank you, Mr. Lazzari,” she said as she strode toward the kitchen. She set the phone and bag on the counter.
Andrew sat upright and stretched his arms over his head. “What time is it?”
“Almost eleven.”
“You should’ve woken me up.” He ran his fingers through his hair.
“I just did, technically.” She carried the bag to the lawn chairs. “I brought breakfast.”
The long hours of sleep left him sluggish. He’d checked the time after he’d showered and it had been close to four in the morning. He’d slept close to seven hours, which was unusual for him. His body typically only required four to five hours of rest.
He pushed himself up from the bed. “What did you get?”
“Eggs, sausage, biscuits…” She handed him one of the containers as he came to a stop near the blue chair.
“Thanks.”
The sausage and eggs scents awakened his appetite and he suddenly felt starved. He took the fork she handed him before he sat.
“So you got an appointment with the lawyer?” he asked.
She sat in the red seat next to him. “Yeah. I’d called and left a message earlier. He called me back on my way up the stairs. I was a little stunned by his quick response.”
“He had people watching you last night.”
He took a bite of scrambled eggs and they tasted delicious. Tiny bits of green peppers were mixed in. Black pepper had been added too.
“I figured as much from our brief conversation at the bar,” she said before she took a bite from a sausage link.
“I saw him go up to the bouncer sitting on the stool near the center staircase. The demon told him something and then the bouncer took out his phone. He had his eyes on you for the longest time.” He shoveled another bit of eggs into his mouth.
“I guess it was a good thing I was in my role last night.”
Andrew gave a small nod as he speared a sausage link. Emily’s mood seemed much better since they’d left the club. He didn’t want to bring up anything from the night before that would trigger any bad feelings. The past was in the past and it could stay there. Besides, he’d vowed to change to keep her from leaving.
He finished chewing. “So we’re meeting the demon at his office?”
“Yeah, I know it’s pushing it to get there by twelve thirty, but I think we can do it if we leave soon. I need to stop at a bank and get a cashier’s check for his retainer fee.”
“It won’t take me long to get ready.”
“When we get there, let me do most of the talking.” She took another bite of her food.
“Got it. I’m the silent business partner.” He grinned.
“I’m not sure how much this will help us, but we need to figure out something soon.”
He paused eating. “If you’re worried about money, I can get a job nearby.”
“It’s not about money.” She poked around at her food. “I don’t like this act I have to play. I can do it, but it… It makes me sick, if that makes any sense.”
Andrew set his container of food on his lap. Her unease about playing a hooker bothered him as well. While he felt comforted to know she didn’t like the role, he also hated to see her distressed. Underneath her black hair with blue streaks and spunky personality was a good person with a kind and generous heart. It made sense she would dislike acting as a prostitute. He wished his brain had informed him sooner so he could’ve avoided the argument they’d had last night.
“If you want to stop, then stop. We’ll figure out another way to get him,” Andrew said.
“No. We’ve come too far. I don’t like to quit anything.”
Her comment didn’t surprise him since she was a strong, determined type of woman.
“I get it, but it’s okay if you do,” he said.
She took a bite from a biscuit. “You might want to hurry so we can get out of here in a few,” she mumbled.
The change of subject was her way of avoiding the matter. He knew the tactic well. Since she was running the show, he said nothing more and worked on eating the rest of his food.
He finished before Emily, so he spent a few minutes cleaning up in the bathroom. The light stubble he had didn’t warrant shaving. If they decided to go out at night, he would take a razor to his face later. By the time Emily needed to brush her teeth, he switched places with her. He dressed in jeans and a long-sleeved cream-colored shirt while she applied a touch of makeup. They managed to walk out of the apartment within fifteen minutes.
It took three different train rides to reach the area of the demon’s Manhattan office after Emily stopped at a bank to purchase a cashier’s check. Emily hadn’t spoken much, but neither had he. They’d said enough during the wee hours of the morning. He was more than relieved to be on good speaking terms with her again. While arguments were normal in any relationship, he hoped he’d never have such a heated one with her again.
From the last subway station, they walked six blocks to reach the front doors of the skyscraper where the demon worked. The marble floors on the main level reminded Andrew of old office buildings in Chicago. Past the entrance, two guards sat behind a four-foot high security desk. There was a coffee shop on the left and tinted windows to hide the office on the right. Security cameras hung above the entrance, in the corners, and from several places on the ceiling. Andrew stopped beside Emily in the center of the building with six elevators, three on each side. More cameras from above watched them. Andrew was half tempted to venture to the other end of the floor to see what shops were there, but the ding of the elevator stopped him. After everyone exited from it, Andrew followed Emily inside. Two women and a man stepped into the elevator with them.
The walls
were made of mirrors, though not clear ones. A stale odor resembling old tennis shoes lingered in the air. After the elevator stopped on eleven to let the businesswoman go, the ride up continued to eighteen.
“This is us,” Emily said.
“I’ll follow your lead.”
After the doors parted, he walked behind her onto the floor. A hall on each side led to offices. Lucky for them, there was a directory posted between two of the elevators.
“His office is 1807,” Emily said before she searched for the signs.
Small black cameras were located in the ceiling and on each side of the elevators. He had yet to find a spot that didn’t have some type of security.
Emily proceeded to the other hall. Andrew followed her past two offices before she reached a door with the correct digits on it.
“Ready?” she asked, her hand on the knob.
“I’ve got your back. And front if you want. Whatever you choose.”
A slight grin formed on her face before she opened the door. They entered a rectangular waiting room with a young woman sitting on the left side, behind a desk with a high wall. She had long brown hair and laugh lines near the sides of her mouth. Chairs were lined up against the wall to the right of her. A fish tank sat near the center of the back wall and a television hung in the corner. Not too far from the TV was a door. More small security cameras stuck out from the ceiling.
“May I help you?” the gal behind the desk asked.
“I have a noon appointment with Michael Lazzari,” Emily said.
She picked up the receiver from the phone on her desk. “Your name?”
“Carrie Reynolds.”
“Have a seat and I’ll let him know you’re here,” she said.
Emily strolled to the far end of the waiting area, near the TV. After she sat, Andrew claimed the chair at her side so he could face her and watch the fish tank. She clasped her hands in her lap and stared straight ahead.
