by K. S. Smith
Duke stood there, taking the tongue-lashing I was giving him like a champ as I continued on.
“You have the gall to tell me this relationship is all or nothing, and then you go and pull this shit. I don’t get it. Why not be honest with me from the get go? Why act like your job and my life are two separate things when really I am your job?!” I screamed.
My blood was boiling, and it took everything I had not to slap him across the face out of pure anger and frustration. Exhausted from the entire day, I collapsed onto my overstuffed chair in the corner of my room and just sat there, eyes locked with Duke.
He stood in complete silence, staring at me, speechless, until I’d finally had enough.
“Obviously you have nothing to say, so I think it’s best you leave.”
His head shook, and he backed up toward my bed until his legs met the mattress and his body slumped down, anger taking over his face. “You really think I have nothing to say?” he growled. “I have everything to say, but I know you, Brie. I know you better than I’ve ever known anyone else, and I know it doesn't matter what I say. You’ve already made up your mind, and there’s nothing I can do to change it. You think I don’t know that I screwed this up. You think I don’t know that things would have been different had I told you everything from the get go. Of course I know that. But what difference does it make? I didn’t, so here we are, dealing with the now. I could sit here for hours and plead my case, but you’re black and white, so what’s the point? I fucked up. I’m sorry. I wish I could change it, but I can’t.”
He rose off the bed and walked over to where I was sitting then knelt down in front of me, placing both hands on my hips. “Look at me, Brie,” he demanded.
But I couldn’t. Closing my eyes, I shook my head no, praying to God the tears wouldn’t spill down my cheeks.
Duke let out a heavy sigh and then stood, leaning in so his breath caressed my ear. “I’m sorry, Brianna. I’m sorry I fucked up. I never meant to hurt you.”
A single tear trickled down my face just as Duke’s lips met my cheek. The sound of his shoes thumping against the hardwood floors toward my door for the very last time left me feeling paralyzed all over again.
The door closed behind him, and I glanced to ensure he was out of my room before I let the rest of the tears flow rapidly down my cheeks. I rose up out of my chair and walked toward the window. I watched on while Duke made his way toward his truck. Turning, he glanced up into my window, and I quickly shifted behind the wall so he wouldn’t see me. At the sound of his engine starting, I peeked back out the window and watched him drive away from my house. I collapsed into bed and tucked myself under the covers, doing my best to convince myself, yet again, that there would be no more tears cried over Duke Thrasher.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The following morning I was awoken by the constant ringing of my cell phone. Checking the clock, I was amazed it was almost noon. “Hello.”
My father's voice came through the speaker. “Brianna Elizabeth, I’m not sure what is going on between you and Mr. Thrasher, but you have created a mess, and I want it cleaned up this instant, young lady.”
Confused, I sat up in bed. “I have no idea what you are talking about. What happened?”
I could hear my father’s voice rambling in the background as he passed the phone to my mother.
“Sweetie, your father received a call from Mr. Thrasher and his team this morning. They notified your father that this Friday will be their last day as our families’ personal security team. Your father is very upset. Mr. Thrasher’s team has been the best team we’ve had since he’s been in office. I’m not sure what you did to force them out, but by God, you better see to it that they have a change of heart before Friday.”
Livid with my parents, I hung up and in that very moment decided I was tired of being treated like a child. I was twenty-four years old, for God’s sake, and they were going to start treating me like an adult.
First things first. I jumped out of bed, threw on a pair of yoga pants, a UF sweater, my hot pink running shoes, and pulled my hair into a ponytail. I swiped my favorite pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses from my dresser and went downstairs to my car. Then I sent Duke a text as I flew down my driveway.
I’m on my way. Keep the guys from killing me.
As I pulled into their warehouse, there were only three cars out front, including Duke’s. I burst in the front door and immediately had the attention of the four men sitting around the conference-room table.
Duke jumped out of his chair to walk toward me, but I passed him and stood directly in front of all of the guys. “I’m here for one reason and one reason only. It appears to be my job to keep you all from quitting. My father seems to enjoy your team far better than any other team he has ever had working for him, and his specific instructions were for me to come deal with this situation. I don’t like having you all follow me. I think it is a complete waste of time, but apparently, my parents do not concur. Therefore, they deem you all necessary, so I’m asking that you please stay on as our private security. I’m not sure who looks after who. All I ask is that someone other than Duke be in charge of me, at least until I can get past my anger toward him.”
They all sat there staring up at me and then turned toward Duke, apparently seeking an answer.
He stood there for a moment and then finally nodded his head.
And on that note, I looked to Tripp. “Please call my father and let him know you all are back on board.” Tripp pulled out his phone, and I headed for the door then pivoted around for one final announcement. “And just so you all are aware, I’m moving out of my parents’ house. Once I do, I will be in charge of my own security, which means I’ll be seeking out a new team.”
Duke’s jaw clenched, and his muscles flexed, but I acted like I ignored it, turning to make my way to my car and toward my realtor’s office.
Four hours later, I put an offer on a two-story, three-bedroom, two-bath bungalow in South Tampa. My offer was accepted, and the closing documents were being prepared. Being that it was a cash deal, I was able to ensure an expedited closing, meaning I’d have my keys in less than twenty-four hours. The current owners were already living in their new house, so they’d act quickly to sign everything over and get the house off their hands.
I pulled into my parents’ drive and opened my trunk. I was unloading the boxes I’d picked up from the storage place when I heard boots running up behind me. I turned around and looked up to see Tripp staring at me.
“What are you doing, Brie?” he asked, leaning in to help, picking up all of the boxes and following me into the house.
We were in my room before I said anything. “I can’t do this anymore. I can’t sit here and be their little girl. I can’t have Duke protecting me like a child. I need to get away from all of this and live my life, find a man who loves me for me — a man who doesn’t lie to me.”
I grabbed one of the boxes from Tripp’s hands, started yanking my clothes from my closet, and shoved them into the box. I was so angry with the entire situation — with my parents and especially Duke.
Tripp closed the space between us and grabbed my shoulders. “Brie, Duke didn’t intentionally lie to you. His job was to protect you. He was just following orders. It’s what we do. We may be civilians, but we’ll always be Marines. You can’t punish him for doing his job.”
I took in a deep breath and looked up into the eyes of a man who’d become my friend over the course of my relationship with Duke. “Tripp, please don’t do this. I need time to process it all. Not telling me was wrong. I get that it is his job, but it doesn't make it right. I trusted him. He knew everything about me — my life, my family. I opened up to him like I’ve never done before. The least he could have done was tell me the truth.”
Tripp stepped back, releasing me from his hold. “Would it have made a difference?”
Lowering my head, I shrugged my shoulders. “I honestly don’t know, Tripp.”
He pulled me i
nto his arms and squeezed me tight, kissing my head. “I’m sorry you’re hurting, Brie, I really am, but don’t think you’re the only one.”
I wiggled out of his embrace and smiled at him. “Thanks. I better walk you out. I’ve got to get packed.”
I walked Tripp to the door and waved, knowing he wouldn’t be far as Duke had assigned him to watch over me. My feet took the stairs two at a time and rushed over toward my ringing phone. My realtor’s name appeared on the caller ID.
“Ms. Hamilton, I was just calling to let you know we’ll have everything finalized tomorrow. You’ll be able to pick your keys up in the morning.”
I thanked him and hung up then began a packing frenzy, only taking the things I had to have.
As I climbed into bed that night, I curled up in the middle of my giant California king-sized bed all by myself and pulled the covers up to my neck. Lying there, I wondered what my parents’ reactions were going to be when they found out I’d bought my own place. I was sure my father would be less-than-thrilled, which also meant my mother would have the same reaction. I tried not to worry about it as I closed my eyes and forced myself to sleep.
Six in the morning came quicker than usual, but it was probably due to the tossing and turning I’d done all night. I forced myself out of bed and went on a quick run down Bayshore and then came back in time to get cleaned up.
I rushed over to meet with my realtor in his downtown office, needing to sign a few more documents. Then he handed me the keys, congratulating me with a glass of champagne.
“To new beginnings,” he said, raising his glass in the air.
I tapped the rim of my champagne flute to his and smiled. “New beginnings.” My new keys were tucked into my purse pocket, and I thanked him again for a speedy closing before making my way back to my parents’ to gather my things.
An old college fling and his friends were sitting outside of the gate when I pulled up, waiting to help me load up my things.
Tucker jumped out of his truck and came over to my window. “Hey, we tried to get in, but for some reason the code isn’t working.”
Out of nowhere, Gunner walked up, crossed his arms over his chest, and glared at Tucker.
I quickly climbed out of my car and stood between them to keep them separated. “What’s wrong with the gate, Gunner?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. Works fine.”
I walked over to it and entered the code, and it opened right up.
Tucker mumbled under his breath before he jumped back into his truck, and he and the guys made their way toward the house as I walked back to my car.
I stopped in front of Gunner. “Where’s Tripp?”
He looked down at me. “Day off. Just me.”
I nodded and gave him a faint smile. “I’m going to go help the guys with my things. I have two interviews set up this afternoon for new security, so you all won’t have to watch over me much longer. You know I think all of this is such crap, but if I don’t have someone, my father will flip his lid.”
Gunner stood there, his glare now affixed to me. “Got the names offhand?”
I shook my head, knowing what he’d do if I told him who I was interviewing, “No, and even if I did, I wouldn’t give them to you.”
He smirked, which was a rarity. “Not gonna fly with Duke. Know that, girl.”
I rolled my eyes, irritated, before jumping into my car and taking off toward the house.
I led Tucker and the guys up to my room so they could start loading the boxes, and an hour later their trucks were full.
“I’m only five minutes away. Just follow me.” I slid into my car and headed toward my new house.
I pulled into my driveway for the very first time as a homeowner, and it was bittersweet. I sat there staring at my beautiful new home, the wrap-around front porch covered in a fresh coat of white paint, adorned with black shutters. The fire-engine-red door screamed for a perfectly decorated monogram wreath, and, for a glimmer of a second, I wondered what it’d feel like to walk inside for the first time with Duke by my side. My stomach tightened, thinking about him being there, but before I could dwell on his absence any longer, Tucker tapped on my window.
“What are you waiting for?”
I asked myself that same question then opened the door and ran up the front porch steps. I unlocked the door, swung it open, and stood there in my new home, my new beginning.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
It wasn’t long before Tucker and the guys had the trucks unloaded and my new house covered in boxes. I hugged each of them, thanking them for their help, and sent them on their way with a twenty-four pack of beer.
With the front door closed, I stood in my living room and looked around my home; it was perfect, exactly what I needed for a fresh start. I rifled through my boxes until I found a notepad and pencil and began making a list of all of the things I needed.
I’d covered the basics of the kitchen and bathroom when I moved to the guestroom needs. Just as I began writing the words bed set on my list, my doorbell rang. I placed the notepad and pencil on the floor and walked down the stairs. I opened my front door to an older gentleman about my father’s age.
“Good afternoon, Ms. Hamilton. I’m Christopher Wilson with Wilson Private Security.”
Smiling, I invited him in, thinking to myself, I definitely won’t be interested in sleeping with this man. “Thank you for coming on such short notice. I’d offer you a seat, but today is my first day in the house, and I still have to buy furniture.”
He smiled gently at me. “No problem at all. I’m fine standing.”
We talked for over half an hour about his company. I mentioned that I was previously being guarded by Duke Thrasher and his team to which he replied, “Wonderful, my company is very similar to Mr. Thrasher’s. All of our employees are military veterans.”
I shook my head no and stuck out my hand. “And on that note, I think I’ll have to stop you there. I’m not looking for any young, attractive, military men. I’ve had my experience with them, and I’d rather not go down that road again.”
His expression was shocked. “Ms. Hamilton, please reconsider.”
I placed my hands on my hips and peered up at him. “Look Chris, security isn’t my thing. I can take care of myself, and quite frankly, the thought of a stranger lurking around protecting me makes my skin crawl. My father is the Governor, and this is his harebrained idea, so like I said, I’ve been down that road and am not looking to get tied up with any more veterans. Thank you for your time.” I walked him to the door and let him out then geared up for my next victim.
I interviewed six companies that day and narrowed it down to two. Not sure which one was the best hire, I decided to reach out to the one member of Duke’s team who was still in my good graces, so I sent a quick text to Tripp.
Martin’s Private Security Group or B.A.M.F. Security?
His response was delayed.
How about Duke Thrasher?
I rolled my eyes and let out a huff.
NO! This is the only time I’ll ask you for help in regard to this bullshit. Pick one, please.
His next text might as well been a novella written by my least favorite author.
Any company who names themselves Bad Ass Mother Fucker Security has got to be a bunch of pansy-ass wannabes. Don’t go with them. Their owner didn’t even make it through air force basic training. He spent two years working as a rent-a-cop before opening his own company, and to be quite honest, they suck. They have three employees, none of which know how to deal with a political family. Hell, only one of them even graduated from college. I’m not a huge fan of Martin’s, but that’s just for personal reasons. One of their guys is a douchebag who thinks he’s the best. He’s gotten his ass handed to him by me and Duke a few times for being a dick, so if you go with them, don’t let them assign John Tortolla to your case. See if Joey Tanner has any openings. He’d be the best guy for the job. He used to work for President Bush, so he gets it.
&nb
sp; I’d seen all I needed to see. I picked up my phone and called Martin’s. “Hi, I just met with Alex Martin regarding private security, and I’d like to hire your company under one condition... I want John Tortolla working my case.”
The person I was speaking to seemed to think that John was available to start tomorrow, but he told me he’d confirm and get back to me.
After several hours of unpacking, I came to the quick conclusion that I was missing quite a few essentials, so I ran to the store and picked up some things. When I got back to the house, I unloaded the groceries first and stocked the fridge with some of my favorites: milk, cheese, and Oreo cookies. I’d picked up a few boxes of cereal and a loaf of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches as well. Once the kitchen was settled, I went back outside to grab the blow-up mattress, toiletries and other remaining items from my Target trip out of the trunk.
I plugged my iPod docking station into the wall and cranked up my music before I hopped into the shower. The hot water hitting my body from every different angle of the complicated shower relaxed me.
My air mattress was blown up and covered with Egyptian cotton sheets, a down comforter, and two plush pillows. I snapped a picture and posted it to my Facebook page.
First night in my new house... I suppose I should have thought about furniture before I decided to spend the night.
My phone instantly began chiming with comments and likes from all of my friends, and I knew I didn’t need the distraction, so I powered it down. Instead, I reached for my Kindle and decided to re-read Elite, by Rachel Van Dyken, for the umpteenth time, before falling asleep for the night.
