Page 302 of The Heart You Kept

I narrow my eyes and contemplate giving him what for, but hang up before I do; if there’s one thing I’ve learned it’s not to leave him an angry message. Nothing fires him up more, and he calls me back looking for a fight. I slump into my chair and sit behind my desk as I feel anger seep into my bones. Is this really what my life is going to be like forever?

No privacy.

Unable to go anywhere alone.

I know why he’s like this, but honestly it’s getting out of hand, I don’t know if he’s just nervous about the wedding or what it is, but security seems to be ramping up more every day.

I’m over it.

What the hell does he think is going to happen? History is not going to repeat itself. It’s Nice, I live in a boring little terrace house and go nowhere and do nothing. Nobody is going to do anything sinister; this is beginning to affect my staff and it’s not okay.

I dial his number again and it rings out…ugh. Where is he and why isn’t he answering his damn phone?

Infuriating!

EDWARD

“She’s here,” I hear Marcel tell the others.

It’s after 6 p.m. and Alora is arriving home from work. I watch out the window of the second floor as she walks along the boardwalk with Philippe close behind her. She’s wearing a cream trench coat, patent high-heeled pumps and her dark hair is swept up into an effortless loose knot, even straight from work she looks a picture of perfection. I pour two glasses of red wine.

Finally, time to relax.

“Hello, Marcel, hello, Josephine.”

“Good evening, Miss Sorenson.”

“Did you have a nice day?” I hear her say as she walks in through the doors.

“I did, and you?”

“It was okay.” I hear her reach the bottom of the stairs. “Just another day.”

“Are you ready for dinner?” Josephine asks.

“That would be lovely, thank you.”

“I’ll let the kitchen know. It will be about twenty minutes. I’m finishing for the day soon, can I get you anything before I log off?”

“No, sweetie, I’m fine. You get going.”

I sip my wine and smile as I listen on, no wonder all of the staff adore her. She’s always so thoughtful and present with each and every one of them.

“Okay.”

“Thank you for today, have a lovely night.” I hear her walking up the stairs.

“You too, Miss Sorenson.”

She appears at the top of the stairs and I smile and tap my lap. “Here she is.”

“Hi.” She walks over and sits sidesaddle on my lap and I kiss her softly and she takes her glass of wine from the coffee table. “Where were you today?” she asks.

“What do you mean?”

“I was calling you but you didn’t answer.”

“Oh, yes.” I remember now. “I went to lunch with some associates and forgot to take my phone.”