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“I need you at the hospital in ten minutes.” Nathan barks in to the phone. He maneuvers through the city streets while I peer out the side window watching the buildings pass in a blur. Once we got out of the frenzy that used to be my quiet neighborhood, Nathan has been on the phone making call after call. “I don’t really care what time it is. My father is in for the night. Now I need you with me. Did you forget that it’s my name on those checks that you so happily cash on a weekly basis, not my father's? You're employed by Whitmore Assets, not Joseph Riley. You have two options; you can meet me there in the allotted time, or you can find someone else to guard because you will no longer be working for the Whitmore name.” I have no idea who he’s talking to, but if I were that other person, I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong end of Nathan Whitmore when he’s in boss mode. “I’m glad you made the right choice. I expect to see you there in eight minutes. Park in the emergency bay, it should be quiet there.” He ended the call.

“What was that all about?”

“Well, seeing as though the rags have it that the girls are in the hospital, I wanted to make sure that you’re secure while you’re here. I've got Troy posted outside the girls' room, but with it being campaign year, I'm short staffed. I’ve pulled my father’s guard from his detail and assigned him to you. He’s been with the family for a while, although, after that conversation, I believe he's more loyal to him than the last name that employs him. I’m going to bring on another guard tomorrow, just so I know you’ll be safe.”

“There’s no reason for all this, Nathan. I’ve never had to have guards, and I don’t want to start now. I’m not my mother; I don’t want to be flashy like that.”

“Please just humor me, Laney. Would you? I don’t want anything to happen to you. I may not always be able to be with you and until this dies down, I want to make sure some crazy person can’t harm you.”

“Is there a reason why I might be in the pathway of harm? Are some of your floozies gonna come out of the woodwork and try to shank me because you and your cock are no longer on the market?” He laughs. “You and your cock are off the market, right? I’m not going to find out that you have been living with someone or have a baby mama cooped up in one of your families many properties. I’m not sure I could handle that.”

“Funny girl, you’re just a little comedian, aren’t you? There are no baby mamas out there. There are no current girlfriends, and not any crazies, at least I don’t think.” He gives me a wink. “I only want to make sure the woman that has become my life is safe when I’m not there, and to make sure the job is done correctly.”

“That’s all?”

“Maybe. Look, you’re my wife now. That may not sit well with some, and I need to make sure that you’re safe. That the girls are all right, and I don’t have anything to worry about.” We pull into the back of the hospital in the ambulance bay. I see a man standing there with the typical long black coat and hat. He looks like someone that would try to whack me and not protect me.

“I’m not sure I’m okay with this, Nathan. I don’t think I like him.”

“Baby, it’s just for tonight. I’ll get someone else tomorrow. Come on.” He pulls my hand towards him and gives me a kiss on the temple. He gets out the driver side door, and I get out the passenger side.

“Kirk. This is my wife, Laney Whitmore.” I stand next to Nathan.

“Your wife? Are you kidding me? You got yourself hitched. What the fuck? Is she pregnant? Did you forget to cover your schlong before you banged her? Your father—”

“Shut the fuck up.” Nathan seethes. I place my hand on his arm letting him know he needs to calm down. “Listen here, you piece of shit. You can consider yourself fired from Whitmore Assets. I don’t need scum like you representing something I’ve worked my ass off for.”

“Nathan.” I touch his arm, trying to rein him in.

“No.” His voice is clipped. “Like I said, you are no longer employed with Whitmore Assets. You have some nerve speaking about my wife in that manner. If my father thinks he still needs your services, then he can do so on his own dime, not mine. You’re dismissed.”

“You spoiled little—”

“I wouldn’t go there if I were you.” I take a step towards him. “Do you really think it’s in your best interest to continue that sentence? I’m sure you understand how far the arm of the Whitmore name reaches in this town; possibly in the country. I would keep my trap shut if I were you and just turn and walk away. Now.”

Kirk does as he's told and leaves us. “Mr. Whitmore?” I turn around and see hospital security standing at the entrance of the emergency room. “You and Mrs. Whitmore can come right this way. There seems to be a crowd forming at the entrance. We have called the NYPD to get a handle on it, so they don’t disrupt our patients. Barricades should be up soon to keep the press out of the way.” Nathan takes my hand in his and I follow him into the hospital.

“Holy shit.” I can’t help it; it seems that my life has turned into a reality show overnight.

“Thank you.” He says to the security guard. “I’m sorry about all this. If it makes the situation any better, I can have the girls moved to a private facility.”

“It’s not a problem. We’ll get a handle on it shortly. It’s just that we weren’t prepared for the onslaught of everything.”

“Well, whatever the additional costs, I’ll be sure to cover them. I want my daughters to get the best care without being a hassle for the other patients admitted.” The mention of Nathan calling my girls his daughters brings a smile to my face. This man is a godsend.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, but I’ll let you know if there’s a problem. The elevator is that way.”

“Thank you again,” I call out before the doors close leaving us in silence.

“I’m sorry about this, Laney.” He pulls me into him.

“Why are you sorry?”

“I know you don’t like the spotlight. That this isn’t the type of lifestyle you want for you and the girls. I don’t know why I didn’t think about the repercussions this would have on everyone involved. I didn’t think about New York life. I just knew I didn’t want to spend another day without you.”

“Nathan, please. It’s alright. I’m not oblivious to all of the hoopla. My mother made sure there was always some sort of buzz about our family. My father was the one who understood what I wanted and didn’t want. He was the one that ensured my life was normal while she tried to turn the spotlight on the Jacobs name time and time again.” I turn my head up and look into those golden eyes and smile. “You’re worth it, Nathan.”

“I hope so, sweet girl, I hope so.” He brushes his lips to mine, and I take him in. My tongue glides along his lips willing them to open, which he does and I take full advantage. I deepen my kiss. I hear the ding of the elevator and the doors open. I come back down to reality and exit onto the floor that is keeping my girls.