Chapter 15
Korie
After my quick sweep of the home, I grabbed a plate of food and joined Riah and her family on the couches in the living room, where her Aunt Pat was telling another one of her elaborate stories that had everyone doubling over in laughter.
“How’d it go?” Riah leaned over and whispered in my ear.
Her warm, sweet scent pulled me in. My jaw clenched as I resisted the urge to lean in, turn her face towards mine and claim her lips.
“Nothing out of the ordinary.”
She relaxed immediately, sitting back and melting into the couch. My chest puffed in satisfaction, knowing I was the one who made her feel secure. Seeing her smiling and so free was exactly what I was here for. But it was more than a job for me. I wanted to make her feel that forever. By any means.
“Kor!” Riah’s dad caught my attention and waved me over from across the room.
I gave Riah’s leg a quick, reassuring squeeze as I pushed myself up to join him.
“How’s everything going?” He asked. He was smiling, but I could see the worry behind his eyes. “Anything concerning happen?”
It was obvious Riah hadn’t told him about the text message and I didn’t feel like it was my place to tell. Plus, I felt like I had it all under control. There was no reason to worry anyone further.
“It’s been going pretty well. Nothing concerning. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the camera and I barely let her out of my sight.”
“Oh, good,” he sighed with relief. “I’m worried about her starting work in a few days. I know she probably won’t be able to take you with her but…I don’t know. I just don’t want her without protection for so long.”
“I understand, your concern is completely valid. I have no problem keeping an eye on her from a distance after she starts work. Maybe have some of my guards drive around the building a few times a day. I’ll check in with her.”
He nodded, not completely convinced.
“Edward.” I placed a hand on his shoulder, looking into his eyes so he knew how serious I was. “I would never leave her without protection if I knew she was in danger. I’ve got her, I promise.”
Eddie joined our circle a few moments later.
“What are we talkin about?” He asked.
“How great of a job your best friend is doing at keeping my little girl safe,” Edward beamed like I’d taken a weight off of his shoulders. “Truly, I am so thankful, Korie.”
“Aw, it's nothing,” I waved him off.
“Seriously, Kor,” Eddie added, his normally goofy face turned serious. “I wanted to thank you for keeping an eye on her. I would do it myself but, with the baby and Chrissy and-”
“I get it,” I cut him off. “I am more than happy to do it. She…”
I found her across the room, holding her sides in a fit of laughter at whatever story her aunt was telling. They didn’t know how much being around her had affected me. They had no idea that I would protect her for the rest of my life. They had no idea the lengths I would go to keep her safe.
“She’s worth it.”
When I turned back to my little group, their eyebrows were raised. They took a quick look at each other and smiles split their cheeks. They both lifted their drinks to their lips in sync, like mirrors of each other. Eddie cleared his throat, stifling a laugh.
“What?” I flashed him a playful, irritated look.
“Nothing, nothing,” Edward added, sarcasm lacing his words.
I opened my mouth to question them again, but they immediately straightened, lifting their drinks to their mouths and averting their eyes.
“Why do you two look so weird?” Riah’s voice was suddenly next to me, my whole body snapped to attention.
“What?” Edward placed a hand over his chest in fake shock. “Us? Weird? We were just thanking Korie for taking such good care of you, sweetheart.”
“Yeah,” Riah looked up at me and my whole body relaxed. “She does a very good job at keeping me safe.”
Eddie stifled another laugh and I shot him an annoyed glare, not so playful this time. Riah’s face snapped over to him at the same time, her expression confused.
“Anyway, weirdos, I’m going to freshen up. I’ll be back in a minute.”
I watched as Riah scurried up the stairs before redirecting my glare back at Eddie. He finally broke.
“I’m just saying…I would approve,” he said with a smile.
“Me too.” Edward winked.
“Of?” I waved my hand for them to continue.
“My God, Kor,” he laughed. “You know what. I’ve known since we were kids.”
Before I could respond, a deafening scream rang throughout the entire house.