Chapter 24
24
Rule One: Obedience
Rule Two: Honesty
Faith stepped into her office with a sigh. It was nearly seven in the evening and she’d been here since six this morning. Her entire body ached and she felt like she was going to vomit.
Yet, she couldn’t seem to leave.
It was strange, a few weeks ago it would have been unfathomable . . .
But she missed him.
Not the bossiness. Nope, she didn’t miss that.
Besides, just because he was thousands of miles away didn’t mean he wasn’t still being bossy.
He’d already sent her one rule this morning. Obedience. Of course he would make that the first rule.
Sitting behind her desk, she jumped as her phone buzzed. Picking it up, she checked it.
Reuben: What time did you leave the office today?
She rolled her eyes. Hello to you too.
Wait. He didn’t know, did he? He couldn’t.
Unless he had Steven reporting to him. Of course he did.
“Why didn’t I think of that?” she muttered to herself. “That tattletale.”
Maybe she could pretend that she hadn’t seen the message. Faith bit her lip. But he would have seen that the message was read.
Fudge knuckles.
Best just to answer him.
Faith: I’m just about to leave.
Reuben: Just because I’m away doesn’t mean you get to be naughty.
Crap.
Reuben: You’re supposed to be looking after yourself.
Faith: I got caught up in something. I’m leaving. I promise.
Reuben: Text me when you get home.
Relief filled her. She shot Steven a message to let him know she was ready to go. Instantly, she felt guilty. Steven had picked her up early this morning and was going to take her home late tonight. He probably wanted to go home himself.
Her phone buzzed again in her hand as she walked out to her office. She glanced down.
Rule Two: Honesty.
Lord help her.
She was in trouble here. She made her way down to the ground level. Steven wanted to pick her up in the garage, but she found it creepy down there. As she exited the elevator, she waved goodbye to Fred, the security guard.
“Working late tonight, Miss Faith?”
“Just a bit, Fred,” she said back. She stepped out of the doors and looked for Steven. Shoot. He might have had to circle the block.
A shiver wracked her body. She really needed to get a jacket. Someone strode up the steps, nearly plowing into her.
“Oh shit, I’m so sorry,” a masculine voice said.
“Uh, no, it’s fine.” It wasn’t really, but she’d been raised to be polite at all times. Even when someone nearly knocked her over.
“Do you work here?” he asked.
“Uh, yes.” Did he?
He seemed a bit rough, with long hair and tattoos up his arms and neck.
Don’t judge a book by its cover, Faith.
“Oh good. I was just looking for Charteris Accountants,” he said.
Huh. He didn’t look like he needed an accountant.
Wow. Judgy much, Faith?
“Oh, I think they’re closed now. You can’t get into the building after five-thirty unless you have an appointment.”
He smiled, but it didn’t seem genuine. “I missed my appointment time.”
“Right. Probably best to call and make another time,” she suggested.
“You’re so right. Do you work for them?”
“Um, no.” She shifted her weight around. A weird feeling developed.
“I’ll do what you said, then. Thanks.” He glanced up at the building. “Do you know if there’s a lawyer’s office here, too? The guy I was meant to see at Charteris Accountants said there was, but I’ve forgotten the name.”
Was there any harm in telling him?
“There is, but he only takes on some clients,” she said cautiously. “You can get your accountant to call him.”
His gaze narrowed down at her. Then he smiled again. Something off about all this, but she couldn’t figure it out.
“Sure. I’ll do that. Have a nice night.” He strode off as Steven pulled up.
So weird.