Chapter One #2
Saint held up one finger and jogged to the storage closet.
He found an old space heater they rarely used.
Saint hoped it still worked. It was small, but it blew out some warm air.
Saint wasn’t trying to freeze the guy. That might end in a different lawsuit.
But Saint knew the real reason he needed Clover comfortable.
The guy was definitely worthy of the princess treatment.
With heater in hand, he jogged back to Clover’s desk.
It looked as if he was still trapped. Saint quickly plugged in the heater and got it going.
It took it a second to actually blow out warm air and the smell of burning dust was strong.
Still, he tugged his kitten’s frozen paw toward the heat, holding it there.
The pure look of orgasmic pleasure that settled on Clover’s features made Saint’s mouth dry.
Saint couldn’t look away. He was so transfixed, when Clover spoke, it startled Saint.
“That sounds horrific. Anything could’ve happened to you. My boss, Saint, is sitting right here. If anyone can make this right, it’s him. I’ll transfer you. But please call me later and tell me how you are. I’m terrified on your behalf.”
Fuck. He was wonderful.
Clover motioned toward Saint’s office. Taking the hint, Saint quickly returned to his desk. The phone on his desk rang.
Saint answered, “This is Saint.”
“Hey, Saint. It’s Maya Heartland. I’m pretty sure you’re who I signed my contract with.”
Oh no. It was one of their biggest clients. “I am. Is everything okay?”
She blew out a loud breath. “First off, whoever answers your phone is top tier. You should’ve sent him to me.”
Saint covered his eyes. Fucking Leon. He should have fired that guy a long time ago.
Saint had hoped pairing him with such a huge celebrity would make him proud and he would work harder.
He tried to infuse some humor into his tone.
“As much as Clover is a treasure, I’m not sure that’s who you want protecting you.
Unless you’re looking for a six-foot twink in full makeup.
” He wouldn’t have risked the quip if Maya wasn’t such an advocate for the gay community. Saint had hoped to calm her.
“I’d take that any day over who you’ve sent.
” The rage in her voice couldn’t be missed.
Saint snapped his lips together and listened.
“We were on our way to the set and I decided to stop to check out a tiny vintage shop along the way. At first, Leon did what I expected. He made sure the shop was empty and then guarded the door to ensure no one came in while I quickly looked at what they carry. Except when I stepped outside again, he was gone. Literally nowhere in sight. By three steps out the door, I was absolutely mobbed. Even the cute lamp I’d bought was knocked from my hand and shattered on the sidewalk.
I had to fight my way back to the car. Thankfully, my driver jumped out and protected me until I was safe, and she’s a woman who probably isn’t a hundred pounds soaking wet.
So, yes, I would be infinitely better protected with Clover. ”
Saint pinched the spot between his eyes.
Clover was right. Maya could have been killed.
Then what? Not only would the world have lost one of the sweetest actresses to grace the big screen, but Steel Security would be done for.
Their reputation would be in ruins after losing a second client.
Granted, that had been several years back.
Most people probably didn’t recall they were the security team who didn’t protect Jayda when it mattered.
Saint dropped his hand. “I’m beyond horrified and sorry this happened. Is Leon still around?”
“No. We decided to leave, my driver and I, for safety’s sake. I have no clue where he is. But he knows I’m on set all day. If he decides to turn up, then he turns up. Either way, contract or not, I refuse his services. Apparently, I’m in better hands with my driver.”
“Absolutely not. You’re right to refuse. I’m scratching his name from your contract now. After I send one of my best guys, who just came to the end of his contract with a different client, I’ll let Leon know he’s fired. As a way of apology, you’ll get the next two months free.”
“It’s not necessary to give me free service. I can afford it, and people like sweet Clover need to be paid. Sending me a new guard is fine. Hopefully, this one cares if I end up dead.”
“Don’t worry at all. Timber is one of my highest requested guards. You’ll love him.”
He heard Maya take a deep breath. “Thank you. I appreciate your help. Do you mind transferring me back to Clover?”
A smile exploded across Saint’s face. “No problem. It was good talking to you. You’ll hear the phone start ringing again.
Don’t worry, it’s sending you to Clover.
Transferring now.” Saint hit the button.
He quickly sent texts to Timber and Leon.
Then he rushed back out to Clover. Clover held the phone to his ear and smiled as if loving every word from Maya. “Please? I would absolutely love that.”
Saint reclaimed his seat on Clover’s desk. He chuckled as Clover stretched to put both gloved hands in front of the heater while holding the headset between his shoulder and ear. Saint pulled the heater closer and repositioned it to blow directly on Clover.
Clover flashed him a grateful smile that made it a little harder to breathe. He had never met anyone like this kitten.
After a few more minutes of back and forth, Clover hung up the phone. He was still smiling. “She’s so nice. Thank you for helping her. I can’t imagine how scared she must’ve been.”
Saint was uncomfortable with praise. He simply dipped his chin. “Let’s get out of here and go to lunch early. It’s too damn cold to stay here.”
Clover’s smile turned fake. It was his turn to look uncomfortable. “Um. I’ve been out of work for a minute, and I live paycheck to paycheck. I can’t really afford to go to lunch. Unfortunately, I’m counting every penny right now.”
“That was me asking you to lunch. If I invite you, I’m paying.” He stopped himself before adding he would pay, even if Clover did the inviting. That was just who he was.
“If you’re sure.” Clover did not sound like he could trust this offer. Saint should have been asking him that question.
“Yep. Transfer calls to the answering service and let’s go.”
Saint didn’t wait to see if Clover complied. He knew he would. Saint needed to get his coat.