Chapter 3
Chapter Three
Kaitlyn
What the absolute fuckity fuck?
Yep, I must have fried my brain somewhere between his office and my desk because that’s all I can think of. The words cycling on repeat as I stare at the statue staring back at me.
Forget what I had seen. Forget what I can hear, coming from the other side of the office door as sounds of muted talking have evolved into something a bit more.
Honestly, I don’t have enough mental spoons to even begin dealing with that, nor the baggage that should be coming with it.
The thoughts, the feelings… the emotions I should be feeling compared to those I’m actually feeling…
No, right now all I can even think about is this weird statue, standing in the center of my desk, watching me.
A statue that's obviously a companion to the one Josh has on his shelf, only this one is a male model. But, unlike the uncomfortable feeling I get just even looking at his, this one seems to call to me.
Even as I stand by my desk, staring at it, my hand reaches out towards it of its own volition.
Cast in bronze, with the same black patina to enhance every muscular curve, the male figure stands in a simple three piece business suit, in a relaxed pose.
There's a slight smirk to his lips, creating a small crinkle at the corner of his eyes, that somehow conveys the feeling that he's somehow in on some great secret.
Overall there's nothing special about it, if you ignore the thin tail curling around his body, or the horns curling upwards and back from his temples, amidst thick slicked back hair.
Strong, leathery wings add to the juxtaposition between a human man and a demon, while somehow looking classy while doing so.
Beside me, the office door slams open, breaking me from some self induced trance, causing me to jump. Heart pounding rapidly in my chest, a feeling of panic overtaking me despite having no idea why, I sit in my chair.
It’s not like I was doing anything wrong...
“It’s been so wonderful catching up with you, Joshua,” Miss Cavanagh laughs, leaning into Josh’s body as he stands literally in the middle of the doorway, leaving her little room to walk past, “I hope to see you at the fete tomorrow evening.”
“Of course, my lady,” Josh’s hand brushes against her waist, before pulling back to restrain himself from holding onto her, “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
My lady? I can’t help but smirk at that.
Who does he think he is? Some noble lord?
And of course he’ll be at the event. His father's paying both of us to be there, representing the company and hopefully make some new connections.
Though, to be honest, Josh will see me as being nothing more than arm candy, but that's alright.
My main job will be to keep an eye on him. To make sure he stays out of trouble.
“Ah, I see Sentinel made it safe and sound,” Miss Cavanaugh smiles as she approaches my desk, hands clasped together in front of her while eyeing the statue.
Josh walks up behind her, taking advantage of her distraction to place his hands on her waist, literally plastering his chest against her back. While I start typing on my keyboard, trying to look busy and not like I'm eavesdropping.
“My love?” his breath causes small tendrils of her hair to shift as he speaks softly into her ear. The movement reminding me of some sort of romance novel scene that he’s trying to reenact, only worse.
God this is so cringe worthy. Why am I just sitting here, witnessing it?
And why can’t I feel bad about him giving her attention?
That normal jealous feeling, the queasiness I would feel in my stomach whenever he'd show more interest in some other woman, for once is just gone.
Miss Cavanagh glances at me and smiles, as if she can sense my internal struggle, but then returns her attention back to the statue, “Yes, I had bought the pair from different auction houses, so I wasn’t sure when they would arrive.
While Vixen brings good fortune to those within her presence, Sentinel is a guardian, a protector, and will ensure those within the area will receive a deserving reward for their devotion.
But it must remain out here, in order to do so. "
Turning within his arms, her hands press against his chest, fingers caressing the edges of his button up shirt. Lips pursed, she bats her lashes, giving him a coy smile, “Please say you’ll keep it out here, where it belongs. For me…”
“Of course. Anything for you,” his words come out in a hushed breath, eyes glazing over for a brief moment.
I swear his pupils are heart shaped as he becomes lost in her eyes, “Besides, it isn’t as lovely as the one you gave me. And I’d rather be reminded of you and our future together, than have its partner constantly glaring at me.”
"Excellent," Miss Cavanagh claps her hands together while taking a step away, essentially breaking out of his grasp. Looking at me, she smiles, her eyes shifting down to the black envelope sitting next to the statue before returning to me. “Good, it’s settled then. I’ll see you later. And don’t forget to wear your finest attire. Never know who you might meet tonight."
Without another word, she walks away, leaving us alone.
“Josh?” My voice comes out soft, quiet... hesitant. Not knowing what to say. Surely there's more going on than them having a simple client/employer relationship.
Even if I did know what to ask, Josh holds up a hand and turns away. “Kaitlyn, I have a headache. Bring me some water and the entire bottle of ibuprofen.”
Then, without another word, he leaves me alone with the statue, returning to his office.
The question of ‘what the fuck’ comes back to mind as the door closes with a very firm thud.