Chapter 6
Kaden
I’m back at the Burke estate for another day of babysitting. The drive up felt longer than usual, the sky overcast, everything looking dull and just slightly miserable.
Marcus makes it clear upon my arrival that I’m not to let Ashleigh out of my sight.
Apparently, the stalker has upped the ante by sending photos.
Unfortunately they were dropped into the letter box by hand.
Hope for clues went out of the window quickly; no prints and no description from the surveillance video.
Whoever it was, they were good and far too careful for a low level threat.
I’ve been sitting in the ornate living room for the past half hour, staring holes in the very expensive wallpaper and getting high off the scent of lemon cleaner. A clock on the mantel ticks away the minutes, echoing through my mind and driving me to the edge of insanity.
A maid enters the living room, bringing in a tray with a delicate porcelain teapot and two cups, the tea steaming gently.
Her footsteps are nearly silent on the thick carpet.
She asks if I need anything before leaving, but I decline, watching the door close behind her as the faint aroma of black tea and bergamot lingers in the air.
Ashleigh swans in, followed closely by another man.
He stands tall and proud, his designer suit perfectly pressed, shoes gleaming, and his hair meticulously styled with not a strand out of place.
His cologne reaches me before he does—something sharp and expensive.
Everything about him radiates the kind of privilege that could only be inherited, not earned.
His eyes flicker over me, assessing, dismissing, in a single sweep.
I know immediately this is Ashleigh’s pompous ass fiancé, Owen Bedford.
“Owen,” Ashleigh nods, her voice carefully neutral.
Owen offers a quick, disinterested handshake. “So you’re the security friend that Marcus brought in?” he says, glancing at me as if sizing up a new accessory. “Ashleigh’s told me… well, not much, actually.”
“Nice to meet you.” Even though I’m lying through my teeth, I force a small, polite smile.
Owen’s gaze drifts away almost instantly as he adjusts the cufflinks on his sleeve. “I barely had time to make it today. The traffic was insufferable, but I’m meeting with Marcus over business matters.”
Ashleigh stands beside him, silent, her eyes fixed on the floor. I can see the tension in her jaw, the way her fingers clench at her side.
Before the awkwardness can deepen, Owen’s phone buzzes. He glances at the screen and sighs dramatically. “Excuse me. Important call. Ashleigh, don’t forget about the dinner next week. You’ll need a dress.”
He strides away, already talking with the phone glued to his ear. Ashleigh watches him go, her expression still unreadable.
“How much does he know about the incoming threats?”
“Not much. Father didn’t want anyone to know.”
“You’re late, by the way.” To which Ashleigh simply rolls her eyes. “Your tea will be getting cold.”
We take our seats and pour the tea. The china clinks quietly, the faintest wisp of steam curling above the cups. Ashleigh sits across from me, her posture perfect, but I catch the way her foot taps restlessly beneath the table.
Quickly, I switch gears. I didn’t come here for a fucking tea party.
I need to get to the bottom of what Ashleigh knows.
“I know you’ve made it clear that you have no friends or past lovers with a grudge against you.
But the threats are still coming and escalating.
Is there anyone that you’re suspicious of? ”
“No. I’ve told you. I don’t know who’s behind this.”
“What about Owen? You’ve been engaged for a year. What do you know about him?”
“Probably less than you. I’m guessing you’ve got a file on him somewhere.” Ashleigh shrugs nonchalantly, as if she’s not even interested.
Unfortunately, not yet, I don't. I don’t like that I don’t know much about him, his past or even his family. They're wealthy and influential in the county, that’s all I know.
“Can I ask, why did you agree to this marriage? You don’t seem to care the slightest bit about him, the wedding... or the fact that someone's threatening your life.”
“You’re asking the wrong question.” Ashleigh gives me a wide smile before standing and walking over to the fireplace. There’s no fire, but she stares as if it’s ablaze.
“What’s the right question?” My tone is sharp because I’m starting to feel like she’s playing with me. Is this all a game to her? Why is she not more afraid? It’s her life on the line at the end of the day.
“You should be asking if I agreed to this marriage at all.” Her sharp gaze cuts to me, and some of the breath leaves my lungs sharply. The flash of defiance in her eyes is electrifying. She’s baiting me, but I won't bite back.
No matter how tempted I am to play it out.
“Well, what about the DeLucas? Was there any bad blood between you and their heirs?” I ask slowly, carefully watching her reaction.
She sits back down on the couch, next to me but not touching.
A small smirk flashes at the corner of her lips, but it quickly vanishes, leaving no trace of any emotion.
I find that interesting.
“I don’t know. What do you think?” She flashes those big blue eyes at me, full of mirth, using her skills of deflecting expertly.
“You don’t want to know what I think,” I reply lowly. Her eyes lose their shine, and a muscle in her jaw ticks as her teeth clench. “Because if you confirm what I think is true, then I have to do something about it.”
Her demeanour shifts ever so slightly. Her chin tilts up, eyes meeting mine with a fiery, stubborn glint. A look that I’m finding I like on her delicate features, maybe a little bit too much. Her voice comes out breathier, “Like what? What would you do?”
I move my hand to the back of the couch and turn to face her.
“I’m here at your father’s request. When I discover who’s sending these threats, I’ll have to deal with them, and then be on my way.” I inch closer, our eyes are locked. We’re the only two people in the world right now. “If the threats stop, I have no reason to be here.”
Clearing of a throat causes my eyes to flicker up to the maid that’s standing in the doorway. MY eyes return to Ash, I slowly move away leaving behind my intention. What I said is the truth but I hope she sees deeper into my words.
“Miss Burke, Linda Bedford is waiting for you in the receiving room.”