Chapter 6 #2
“The security detail is just until I feel that North Pointe is safe again,” Edward said. “I want the community to know I’m taking every precaution in wake of this attack.”
“And Scarlet is okay with this new arrangement?” Andrej spoke up. “She’s the one who has to deal with the attention. Good or otherwise.”
Scarlet pushed the rising anxiety back. All eyes were on her, but all she wanted to do was look at Alex. She found it hard to look away from him.
“I don’t…” She shook her head to clear all the recent mess. “A lot’s going on. I just need to sleep.”
Nora pursed her lips. “Okay, well… Logan can stay with us. You know, for added protection.”
Logan snorted. “Perhaps you don’t remember when Scarlet had to save me from the bird that flew into my apartment.”
“Still,” Nora argued. “You’re a familiar face. Right, Scar?”
Distracted, Scarlet glanced back up to Alex. “You really have to be around me all the time?”
“’Fraid so,” he responded curtly.
So that’s it. I have to walk around with a watchdog like I’m some damsel in distress.
She knew it was a better alternative than losing her new promotion before it started. “Okay,” she agreed, slowly getting to her feet. “It is what it is.”
“Great,” Alex said quickly. “Let’s get going.” He held out his hand to signify Scarlet should start walking.
Kind of pushy, Scarlet thought.
“Have Scarlet in my office by eleven thirty tomorrow morning,” Edward called after Alex.
“Will do,” he responded. “Night, Edward.”
“Okay then,” Nora called after them. “See you at the house.”
Once outside, Alex pointed to a parked black SUV.
Scarlet breathed in the fresh night air and tried to relax.
Alex walked to the passenger door and reached to open it at the same time as Scarlet.
Their hands touched. Scarlet froze. Alex had the better grip on the handle.
His eyes met hers, and he cleared his throat.
“Sorry,” she murmured. She pulled her hand away as Alex opened the door for her.
Once Scarlet was safely inside, she closed her eyes and leaned back.
“Seatbelt,” Alex said as he started the car.
Scarlet opened her eyes, but kept her gaze forward as she did what she was told. “It’s just a few blocks down the road. Go straight, then turn left on Clay Street.”
Alex nodded, gripping the steering wheel.
The silence that settled in the car made Scarlet’s discomfort creep back up. She didn’t want to ride in any vehicle, but her body was so sore she didn’t dare suggest walking.
She clasped her hands in her lap and stole a quick glance to Alex. His stiff posture and permanent frown led her to believe he wasn’t thrilled to be in his current situation.
“So,” Scarlet cleared her throat. “You from around here?”
“Yes.”
“Oh,” Scarlet said, when he didn’t elaborate. “Um, so you’re Mr. North’s stepson?”
Alex let out a sigh loud sigh. “Yeah,” he muttered under his breath.
Scarlet bit her lip, sensing his irritation. Alex seemed to want to be anywhere but driving her home.
“I’m sorry if this is a lot of trouble for you,” she said.
Alex gave her a side-glance. “Are you always this apologetic?”
“Excuse me?” Scarlet frowned at him.
Alex navigated the SUV out of the parking lot.
“You’re acting like it’s your fault you got attacked, your fault your friend’s dad is a dick, your fault I have to babysit you.
It’s not. It’s my job, but don’t think I’m here to braid your hair, trade life stories, or give you a shoulder to cry on. I’m your bodyguard, not your friend.”
Scarlet blinked at him. “You’re kind of a jerk.”
She turned her head away from him and let out a short breath.
“So, I’m told,” Alex replied.
Scarlet bounced her knee irritably. She tried to keep her thoughts from straying too far from her anger.
Every time she cast a glance to Alex, her chest got tight, and she wondered what lay beneath his rough exterior.
She didn’t want to stare. She was afraid he would notice, and then she would have to say something to him.
He clearly didn’t want to engage in a conversation.
Since meeting him, it was like she stepped onto a rollercoaster. It made her mind and heart race.
Stop looking at him.
The short car ride couldn’t be over quick enough.
As Alex parked the car in front of her building, relief washed over Scarlet’s body. She wanted rest, even if her mind was wide awake with confused thoughts.
“Stay put for a sec,” Alex walked around to the back of the car and opened the back hatch. He kept his attention on Scarlet as he reached for a small black case. Then he turned and surveyed the street around him before closing the hatch.
Scarlet watched him from her spot in the passenger seat. Alex walked to her door and opened it for her.
“I have to clear the house,” he told her. “As a precaution.”
Can this night get any more bizarre? Scarlet wondered.
She got out of the car, pulled out her keys, and walked up the stairs. Once she unlocked the door, Alex climbed the steps behind her. She moved aside to let him walk in first.
Alex stepped into the house. He placed the black case on the hall console table, and un-holstered his gun.
“Stay behind me,” he commanded, softly.
Scarlet hovered near the door, unsure what to do next. She eyed the gun, hugging her arms to her chest.
Alex began his search. She craned her neck to watch him as he checked behind the living rooms curtains before moving on to the kitchen and downstairs rooms.
When he disappeared up the stairs, Scarlet turned her attention to a circular mirror above the hall table. She brought her hands up to her face, fingers tracing the dark circles under her eyes. I look horrible. She moved her hands to her hair, attempting to fix the mess it had become.
Scarlet stopped when she heard Alex come back down the stairs.
“The house is secure,” he said, putting his gun away. “You’ll have a guard stationed outside starting tomorrow night, but you don’t need to interact with him if you don’t want to. I’ll wait in my car until your friend gets home.”
He opened the black case. “You’ll need this.”
Scarlet looked at it questioningly.
“It’s my standard client pack,” Alex explained.
“What’s it for?” Scarlet asked.
“Precautionary measures,” Alex responded. “A disposable cell phone with my contact info, a Taser, pepper spray, whistle… things like that. It’s best if you don’t inform others that you have these items. It’s added precaution.”
Alex lifted out the black Taser and showed it to Scarlet. “Power button is on the side. Aim the prongs to the front, and press this red button on contact. Look through the rest in the morning. If you have any questions about it, let me know.”
Scarlet blinked at him. She’d never had to use a Taser, or pepper spray.
“Oh.” She managed a smile. “Got it. Thank you, Mr. Sterling.”
Alex walked to the door and opened it. “You’re welcome, Miss Rush. I’ll see you in a few hours.”
She lingered in the doorway, watching him for a moment as he made his way back to his car. “Scarlet,” she called, making him stop and look back at her. “You can call me Scarlet.”
Alex hesitated a moment before nodding at her.
“Call me Alex.” He tilted an imaginary hat. “Get some rest, Scarlet.”
Scarlet nodded and turned back to the door. She could feel his eyes watch her as she let herself into the house.
When she was safely inside with the door locked, she leaned against it, and let out a long sigh. Wow. She took a deep breath. The somber-faced bodyguard gave her a slight sting of excitement.
The night had been one long blur, and standing at the end of it, she knew the roller coaster ride was far from over. Alex Sterling intrigued her. She allowed herself to admit it.
Opening her eyes, she let out another deep breath, and headed up to bed.