Claiming Her - Tory Baker Page 0,2
what places she likes to shop at. “Damn, who knew Travis’ little sister likes the finer things in life?” he says with a whistle.
“Don’t fucking go there,” I grunt while moving the letters a little bit. I see they are all addressed to Taylor with no return address.
“I’m just saying, man. The girl has a healthy obsession with La Senza.”
“Shut up, and how do you even know what that place is?” I question. I put the letters back, already getting a sinking feeling in my gut.
“Do your own research and come back to me,” he grunts out, and then we disconnect. I’m already heading out her front door. I need to get back to the office, go through what Bridger found, and message Travis back to get the full details, especially if he wants me to protect her. Half-assed answers won’t work when it comes to Taylor.
Two
Taylor
I walk out of the courthouse with the need to get to the gym. It’s not even to be healthy; it literally clears my mind to get on a treadmill and run. I shouldn’t be this stressed out. I’m a twenty-five-year-old single female, no dogs, and for sure no cats. Don’t get me wrong; cats are cute and cuddly, but I like to breathe and not die from anaphylactic shock.
The sun is shining, so I grab my sunglasses from my bag, not paying attention to my surroundings when I’m jostled from behind.
“Sorry about that,” I hear a murmured as the person who hit me scurries away.
“Everyone is always in a rush,” I say under my breath. I secure my bag on my shoulder and head toward the parking lot. It’s time to head home, change for the gym, and get in my hour of a mental health break. I grab my keys and phone, frowning when I see a text from my brother, Travis.
Travis: Get to Nighthawk Security now. Slade is waiting for you.
Me: Cryptic much?
I totally regret telling him about the two random letters I received in the mail last week.
Travis: I don’t have time for this shit. Go now.
Me: Fine, I’m going. Be safe, love you, brother bear.
Travis: Thanks. Always, little sis.
Now that my evening plans are ruined, I head for Nighthawk Security instead of my house, and I really wanted to hit the gym up tonight too. Knowing Slade and all of the other guys that work with him, I’ll be lucky to get home at midnight. This Friday really is shaping up to be garbage.
It takes me no time to get to Slade’s office, and at least traffic is minimal, especially with it being the five o’clock hour. Taking a deep breath, I prepare myself to see Slade for the first time in over three years. Even back then he would take my breath away, and it was usually through a grainy video call. The man who Travis said barely smiled, would smile for me. It caused me to blush every time our weekly calls happened.
I flip down my visor mirror, reapply some lip gloss that is gone from this morning, and then step out of my car with my purse in hand. “It’s now or never, Taylor Marie Daniels. Time to suck it up, buttercup,” I mutter. I should have never said anything to Travis. He’s a worry wart. The two letters are nothing, I figured maybe it was someone playing a prank. It’s not like my job is high security. I literally document what is said in a court of law the entire time the session is in progress. Even if I wanted to mess something up, it’s not even a possibility with the way everything is recorded now. So, I know it couldn’t have come from a disgruntled case.
“Taylor, get your cute ass in here already,” Bridger says as he holds the door open.
“Well, well, well. Don’t you clean up well,” I say with sass. Last time I saw him, he was overseas and had dirt caked all over his face.
“Don’t tell Slade that. He’ll likely kick my ass.” Bridger envelops me in a hug, something I haven’t had since the last time my brother was home from leave. I swear he takes the minimal amount of time off and then goes back. Even when he’s eligible for retirement, he’ll likely stay right where he is.
“Yeah, right.” What he said can’t possibly be true. I’ve lived here for years now. Slade has had plenty of opportunity to make his move; it’s been his choice not to. Of