Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Lily

Jax has a business meeting across town this morning, so we say goodbye outside my building and I walk to Ralley’s alone. It’s a route I’ve walked since I was ten years old by myself. It’s a good neighborhood. I’ve always felt safe. Yet again today, I can’t shake the feeling of someone watching me. It’s broad daylight, but my own paranoia has me practically power walking the short distance to the gym.

The busy morning of paperwork helps me to relax and I’m lost in my own thoughts when the bells on the front door jolt me even though I’m staring right at it. A man enters wearing a suit, he looks out of place. Handsome, I’d guess mid-fifties, but wears it well. Distinguished, one look and I know he’s wealthy.

“Can I help you?” I ask, at first sure that he’s made a wrong turn. But then he smiles and I watch as his eyes roam my body. It’s not the subtle and elusive glance of a gentleman, even though he looks like one from the outside. No. It’s the pointed ego blaring leer of a man who has little respect for a woman. The kind of vulgar ogle that makes me want to put on a sweater. Perhaps he’s in the right place after all.

“I bet you can,” he responds confidently. I’m met by stunning blue eyes that no doubt have captured the attention of droves of women over the years.

I smile politely. “Are you looking for Joe Ralley?” He’s probably here for a business meeting. I size him up quickly. Someone who makes more money in an hour than I net in a month, giving him the false sense of self-worth that often comes from having too much money. It’s a shame too, he really is handsome.

“Actually I’m looking for Caden Ralley,” he says with a practiced smile that reminds me of a Cheshire cat. I shouldn’t be surprised when he asks for Caden, this guy seems right up Caden’s alley, yet I don’t expect the name to drop from his mouth.

“He doesn’t work…” I begin to respond, but I’m interrupted by the bells on the door as it’s whipped open. Caden. My hand automatically feels for the taser we keep under the counter. “Caden, you aren’t supposed to be here,” I warn.

The visitor turns and looks at Caden, then back to me. I’ve backed up toward the gym, ready to scream if Caden takes one step toward me. Wisely, the visitor assesses my face and swiftly says, “Mr. Ralley, perhaps we should take our business elsewhere. Why don’t we go have some lunch?”

Caden glares at me for a moment and then turns his attention to his visitor. He nods and the two men disappear without another word.