Mr. Valentine's Heart

Luna Cherish

~Cherise~

I’m still working on learning my way around this new city. Since I don’t have a car, I order rides and walk. I had to order a ride today. I also have some product reports to turn in, and I have to go into the building to do so.

I like that I largely get to work at home. It keeps me out of the general public, and I still need that. I won’t say that Alexi will never be able to find me, but I definitely don’t want to make it easy for him. The longer I can stay away, the better for me.

A car would actually be ideal. I may need a quick getaway if Alexi ever finds me. I have to admit that is my greatest fear right now. I’m not worried about surviving out here on my own or not having success with the job. I think that if anything like that were to happen, I would be able to bounce back.

I’m terrified that Alexi will find where I am. I’m not stupid enough to believe that Alexi is going to forget all about me just because I’ve disappeared. I also don’t believe that he would readily let me go.

I imagine Alexi is tearing up the area and looking for me. This makes me worry about Natasha and Lawrence. I’m so grateful they helped me get out, but I’m afraid for them. If Alexi finds out that they helped me, I have a feeling that they would be in for more than a tongue-lashing.

I arrive at the building, taking it all in again. When I came the last time, I was very impressed with the optics of the company. On the outside, you’d never know it was the type of company that it is, and I think that’s a plus.

I walk through the glass doors and walk up to the receptionist. It’s the same woman as last time. She was sweet and helpful, so I feel good about things right now. “Good afternoon, welcome to Guilty Pleasure. How may I help you?”

“Good afternoon. I’m a product test and have some reports to turn in.”

“What’s your name?”

“Cherise Perry.” I watch her type some things into her computer before looking at me with a smile.

“The head of product testing is looking to meet with you. He wasn’t able to be there for your interview. If you take your reports to the tenth floor, you’ll find him there. He’s Jamichael Thomas.” I smile and thank her, walking over to the elevator.

~Jamichael~

I have to admit, I kind of like doing this 9-5 thing. It was never something I was interested in before, but maybe getting older has made the difference. The pack business is interesting and fun. On top of that, I get to work with my best friend, though he’s different than he was before. I hate that for him, but I don’t blame him at all. “Sir?”

“Yes?”

“You have a product tester on the way to you. I told her that you wanted to meet.”

“Thank you.” I stand and stretch. I can’t wait to get a good, consistent group in. Once that happens, I want to try my hand at some production. I have some ideas that I want to share with the design team.

I walk to the door of my office and look out at the floor. Everyone is busy working, and I love that about this company. I don’t have to do much, and everything works out well. The elevator dings and I watch the doors open. When she walks out, my heart stops, and I can’t breathe. I blink my eyes repeatedly, determined to prove that my vision is way off.

Flashback

I’ve been fighting these tears for days, but I don’t have any fight in me anymore. My heart has been broken, no, it’s been shattered. I can’t deal with this; I never thought anything like this would be this difficult.

The scent of magnolias wraps around me. I lift my head up and am hit with a beauty I don’t think I’ve seen before. She’s 5’8, her legs telling the entire story. Her body is fit, with curves where any man would want them to be. As she walks closer, I get more lost in her hazel eyes.

She sits next to me and places an arm around my shoulders. “Come now, it can’t be all that bad.” There’s this calmness that washes over me. I have no idea what it is or where it’s from, but I like it. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” I sit up tall and wipe my face. “I’m fine.” I risk looking at her, and it’s almost too much.

“You can be honest with me. I swear I won’t tell anyone.” I sigh and close my eyes. My mouth opens without me thinking about it.

“My fated mate doesn’t want me. I found her with another, and she rejected me.” The pain intensifies, and I struggle to keep the sobs at bay. She wraps her arms around me and places her head on my shoulder.

“I don’t know you, but I know that she’s a dumbass who has missed out on an amazing man.” I have no idea why her words are making an impact, but they are like a soothing balm to my pained soul.

“Hey, guys. I hope I don’t have anything to worry about.” I quickly wipe my face as I hear Caleb’s voice. She slowly unwinds from me and turns to Caleb. He sits next to her and wraps his arms around her. “Jamichael, this is Cherish, my fated mate and your future Luna.” She turns to me with her face aglow.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“Definitely! I can’t wait to become friends with my mate’s best friend.” I smile and nod.

“Seriously, did I interrupt something? Is everything okay?”

“Oh, he’s fine babe. He was just telling me about his latest conquest.” She winks at me, and I instantly start to feel at ease.

End of Flashback

I don’t know much, but I know the woman who walked out of the elevator. I hurry out of my office and walk up to her. “Luna Cherish?”