Her Dark Protector

Chapter 4

Julian’s POV

As he left the restaurant he was torn. He hated leaving her there. But he couldn’t step in, not yet. For now, Thomas could continue to spend time with her. He just needed to find a way to win her for himself. Though he still couldn’t really answer the question of why he was drawn to this woman. She was everything he shouldn’t want. Everything his family wouldn’t want. So, what was it with this woman. He just couldn’t get her out of his head.

No matter how many runs he went on, it couldn’t clear her from his mind. He hoped for today that work could distract him. As soon as he walked in the door he was bombarded by associates, assistants. Even when he arrived at his office, his own assistant handed him three files and a list of call backs. He sat at his desk and sighed before opening the first folder.

For a few hours he distracted himself in work. Then he needed to move so he got up to walk around the building. He wanted to talk to his people and make sure they remember he was their boss.

Some of his employees were scared of him and moved in the opposite direction when they saw him, but he enjoyed that part of being in charge. His second in command Logan caught up with him when he got off the elevator.

‘Boss, how are things?’

‘Good Logan, just making the rounds. Join me.’

‘Of course, boss, happy to.’

‘Tell me how we are sitting.’

‘At the top as usual, though there have been a couple of odd trades made down on the floor, but I am looking into it. Also, I have heard from Moonside.’ Julian took a deep breath to calm himself.

‘What does Kieran want?’

‘I’m not sure, but I highly recommend that you meet with him as soon as possible. The last thing we need is things escalating. He wants to test your leadership. He knows you are new here.’

‘I am not that new; it’s been six months.’

‘He has been at the top over there for five years.’

‘Hmm, yes but no one likes him.’

‘Well, yes that is true sir, but he is dangerous. You need to exert your power, show him you are fully in charge right now.’

‘Okay, put something in the calendar for me as soon as possible.’

‘Will do. I also suggest you head to the 10th floor and speak to Connor. He is having some issues with Nick.’

‘What is wrong with him?’

‘Nick is trying to encroach on some of Connor’s territory. Including an area for Connor’s future father-in-law.’

‘Is it because of Grace?’

‘Nick says it isn’t, but I am sure that she is in the middle of it, not by any fault of her own. Nick is pushing things. We need to get on top of that before it gets out of hand, but I think they may fight it out in the end.’

‘What do you think I should do? Can I get involved?’

‘I suggest you speak to Connor first, find out what he is thinking.’

‘Okay, I can do that later today. Great, anything else I need to know about.’

‘There is only one more thing and that is the gala in June. We have three months to pull it together, but I know your sister is working hard on that and Summer is helping her from our events team. But we will be having people from all over the area, we are stepping up security. You will need a new tux and a date. So, you need to get moving on both those things. Be careful about the date, speak to Summer and she will give you a list of candidates to choose from.’

‘Ah, the gala, yes. My first one here. I will speak to Summer and get the tux.’

‘Excellent sir. Do you need anything else from me?’

‘No, I think I am good for now.’ Logan nodded and headed back to his own office. Julian continued wandering the building, aimlessly. Unfortunately, he ran into Thomas as he returned from his lunch with Velvet. He didn’t want to make a scene so just nodded to the man as he continued to the elevator. Going to speak to Connor would distract him for a bit. Thomas looked disappointed to not get to speak to the boss, but Julian couldn’t face him, not yet. At least he knew Thomas wouldn’t bring Velvet to the Gala as he would bring his wife.

But that just brought his mind back to Velvet. Back in his office he turned back to the folders on his desk. Soon he’d finished that work so called down to have Connor come up to his office.

Connor arrived promptly and knocked on the door.

‘Come in.’ Julian called.

‘Sir, you wanted to see me.’

‘Yes Connor, please sit down.’ The man was only in his mid-twenties, but he was intelligent, and he had good head on his shoulders. Julian preferred him to Nick. Julain also knew that Connor was an up and comer and had been watching him. His was of mid build with short blonde hair. Julian gestured for him to take a seat.

‘What can I help you with sir?’ Connor looked nervous.

‘I have heard about your issues with Nick.’ Connor grimaced at the name; it was definitely a problem.

‘I have.’ Connor was trying to not give away too much.

‘Tell me what is going on.’ Julian added a tinge of strength to his voice, it was a command, not a request.

He sighed first. ‘He is chasing Grace, although he knows that she is mine.’ Connor wasn’t claiming her as his property, but that the goddess had chosen her for him. As much as Grace belonged with Connor, Connor belonged to her. If someone else was chasing Connor he would have the same conversation with them as well. Everyone in their world trusted the goddess and the fact that Nick was ignoring it was a problem.

‘Hmm, is aware of the situation.’

‘Yes sir, he is well aware of the situation. Grace and I have been running together for ten moons now. He has been running with different people each time but has watched us together.’

‘Have you spoken to him?’

Connor laughed. ‘Yes, I have spoke to him, but he chooses to ignore it.’

Julian leaned forward resting his chin on his raised hands. ‘Do I need to step in?’

‘Not yet sir. I have been pushing back, and Grace has been very forceful with him. She doesn’t go anywhere on her own anymore. Either her father, brother or I are with her.’

‘I bet she loves that.’

Connor laughed, more brightly this time. ‘Ah, no sir she really isn’t happy. But she knows if she is alone and Nick finds her that anything could happen.’ Julian was happy Connor was taking such good care of her. The goddess chose wisely with him.

‘Okay, well let me know if you need me to step in. I can and will do whatever is necessary to uphold the law.

Julian stood, followed by Connor. ‘Thank you, sir, I really appreciate that.’

‘That is part of my job.’

‘I want to also say that you are doing a great job, I know we were all wary when you came here, but you are definitely well liked.’ Julian smiled and stretched out his hand to shake Connors.

‘Thank you, I am glad that is the case.’

Connor nodded and left the office knowing he was being dismissed.

Julian sat back down. He would need to keep a closer eye on Nick going forward. But that was his job now. He had to look after everyone, keep them safe and help them all thrive. He had been working toward this point his whole life. His father had sent him overseas for the last few years in order to learn, only coming back in time for him to die and pass his legacy to Julian.

Now he was being tested from so many sides he had to keep and eye on everything. It meant that he would have to leave Velvet alone for now. He couldn’t risk her being a part of his world for now, it was far too dangerous.