Breaking His Dancer

chapter 11

“I have quite a bit to do today” she said, as they all devoured their cold cereal. “I've got some appointments to catch up on, so Jeremy and I will spend most of the day in my office. I think we will be fairly safe there, but what do you think?”

Charles nodded his agreement. “Stay in public areas, be careful not to go wandering about too much, and I would like to follow you to work, as well as follow you back here after you're done for the night. I'll leave you there once you arrive, but before I leave you I want to check the premises to make sure it's clear. I also want you to have a weapon with you at all times. I need you to be able to defend yourself should the need arise”

She looked like she was ready to argue with him, but one stern look had her shutting her mouth. She thought maybe all of this was going a little overboard, but her logical mind told her that the danger was very real, and that maybe going overboard was the best course of action to keep them both safe. She nodded her assent, keeping herself quiet by sipping on her coffee. He was just trying to help after all.

After breakfast was finished they cleaned up, and quickly got ready to go. She pulled her hair back into a professional low bun, and put on one of the three dress suits she had. The gray pencil skirt fell just to her knees, decorated in a light pink lace pattern, the blouse she wore underneath was a simple white, buttoned low enough to be sexy, but not low enough to be risque. The jacket was also a light gray, with pink lace and the cuffs of each wrist and all along the neckline. The cloth buttons were a light pink, with a white lace pattern intricately sewn over each one. The completed look was feminine, yet still portrayed a sense of strength.

Just as he had promised, Charles followed them to the office, where he made her wait in her car while he did a quick check of the entire premises. Once he deemed the office safe, he allowed her and her employees to enter the building to start the day.He gave her a quick peck on the cheek as he headed towards his own car, and whispered a quick “be safe” in her ear. She nodded and smiled, watching as he left. Ready to get on with the day and feel normal for once.

She didn't miss the side eye, or looks of intrigue from her staff. She did however chose to pointedly ignore it all, wanting both to avoid panic as well as gossip.

The work day was long and tedious. Various tours of newly developed houses took up the majority of her morning. She met with several clients that day, and even closed a sale on one of the new houses. Throughout the day she called the office frequently to check on her boy, as well as frequently texted Charles to assure him she was safe. The feeling of having another person looking out for her was new. She had never experienced having someone care for her in the way he was. Independent and strong willed, she was used to doing everything on her own. After all, she had been a single mother for a very long time. But Charles had managed to worm his way into her heart, in the two short days that she had been staying with him. She was quickly becoming stuck on the man, and silently prayed that he wouldn't let her down like every other person in her life had.

On the way back to the office she stopped off to pick up some lunch for herself and her son, they ate hidden away in her office while she did paperwork. With most of her paperwork filed, and payroll complete, it was time to call Charles and let him know her work day was over. She dialed his number as she walked out of the building, locking up behind her. Dusk was just beginning to fall, the setting sun reflecting off the glass front to her tiny office. Charles answered on the second ring, making her smile at his constant efficiency.

“You ready to go baby girl?” he asked, foregoing the usual hellos. His rich masculine voice sent shivers over her spine and she smiled into the phone as she finished locking the last door to her office.

“I am, I'm just locking up. Jeremy and I are going to go wait in the car for you. How long do you think you'll be?”

“Not more than ten minutes I'm sure. I hope you're hungry. I ordered chinese. I figured we could use the fuel, since I plan on having a marathon repeat of last night as soon as your boy is asleep.”

Face flushing bright red she chuckled as she walked towards her car, Jeremy holding her right hand. “Well you just slow your roll there - “. She never managed to finish her sentence. Gasping as she took in the wrecked sight of her car, her hands began to shake as she struggled to speak.

“Baby you there?” Charles asked worriedly.

“I….i...Charles, get here now please.” she hung up quickly, too shocked to think past what was happening right now. The front windshield of her car had been smashed, all of her tires slashed. The side of her car had red paint splashed all over it, and across the driver door were the words ‘come out and play b***h’, written in sloppy red block letters. Her legs shook, and she pulled her boy to him, suddenly terrified for both his life and her own. She took in the sight before her with abject terror. Her mind was hardly able to comprehend what was even happening.

How? How had he managed to even do this without being seen? Of course her office wasn't in a bustling spot inside the town, but there were plenty of businesses and houses around her. Someone should have seen this, and yet as she looked around in horror she could see nobody. No one was there to help, or ask what happened. No one was out on their porch, or driving past. She was alone, just her and her son, with nobody to help. What if he came back? What if he found them here, now, helpless?