The Queen's Ghost
1397 Words
Alexandra
"Get out."
I didn't even look at him as I spoke. He was the second one this week, and I was honestly losing count of how many times I’d sent Austin to go pick up one distraction or another. The guy scrambled out of the bed, looking like a kicked puppy until he noticed the three grand I’d tucked into his jacket pocket. Then, he smiled.
I turned away, disgusted. Again and again, I tried to find a way to forget, but every time I closed my eyes, their faces just blurred into his. The only man who ever actually saw me. Kevin Blackwood.
He was the only person I’d ever loved, and he had burned me in a way I couldn't forget and definitely couldn't forgive. But even after two years, the man lived in my dreams like a squatter. My heart, my body, my soul… it was like I was dying of thirst in a desert and he was the only drop of water for miles.
The pathetic part? We were never even intimate. Since he left, my life had been a blur of work, family, and partying like my pulse depended on it.
"Hey, sis? I heard a noise. You okay?"
My younger brother, Lindon, was leaning against the doorframe.
"Yeah. Someone was just leaving," I said, smoothing out the silk sheets. He looked at the empty doorway, then back at me, shaking his head.
"What?" I snapped.
He chuckled softly. "Nothing. Just… when are you going to stop doing that? You know there’s someone out there who can love you for you, right? Not just for the bank account."
"Don't start with the lectures, little brother," I mocked, trying to deflect. "Last I checked, you were pretty much a solo act yourself. Any luck on your end?"
Lindon started fidgeting, his usual confidence wavering. Then a slow grin spread across his face. "Maybe yes, maybe not yet. I’m still looking."
I knitted my eyebrows. "What’s that supposed to mean?"
"I met someone," he said, his voice dropping an octave. "But it’s like… they’re scared. They don't trust people easily."
I felt a pang of something like envy. "You’re really smitten, huh?"
He laughed nervously.
"Then don't let go," I said, my voice turning serious. "Don't let my mistakes keep you from being happy, okay? If they’re worth it, fight with everything you’ve got. And never, ever hurt them."
He came in and sat at the edge of my bed. "What makes you think it’s a girl?"
My eyes nearly popped out of my head. He looked terrified for a split second, searching my face for a reaction.
Oh no. Here we go again, I thought.
Lindon burst out laughing. "Did I say that out loud?"
"Yes," I muttered, feeling my face heat up.
"Whatever, you i***t," I said, trying to regain my composure. "So, what did you mean by 'what makes you think it’s a girl?'"
"Well… I like someone. But it’s not a girl."
The realization hit me like a ton of bricks, but it didn't hurt. It just made sense. "Oh. So you’re playing for the home team now?"
He was fidgeting so hard I thought he’d vibrate off the bed. I reached out and squeezed his hand. "You know I love you, right? It doesn't matter who you love, hun."
He looked like a weight had been lifted off his chest. "Really?"
"Of course. You’re my baby brother. My only job is to protect you."
"Thank you," he whispered. "But like I said, I like a guy, not in love yet. You should try to find yourself a good man, too."
He started laughing again. I narrowed my eyes. "Did I say that out loud again?"
He just nodded, howling.
"Get out! I need to shower and get ready before Ms. Marie gets here," I yelled, throwing a pillow at him. He ducked out of the room, still cackling.
God, I need to master my thoughts before I make a complete fool of myself.
I showered and dressed in a sharp, elegant blue dress. I grabbed my phones and headed downstairs, my heels clicking like a countdown on the marble.
"Morning, Ms. Spectre," my driver, Austin, who had been my shadow/ bodyguard since Kevin left, greeted me. "Traffic isn't too bad. We’ll be at the office in no time."
"Morning, Austin. That’s good. Where’s Lindon?"
"He hasn't come down yet. Said something about a late-night assignment."
I nodded and we headed to the car. The drive was quiet, which was exactly what I needed, but as we cruised through the city, I caught a glimpse of a car in the lane over. My heart skipped a beat.
It couldn't be him. Could it?
No. I was being paranoid. I pulled out my phone. I needed to call my PI and see how "Operation Find My Bodyguard" was going.
When I walked into the office building, the air changed. People nodded, whispering "Good morning," and I gave them nothing but a sharp nod in return. Austin followed closely with my briefcase.
As we stepped into my private elevator, a memory hit me; the time I had a panic attack in this very space, and Kevin had stayed right there, calming me down. The memory soured instantly. He’d used that closeness to conspire against me.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" Austin asked.
"I'm fine, Austin."
"You look a little pale, Miss. Are you sure—"
"I said I’m fine!" I snapped. "Why don't you mind your own business?"
His jaw dropped. "Sorry, Ma'am."
I felt like a b***h, but I couldn't help it. Thinking about Kevin always made me feel like I was vibrating with frustration.
As the doors opened, I saw my assistant, Sarah, scurrying away from my door. She was late, but I couldn't bring myself to fire her. She was brilliant at her job; she just had the misfortune of being married to a total loser.
Austin was already lingering by her desk, staring at her like a lost puppy. I turned back before reaching my office.
"Austin, my bag please. You can go back to… whatever it is you’re doing."
His face turned bright red as he rushed over. "Sorry, Ms. Spectre, I—"
I raised a hand. "I get it, Austin. But you know she’s married, right?"
"He’s not good for her," he whispered.
"She chose him. Accept it and move on. Someone might love you out there, but as long as you're on my clock, I don't want to hear the word 'harassment.' Clear?"
"Yes, Ma'am. I promise."
I took my things and walked into my office. It was a room suited for a Queen. Mahogany tables, velvet couches, and a walk-in bathroom that hid a secret: a private lounge and closet. Only Kevin had truly known about the inner room. Now, Austin and Sarah only knew about the bathroom.
In all the time I’d been here, I’d never had s*x in this office. Because the only person I wanted on that mahogany desk was my bodyguard. It was a stupid, filthy thought, but that imbecile Kevin Blackwood did that to me.
I was sipping the coffee Sarah had left for me when she practically burst through the door.
"Ms. Spectre! Next time you decide to ditch work, call us! I looked like a complete fool in front of the investors because you didn't pitch. I may be your subordina—"
She stopped, gasping for air.
Oh god! The investors! I’d spent Friday afternoon at a club, took a guy home, and tried to screw Kevin out of my system. It hadn't worked. I was getting tired of bed-warmers.
"I’m sorry, Sarah," I said quietly. "I was having a bad day. It won't happen again. I’ll apologize to them personally. Now, can you leave? I need to be alone."
She nodded and slipped out. I stared at my phone. It was time to make some serious calls.
- Writer
