LOVE BORN IN DANGER

Chapter Three

Neriah's knuckles were white as she gripped the doorframe's edge. She was having trouble breathing. Mr. Rogers, she muttered. Why are you here? It's already late, she looked at the wall clock.

Rogers entered without permission and clicked the door shut behind him. He had a slender, calculating smile.

I am aware of the time. His keen, perceptive eyes darted about the tiny apartment.

I want to have a private meeting with you, office conversations may be jeopardized. Her stomach churned. A private meeting? What is it about?

You spent last night at the office; he spoke in a level, almost informal tone, late, by yourself. Neriah made herself nod. Yes.

The alarms were heard by you, you are aware of the intruder. This morning, I read the report. Did you notice anything strange? It was a sharp, direct question.

She swallowed, hoping her face wouldn't reveal anything. No.

Rogers moved in closer, his presence resonating throughout the space. That's strange, he was tracked down to your floor by the security. They think he came into your office and yet, he c****d his head, you didn't see anything?

Her throat constricted. I would have reported it if I had.

His eyes were calculating and cold as he studied her. There was a long pause then he curled his lips.

Alright. However, he continued, taking something out of his pocket, one can never be too careful. He brushed past her to the little table by the window before she could respond.

He set a small, black object against her lamp's leg. He left his fingers there for too long.

With her heart racing, she questioned, what are you doing? With ease, he said, precaution. Neriah, you are valuable. I must know that you are safe, secure. In his mouth, the word felt awkward.

He stood up straight, feigning his smile. Take a nap, there will be a lot to do tomorrow. Then he went away.

With a heaving chest, Neriah closed the door behind him. She shuddered and leaned against it. Her gaze landed on the lamp as she hurried across the room. Nestled against the base was something small, hardly perceptible; a tracker or a bug.

Her pulse roared in her ears. He had no trust in her, or worse, he already had suspicions about her.

Neriah moved like a ghost in the office the following day. She filed papers and took phone calls, but her thoughts were racing.

Neriah, you work for dangerous people. more dangerous than you think. She was troubled by the thief's words and Rogers' visit at midnight was evidence that something was amiss.

Isabelle leaned across the table during lunch. You look so stressed today, did you sleep at all?

Neriah forced a tiny smile. It was a restless night

Are you still thinking about your secret kisser? Neriah grinned. I won't tell anybody but I'll say this, I want specifics if he returns. Many of them.

Neriah looked away, if he returns? She wasn't sure if she feared that or wanted it.

She clutched her coat as she left work later than usual that evening. She was tense. She froze halfway down the block.

There he is again, the thief watched her with enraged ease while leaning casually against a storefront and keeping his hands in his pockets.

You! She growled, advancing towards him. Are you crazy? Do you want to die?

Youdon't need to get yourself worked up. Calm down, he said, grinning lazily. I told you we will talk again. She glanced around.

You might be spotted by someone. They won't. You don't realize how invisible I can be when I want to be.

Anger shook her voice. Why are you stalking me?

I already told you, I mean no harm. Something sharper took the place of his smile. However, he is.

She gasped. Who? Rogers?

His voice trailed off as he leaned closer. He is taking advantage of you. Are you aware of the contents of the reports you diligently type up? Or do you simply file them without thinking?

She clenched her hands at her sides. You're saying rubbish.

He gave a headshake. Would he have visited you at midnight last night if I were lying?

Her ribs slammed against her heart. How do you know about his visit. Everything is known to me. His gaze locked on hers.

Including the fact that he no longer trusts you. Did he not plant something in your room?

Her eyes widened as she faltered. How do you know that?

Because men like him do it, they stifle loyalty and you (his tone became gentle almost loving) are too good to be shackled

Heat rose to her cheeks as her breath caught. She detested the way his words got past her guards. She muttered, you're wrong about him, but she wasn't persuaded either.

Am I? (he bent in) or do you simply fear that I'm correct? Between them, the air crackled. She forced herself to take a step back and swallowed hard.

I can't trust you on this. I don't even have an idea what your name is. His lips curled into a slow smile. You'll know when the time comes. Her heart, however, would not stop beating.

Neriah brought her typical pile of files into Rogers' office the following morning. Without raising his gaze, he said, Close the door. Her hands were wet as she obeyed. His eyes were keen as he raised them. You have been so preoccupied these days.

I'm, I'm she stutters, I'm fine sir.

You don't seem fine to me. He spoke in a low, purposeful tone. I wonder what you've been going through lately. Her stomach churned. It will not in any way affect my work sir.

After examining her, he reclined in his chair. Alright, because I would be extremely disappointed if I ever suspected you of having conflicting loyalties

The words cut deep. She made herself look into his eyes. I've always been loyal to you sir and I will always be

Then, prove it.

She stopped. How?

He moved a folder across the desk.

Tonight, you'll join me for dinner. There will be a business associate present. I need you there. Be discrete about it and be at your best

Her throat became parched. Absolutely sir.

His voice trailed off as he bent forward. Neriah, I'm counting on you. Don't disappoint me

Nerves jangled, she sat across from him in a high-rise restaurant that night. Rogers had a smooth conversation with his associate, but his hand kept tapping the folder next to him, a silent reminder of her function.

Neriah tried to smile politely, but her mind was screaming inside. She excused herself to the bathroom halfway through the evening, clutching the sink while gazing at her reflection.

Her phone rang, only three words this time; don't trust him. She trembled, she looked up and stopped. She saw him in the mirror, in the dim slit of the bathroom door. His gaze met hers as he stood idly close to the bar. She gasped.

Rogers' voice reverberated behind the door before she had a chance to think: Neriah? Is everything okay?