LOVE BORN IN DANGER

Chapter Four

Neriah's hands gripped the bathroom sink's edge as her breath came in short gasps. In her hand, the phone's screen continued to glow, don't trust him. She glanced in the direction of the door's slit.

The thief was there, watching her with eerie composure, as if he had every right to be here, at this moment, following her around. Rogers’ voice then emerged again;

Neriah, is everything okay?

A wave of panic swept through her. She fumbled to lock the door. Yes, sir! Her voice cracked a little.

Just a second, silence filled everywhere just after the response. She took a deliberate long pause. Then there were retreating footsteps. With a shaky exhale, she turned back to the slit. However, the thief had left.

Her pulse thundered. She shoved the phone into her clutch bag and forced herself back to the table, her smile brittle.

Rogers studied her, eyes narrowing. Are you sure everything is fine? Yes, she lied. Perfectly fine sir.

Dinner stretched into the night. Rogers’ associate droned on about mergers and acquisitions, but Neriah barely heard a word.

All she could think about was the message, the gaze, the weight of being pulled between two men she barely understood.

When Rogers finally dismissed her with a cool nod that night, she almost ran from the restaurant. The night air hit her like a slap. And there he was again. The thief leaned against the wall just beyond the entrance, as though he’d been waiting.

Her chest grew constricted as she got closer, she growled, why are you following me around?

I'm just observing, he said calmly.

It's the same thing.

Not exactly. Stalking is a result of obsession. Protection comes from watching and observing

He curled his lips. Can you guess which one this is?

Her fists clenched. I don't need your protection.

You do, he said lowering his voice. He took a step closer. Neriah, you are in deeper trouble than you think. Rogers is more than just a manager, he is a manipulator. You are just a pawn in his quest for wealth.

Her stomach churned. Stop speaking in parables.

I'm not. His eyes were calm, almost tender. You type his files, his schedules are visible to you. However, you've never inquired as to why some meetings are cancelled. Why some figures don't add up. You believe him to be a typical executive, he isn't.

Her throat constricted. So who is he?

The robber's eyes grew gloomy. The type of man who people avoid because he is evil.

You think I'll believe you?

No, I expect that you will begin to see the cracks for yourself, he c****d his head. Haven't you already? Flashes of Rogers' unexpected midnight visit, the bug in her apartment, and his covert threats caused her to freeze.

She trembled when she spoke. Why are you telling me this? Because you're not like them, he said quietly. Additionally, I can't watch him treat you the same way he treats everyone else.

Her heart pounded, caught between suspicion and a perilous near-trust.

Footsteps rang out from the restaurant door before she could reply.

Rogers emerged with a cold look on his face as he looked at her and then at the man next to her. The world appeared to be motionless.

Rogers said calmly, Ah! So the stray ended up here. Her heartbeat became faster at this point.

A smirk flickered across the thief's lips. Rogers, he called him by his name.

Rogers squinted. I'll commend you for being brave but men are killed for being brave. He glanced over at Neriah and the women were ruined.

She felt a wave of cold dread rush through her.

Subtle but protective, the thief took a step in front of her. You're not going to touch her.

Rogers laughed softly and without humor. Touch her? I already own her. I own everything in my office, including my secretary.

Neriah felt a knot in her stomach. Her hand almost grabbed the thief's. Go, Neriah, the thief commanded

However, Rogers' hand sprang out and ironically gripped her arm. She is going nowhere.

Rogers' smile remained unwavering. You genuinely believe that this man is trustworthy? A robber? He doesn't give a damn about you. Like every other person, he will use you and then discard you.

His gaze pierced hers. I am the one who gives you clarity and meaning, the thief responded

The thief then pulled her against him after yanking her free with a single, quick motion.

Anger and possession filled the crackling air between the three of them. Rogers widened his grin. The game just started. As though he already knew the game was his, he turned and left.

With her voice hardly more than a whisper, Neriah shuddered in the thief's embrace. What have you dragged me into?

His eyes were ferocious and unblinking. The reality. He led her away from the lights and down a side street before they spoke again.

His hand lingered as if he was reluctant to let go, but at last he let her go.

Frustration burned in her eyes. So why do you even drag me into this?

I had no intention of doing so. However, Neriah, you're already in it. You were involved from the time he appointed you as his secretary. Whether you like it or not. She felt a heave in her chest. I don't get it.

You will, he whispered, but you must trust me.

I have no idea of who you are not even your name and yet you want me to trust you?

Something almost vulnerable flickered across his face. You'll, soon.

Soon is not enough.

His voice was low as he moved closer. Then look at me in the eyes and tell me that you don't feel anything around me.

She gasped. Her defenses were weakened by his closeness and intensity. This has nothing to do with feelings, does it?

Slowly and deliberately, his hand touched her cheek. I know you need clarity but more than that, his lips slipped a few inches from hers, is the reality of the growing feelings between us.

Torn between surrender and denial, her heart raced. Then, fortunately her phone rang. It was Rogers calling, the name flashed like fire.

The thief stepped back and whispered, answer it, but keep in mind what I said. Don't ever trust him. She raised the phone to her ear, her hand shaking.

Rogers' voice drawled, Neriah, I hope the meal was good. She closed her throat. Yes, sir.

Alright, because I'll need you for something more delicate tomorrow. You won't turn me down, will you? She gripped the phone more tightly. No, sir.

Well done, girl. She felt cold when he spoke. Have a good night's rest. The line went off.

With a heaving chest, she lowered the phone. The thief's keen, probing eyes were fixed on her. What does he want?

She hardly spoke steadily. He wants me to do something tomorrow, something delicate. The thief's jaw tensed. Then everything changes tomorrow.

Long into the night, Neriah remained awake, reliving every word and every glance. She realized at dawn that she was precariously balanced.

Rogers called her back to his office after work the following evening. Her heart thumping, she entered. There was a lot of secrecy in the room as he closed the blinds.

Quietly, he said, I have a task for you.

A loyalty test. Her mouth became parched. What task is it? He moved a small folder across the desk. Our stray has been sniffing too near to us. I'll get him out with your help. Her chest tightened. Me?

Yes, you or who is in a better position? His eyes gleamed. He has already taken an interest in you, use it to lure him and when he comes, his voice was cold as he leaned forward, we will be here waiting.

Are you serious about this sir.

Rogers interrupted, saying, I never joke about loyalty. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your strengths. Her hands shook. Neriah, don't let me down.

She walked home that night in a daze of fear and once more he came around; the robber, watching and waiting.

Her chest grew constricted. You're not supposed to be here. You shouldn't either, he said quietly, but here we are, torn between everything.

She gazed at him, her voice cracked. He wants me to lure you into his hand

He took a step forward, his eyes unblinking. Will you do it?

She closed her throat. I'm not sure.

You do, he said. His thumb brushed her skin as his hand cupped her cheek. You don't see a thief when you look at me. You just couldn't admit the truth you've already known.

Her breath shook. So, what is that truth? That we're already in agreement.

Her heart pounded. His breath mixed with hers, and his face was so close now. However, the moment was broken by a sharp sound before their lips could meet.

A click, a camera's metallic click. They both froze. Neriah slowly turned. A man in black was standing across the street, holdi

ng a camera up to his face.

She was directly hit by the flash. Her blood turned cold. The thief's jaw tightened. We've been spotted already.