Dangerous Hearts

Taking a Nap

Alexander's POV

I chuckled at her yawn while I helped her put everything back where it came from. We actually did almost everything on her list today, and the few things that were still on there were minor things that I would be more than happy to come back and do myself. After I saw her list the first time, there were so many things that she'd put on there that could've potentially hurt her if she'd been by herself, and I'd taken those on to keep that from happening. My next task is to make sure she gets that nap I'd promised her this morning.

"So, back to my place or do you want to take a nap here?" I asked her once we'd finished putting everything away.

She sighed softly as she swiped some of her hair off of her face, "We should go back. Sometimes Stephen likes to send someone over to check on things and I don't want to risk them seeing your car in the driveway."

"He keeps tabs on you?" I said, trying not to let my inner seething at the thought of her being watched by this scum into my voice or face.

She nodded, "He knows my schedule and everything. I've suspected that he would have someone watch over me for a while, because anytime I've done something that he thinks is unacceptable, he's come to me to correct my behavior," she said vehementously. She jumped when she realized that I'd moved closer to her. I didn't even realize I had moved until I saw that. I stepped back slightly and sent her an apologetic look, which she smiled back at in understanding. "Any potential boyfriends, dates, or even dressing too provocatively, and he's at the door. I can't imagine what he'd do if he knew you were here."

I nodded, "Alright. We'll head back then. Are you ready?" She nodded, "Okay. Why don't you go grab some stuff, and I'll make sure the coast is clear while I make a call, okay? Would you be alright with spending the night with me again?"

She smiled again, and I could see her blushing as she said, "Yes, I'd like that." I sent her a grin before watching as she turned away to go to her room and then made my way outside and calling Joseph.

He picked up on the first ring, "Yes, boss?"

"I need you to find out all of Charlie's ex-husband, Stephen's contacts. We need to find out who he has trailing her at all times and make sure that none of them find out what we're planning. I want to make sure that her and her son and their friend, Stella, are safe from him. She just told me that he keeps tabs on her all the time and I can't have his contacts getting her hurt anymore."

"Give me an hour to see what I can find. Do you want me to send some of the boys out to these contacts?"

I thought about it for a minute, eyes scanning around the little cul-de-sac to see if I could see anyone suspicious watching over us right now, but I didn't even get the sense that someone was watching us. "Yes, but tell them not to interfere until I give the go ahead."

"Got it. I'll send over the names once I get them."

"Thanks, man." I sighed and hung up the phone and leaned against the doorway to the house. I looked over at the mailbox that was right next to me and could see how sharp the edges were. I was surprised that when she hit it, it didn't cut her, but only left a large bruise. The door opening behind me snapped me out of my thoughts and Charlie stepped out. "Ready to go?"

"Yup. I'm ready."

I grabbed her hand once her door was locked again, "Okay. Let's go!" I said cheerfully, and she giggled as we semi-jogged to the car.