“Jacques…” She slipped her baby-soft hands into his and gently squeezed.
“Nice to meet you. How long have you been working here?”
“Not too long. Maybe eight months.”
“And before that?”
“I patrolled the train station downtown,” he replied. “The company got bought by one of those big national firms and they had a reduction in workforce. I got laid off with some severance to hold me over until I found another job but then my Grandma died soon after. Money was running low, so it was a good thing for me that Reverie was expanding.”
She frowned. “I’m sorry to hear about your grandma.”
“It’s life. And after we live, we die…unfortunately. Aren’t you going to eat your sandwich?”
She had barely taken three bites.
“I probably would’ve already gobbled it down by now but it was someone’s birthday in my work unit and we had cake. Chocolate.” She smiled sheepishly. “I had two slices.”
“We don’t have those kind of treats in my department. Save me a slice next time maybe?” He grinned and took two more generous bites of his BLT.
“Maybe.”
Natasha met his gaze and locked it with hers. She swallowed visibly and her eyes moved back and forth casually as they assessed him.
He wanted to know her inside and out. Emotionally. Intimately. There had to have been a reason why he was compelled to follow her around like a sick pup even though his conscious told him that wasn’t…humanlike. She would probably freak out if she knew that he’d seen her around the building and had wanted to introduce himself formally since she ran into him. Since she already knew that he was a shifter and had miraculously accepted his difference without the outrageous theatrics he usually got from women when he revealed his true nature, he didn’t have to go through the awkwardness of explaining himself. When he shifted, why he shifted, how he shifted—
“Can I ask you something?” she asked.
“Sure, as long as you don’t ask me to shift right here on the spot…” He joked. “Anything. Go ahead.”
“How’d you guess?”
Here we go again… “Hmmm?”
“Just kidding. Did you really think I would ask you that?” She laughed. “I told you. I’ve seen it all. Like I said, I went to a school founded by a shifter. My question is related, but it’s been a long time since I’ve been within inches of someone like you. I know some things about your kind, but not everything, of course.” She nibbled at her bottom lip warily and then continued, “If you heal really fast, how come you have all those bruises?”
He looked down at the table and frowned. He’d forgotten about the recent bruises on his arms and even a couple on his face. Like she’d said, they had healed for the most part, but the imperfections were still visible to anyone he let come close to him. He’d forgotten about his visible bruises because he was so anxious to see her again. He really hadn’t thought that they’d matter to her.
“I…” she said. “I’m sorry if I’m prying.”
He lifted his gaze. “You’re not.”
“Just so you know, you have nothing to worry about in the looks department. Your girlfriend is really lucky.”
“I don’t have a girlfriend.”
“Well then…I bet you have admirers.”
“Most of these are from fighting,” he replied.
“Fights? As in, someone actually caused those?” She looked confused.
He chuckled. “Yes. MMA fighting. I did it for a living before transitioning into the security field.”
“I’ve never actually met someone who did that for a living. My ex—” She paused mid-sentence and then continued, “I’ve seen a few fights on television before.”
“Then you’ve seen how demanding and dangerous it can get. And just before we heal fast, doesn’t mean we don’t get bruises and scars.”
“But some are newer than others,” she said, looking at the fresh bruise right along his hairline.
Smart woman. She couldn’t or wouldn’t be fooled.
Just last night, he’d almost gotten the light knocked right out of him. His opponent had heavy fists and was a member of another wolf pack so he’d been feigning to knock Jacques off his feet. It had been one of the most difficult fights in a long time for him. But Jacques’s stamina had won out and the wad of cash in his wallet was proof enough that it was worth it.
But how could he tell this woman that and not scare her off?
“I still fight occasionally,” he said, hoping that would suffice.
“Of course. Maybe I’ll come see you fight one day,” she said, innocently.
If she only knew.
Her silent request gave him pause, allowing him enough time to examine the possibility of bringing someone so innocent into his world. She definitely had no place in his underground fighting world, but he felt she had a place with him. Just sitting with her now acted as a distraction to all the other problems he had brewing on the back burner. Could she exist in his world without concerning herself with his old baggage? His wolf screamed yes. But deep down inside, the human part of him held onto the notion that even if Natasha and he were connected somehow that he couldn’t bind her to his wayward destiny. The destiny of a former Omega wolf who barely had the support of his Pack.
“The fighting arenas are no place for a woman like you,” he stated.
“Why? Don’t think I can handle seeing the violence?”
“It’s not that.” He shrugged. “That’s not the person I want you to know. I’m not exactly perfect. Or the best role model for anyone. I fight because the money is quick and easy. Before I could get a legitimate first job, fighting was all I did. Now I know better, but I do what I’ve gotta do.”
“It’s only a sport,” she replied. “And it doesn’t make you a bad person. You haven’t allowed it to or you wouldn’t be sitting in this cafeteria with me right now.”
She was so innocent, but she saw the good in him and that made all the difference. He didn’t think about his burdens now that he was here with her because all he could do was think about appeasing her.
“When I started I was only thirteen. I did it as an outlet to release some anger and some stress. I found temporary gratification from knocking a man out cold with my fists. Is that not bad? To want to inflict as much pain as you’re feeling inside?”
She visibly swallowed and he heard her breathing become uneven.
“It’s better than holding it in,” she said. “And what about now? Do you find pleasure in the pain of others?”
“No. I do what I was trained to do to outlast my opponent. I win. I collect my money.”
“What made you return to fighting?”
“My grandmother died. She left some bills that need taking care of. I’d rather pay them sooner than later.”
“You’re a good man then.”
Jacques wished that was true. He looked down at the table.
She shifted the conversation away from his fights. It was as if she knew that he was uncomfortable talking about it, and for that he was grateful.
Her voice was enticing and soothing to his soul. Her laughter was like a melody. Her scent was like Heaven. If he could see and listen to her every day, he knew he’d win the hardest fight of all, which was getting through one the most difficult phases of his life: Loss.
Chapter 4
It was a good thing Natasha didn’t follow her urge to wear the form-fitting pencil skirt and heels to work today. The motorcycle ride with Jacques would’ve been somewhat uncomfortable in that type of attire. She’d ridden on a few motorcycles before, but never with a man like Jacques. Funny thing was, she’d had every intention wearing the sexy outfit to see what reaction it would illicit from Jacques but had chickened out in the end only to be asked out to lunch by him anyway. It only proved that she didn’t have to go out of her way to get the attention of any man…or maybe it was just that way with Jacques. Maybe there was hope. As much as her parents reminded
her that they were here for her whenever she needed them, they’d never be able to fill all the voids. Friendship was one of them. There were just some things you just couldn’t tell your parents. Such as…she was developing a crush on a hot shifter who worked at Reverie.
When Jacques Harley V-Rod was parked and after he killed the engine, Natasha pulled off her helmet and handed it to him. His fingers encircled her waist and he helped her off of his bike. He set her down on the pavement with only a few inches between them and despite the chilly temperature, heat radiated from him against her.
“You’re cold,” he whispered, his lips dangerously close to hers.
“Yes,” she said, remembering that first day when she ran into him and how warm and secure she felt in his arms. She wished that she were there now.
“Let’s get you inside.”
His eyes shied away from her face and he turned to latch his helmet onto the bike and then stuffed the spare helmet down into a small compartment on the back.
“Thanks for the lunch,” she said. “I’ve been craving egg rolls for a while now.”
“It’s the best Asian restaurant in town. I thought you’d like it,” he said, stuffing his keys into his jacket.
“In calculating the time it’ll take me to walk from here to the front door, I’d say we have some time to talk about what you asked me over lunch.”
She had been a bit unprepared for his questioning about how and why she’d split up from her ex back at the restaurant. No one ever really asked her about it anymore and she was content with that.
“Oh,” he exclaimed. “Sorry about that. I usually park far out. I could carry you if you want.”
She grinned. “I’m sure you could, but that’s okay. I need to walk off all the sushi rolls I ate anyway.”
“You know, when I asked you that question about your relationship, I wasn’t trying to pry or anything. If I make you uncomfortable, just tell me to mind my business,” he said, as they began walking leisurely in the direction of the building.
“It’s not that. I don’t really talk about it to anyone. I’ve never been the type of person to mope after a breakup, but this wasn’t exactly an easy split. Months had been put into the relationship. I put my trust in him. I put all my energy into our upcoming wedding…and then it was over, just like that. I wasted so much time with that lying, cheating bastard.”
Jacques frowned. “I’m sorry about that.”
“Don’t be. It is what it is. I guess that’s what I get for ignoring the warning signs.” She sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry. I must sound like a disgruntled bitch.”
“No, you don’t. You don’t deserve that. I’m glad you got away from him. I’m also sorry you couldn’t have discovered the warning signs earlier.”
They continued on a slow pace back to work, passing the spot where she’d bumped into him on her first day. She’d never forget that day. Ever. It was funny that she’d never forgotten his unique smell—even when she wasn’t with him.
“Have you moved here permanently?” he asked.
“Hmmm. I wouldn’t say permanently. Taking the job at Reverie and moving in with my parents was the best option for me at the time. I can’t complain though. As soon as things are settled with all the bills we accumulated together, I’ll make the decision about whether I want to stay or not. The job here is temp to perm if my boss and I agree that it’s a good fit for me.”
“I would certainly miss our lunch dates if you decided it wasn’t.”
She smiled. “I would too. The cafeteria food is okay, but the Asian Garden buffet was awesome. I think I’m spoiled now. And happy…and full.”
They laughed.
“And you should be happy,” he replied. “Your smiles are contagious, I think.”
She blushed. “The next one is on me. What about tomorrow?”
He grinned. “I’d like that. We could—”
“Oh! You know what? I forgot that I’m scheduled to be out all day tomorrow for a doctor’s appointment and then to get my driver’s license updated.”
She bit her lip and sighed.
He frowned.
“I just got an idea,” she said. “Since I’ll only be about ten miles out, why don’t we meet somewhere for lunch?”
“Sounds like a plan. Just give me a call when you get through with your appointments,” he said.
Natasha took out her cell phone and he did the same. They exchanged phone numbers as they walked leisurely to the door. Neither of them seemed to be worried about the time. Of course, she didn’t want to leave Jacques’s side so soon. An hour a day wasn’t enough.
“So, have you changed your mind yet about letting me come to one of your MMA tournaments?” she asked, nonchalantly.
“You’re persistent, aren’t you?” he asked.
She shrugged. “I’m only curious.”
“But of course you are,” he said. “How about this? You can watch me train one day and see how I get ready for a fight and then we’ll take it from there.”
“Sounds like a plan. When’s your next training session?”
He bit his bottom corner lip and then answer, “Soon-ish. Before I forget again, I should give you my pho—”
“Natasha?”
At the sound of her dad’s voice on the far side of the crosswalk, she spun around.
Her dad was standing just outside the entrance with a couple other executives standing beside him. She waved at him and he gestured for her to come over.
She turned back around to see a confused looking Jacques.
“Who’s that?” he asked.
She giggled. “My dad. I know we look nothing alike. My mother’s genes were a little stronger as far as that goes. Red hair and all. So…um…I gotta go.”
“Right,” he said, softly. “Sure.”
“So if I don’t see you again today, have a great evening. And don’t forget about our lunch meeting tomorrow. I’ll give you a ring and let you know where to meet me.”
“Sure,” he said, looking off into the distance at her dad.
She felt guilty about leaving him standing there only a few yards from the door, but her dad had only just flown back into town after a series of board meetings in New York City. She wasn’t trying to avoid him that badly. After waving goodbye to Jacques, she approached her Dad.
“Hey” she greeted.
“Hi Sweetie. You just getting in or something?” he asked.
“No, I was out at lunch. With Jacques. You know him, right? He works in the security department.”
When she swung around to look for Jacques, he was gone. He’d disappeared. Had he entered the building through another door?”
“No, I don’t know Jacques at all. And you shouldn’t either.”
“What?”
Dad cleared his throat and the two other executives that had been next to him headed into the building.
“Look, just don’t go running off with him again. Do you understand?”
“Dad? Are you serious? I’m an adult. I can go out to lunch with anyone I choose. He works here. How evil can he be?”
“He’s a shif—”
“Who cares? You know what, I wanted to talk to you about your trip but this conversation is done before it even got started.”
“Natasha, I didn’t mean it like that. I know some things…”
“You know what?”
“Look, I don’t want to discuss this now. Out here. I have another meeting in an hour.”
“Fine.” They headed toward the door. “My lunch hour is over anyway. I hope you had a good trip.”
Chapter 5
When Natasha arrived home that evening after running a few errands that included a trip to the post office to finalize her change of address and some grocery shopping, her mom was in the kitchen preparing dinner.
“Hey Mom.”
“Hi Hon,” she answered, turning around and wiping her hands on a kitchen towel. “Did you have a great day at work?”
“Y
es, it was super slow today. According to my boss, that’s normal for the end of the week. Most orders come through on Mondays for us to process.”
“That’s good. You need the break anyway. You and your father both. I made one of your favorites for dinner.”
Natasha inhaled the hunger-inducing aromas and dropped her bags on the counter just as her belly began to rumble. “Mexican lasagna.”
Mom chuckled. “You got it.”
“I can’t wait,” Natasha said. “I’m going to put these groceries up and then go get changed. I’ll be back down to help you with the rest of dinner.”
After getting settled into something more comfortable, Natasha went back downstairs to help her mom with the rest of dinner as promised.
“Your dad should be home any minute now. He thought I’d be a good time for all of us to have dinner together,” her mom said, rinsing the salad leaves. “We haven’t done that in a long time, which is really awful since we’re all together under the same roof now.”
“Yeah.” Natasha shrugged. “I’m either studying or job searching.”
“And your dad is always out of town, I know,” Mom added.
“In light of what happened, I’m glad I can spend some time with you two now.”
“Speaking of…that…your father says that you went on a lunch date with a male friend at work.”
“He did?”
“I had no idea you’d met someone new already,” mom replied.
“Yeah. We just went out for lunch. It wasn’t really a date.”
“He says that you’ve been seen around the building with this male friend a lot.”
Natasha shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. Obviously, Mom and Dad had had a quick talk sometime between lunch and the moment she got home about her “lunch date”.
“How would Dad know that I’ve been around Jacques a lot?”
“Jacques? Is that his name?” She began slicing into some tomatoes. “Well, there are security cameras all over the place for the safety of employees, right?”
Aspen Valley Wolf Pack (The Complete Series) Page 38