Chapter 91

ISABELLA

I had just finished a phone call with the publishing house about the final details for the release of my book. It felt like a small victory in the midst of all the chaos, but the lingering concern about Spencer’s presence weighed on me.

With a sigh, I made my way to the room where Knox had set up his makeshift office. The penthouse felt quieter now, with Asher and Jax off to the office, leaving Knox and me here with Spencer. I suspected Knox was avoiding the office to keep a closer eye on Spencer, and I couldn’t blame him for his unease.

I knocked lightly on the door before entering. Knox looked up from his desk, a stack of papers and a laptop cluttering the surface. He offered me a tired smile, but his eyes betrayed his anxiety.

“Hey,” I said, closing the door behind me. “I thought I’d check in and see how you’re doing.”

Knox’s gaze followed me as I walked across the room to where he sat. “Hey, Isa. I’m just working through some things.” He gestured to the clutter on his desk, though it was clear his focus was elsewhere. “What’s up?”

I leaned against the doorframe, studying him. “I’ve noticed you’re a bit on edge today. Is something bothering you?”

Knox hesitated, glancing over his shoulder toward the door as if making sure Spencer wasn’t within earshot. “It’s not just today,” he admitted, his voice low. “I’m worried about Spencer. He’s… I don’t know. There’s something about him that doesn’t sit right with me.”

I nodded, stepping closer to him. “I get it. He’s a bit of a mystery, and he’s definitely not the kind of person we’re used to having around. But he’s here to protect us, especially me and the baby.”

Knox sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know that. I mean, he’s been upfront about his intentions, but it’s hard not to feel uneasy when someone like him shows up out of nowhere. And it doesn’t help that he’s been shadowing you so closely. I can’t help but feel like we’re not in control of the situation.”

I took a seat on the edge of his desk, trying to offer a comforting smile. “I understand why you’re worried. It’s a lot to take in, especially with everything that’s happened recently. But I trust Asher, and I trust that he’s made the right decision bringing Spencer in.”

Knox met my eyes, his expression softening slightly. “I know Asher’s got it all under control. It’s just… I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. I don’t like not knowing all the details. It makes me feel like I’m not fully in the loop, and that’s frustrating.”

I reached out, placing a reassuring hand on his arm. “You’re not alone in this. I know it’s been a whirlwind, but we’re all in this together. If there’s something you’re uncomfortable with, we need to talk it out.”

Knox nodded, his shoulders relaxing a bit. “I just want to make sure you and the baby are safe. That’s all that really matters to me.”

“And I appreciate that,” I said softly. “We’ll figure this out, together. I promise.”

Knox managed a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Isa. I guess I needed to hear that.”

Before I could say anything more, a knock on the door interrupted us. It was Spencer, looking calm as always. “Everything alright?” he asked, his gaze shifting between us.

I glanced at Knox, who nodded, and then back at Spencer. “Yes, we were just talking. Everything’s fine.”

Spencer’s expression remained neutral. “I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me.”

As he left, Knox watched him go, a frown still creasing his forehead. I stood up, giving Knox one last reassuring pat on the arm.

“If you need anything, or if there’s anything specific you want to address with Spencer, let’s do it together,” I said. “We’re all in this together, and I want to make sure everyone feels comfortable.”

Knox nodded, though the concern in his eyes hadn’t entirely faded. “Thanks, Isa. I’ll keep that in mind.”

As I left the room, I hoped that our conversation had eased his worries just a little. The situation with Spencer was complex, and it was clear we all had a lot to navigate. But for now, I was determined to face it head-on, with the support of those I cared about most.

SPENCER

I spent the morning thoroughly familiarizing myself with the penthouse and the surrounding neighborhood. I made sure to memorize every detail, from the layout of the rooms to the layout of the streets outside. The safety of Isabella and her baby depended on my vigilance, and I couldn’t afford to miss a single detail.

I was aware of Knox’s distrust towards me. His watchful eyes and tense demeanor were evident whenever we crossed paths. While I understood his concern, I hoped my efforts to respect their space and maintain a professional distance would reassure him. I had no intentions beyond my duty as a protector. My only goal was to ensure Isabella’s safety, and I had no romantic or ulterior motives.

After completing my rounds, I decided to prepare lunch. It wasn’t necessary, but I wanted to contribute in some small way. As much as I was here to protect, I also wanted to show that I could be of help and not just an outsider imposing on their lives.

In the kitchen, I busied myself with preparing a simple, wholesome meal. I had learned that Isabella was fond of fresh, light dishes, so I set about making a salad with grilled chicken, mixed greens, and a side of homemade vinaigrette. Cooking was a meditative process for me, a way to channel my focus and keep my mind sharp.

As I worked, Isabella wandered into the kitchen. Her presence was a mixture of curiosity and gratitude. She approached the counter, where I was arranging the plates.

“You didn’t have to do this,” she said, her voice warm. “But I appreciate it. It’s nice to have a bit of normalcy.”

I glanced over my shoulder and offered her a small, reassuring smile. “I wanted to. It’s part of my job to ensure that you and the baby are comfortable. Besides, it’s not a burden. I find it relaxing.”

Isabella nodded, her gaze shifting to the meal I was preparing. “It smells really good. Thank you for doing this. Knox has been a bit on edge lately. I think he’s having a hard time adjusting to everything.”

I looked up from the salad and met her eyes. “I’m aware of Knox’s concerns. I’ve been doing my best to keep my distance and respect their space. My only focus is on protecting you and the baby. I hope that, in time, they’ll come to see that.”

Isabella’s expression softened. “I think they will. It’s just a matter of time. They’re protective of me, and I understand why. But I appreciate your efforts to make them feel more at ease.”

I finished arranging the salad on the plates and set them on the kitchen table. “I hope this helps a little. It’s a small gesture, but I believe in doing what I can to contribute positively.”

As Isabella sat down at the table, I took a seat across from her as Knox was not hungry for now. The atmosphere was more relaxed now, and I could see that she was grateful for the effort I’d put in. We started chatting about her book and the upcoming events related to it. It was a topic she clearly enjoyed, and it was nice to see her engaged and animated.

As we talked, I kept my attention focused on her words, making sure to listen attentively. It was important for me to understand her better, not just as a person but as the center of my duty. My role as a protector was not just about physical safety but also about ensuring that she felt secure and cared for in every way possible.

“Do you have any other plans for today?” I asked, trying to keep the conversation light and engaging.

Isabella shook her head, a thoughtful expression on her face. “Not really. I have some work to finish up, but I’m looking forward to having a bit of downtime. It’s been a busy few days.”

I nodded, noting the weariness in her voice. “If there’s anything else you need or if you just want to talk, I’m here. My duty extends beyond just the physical aspect of protection.”

She gave me a genuine smile. “Thank you, Spencer. It means a lot to me.”

As we continued our conversation, I felt a sense of satisfaction. I was doing my job, but I was also contributing in a way that helped build trust. For now, that was the most important thing.