Chapter 70 VALUED FRIENDSHIP
“Greg is like a brother to me,” he replied, his eyes steady. “I don't want to put you in danger; I don't want you to suffer. That's why I'll prepare you to escape from his grasp. We'll implant a tracking chip under your skin so we can know your whereabouts. I'll train you in every way possible to get away. I know you're scared...”
“I agree!” I raised my hand, cutting him off. “You're right, that monster will never stop hunting me. It's inevitable that he'll catch me at some point. I don't want Patrick or my grandma to get hurt because of this. Your conditions seem like the best option right now.”
Greg sighed and sat beside me, nudging my shoulder.
“You're a strong woman, Mrs. Elisabeth, with a kind heart,” he grinned wryly. “You make him happy; you should accept his proposal.”
“You knew about this and agreed to this madness? Weren't we just talking about the dangerous psychopath hunting me?” I raised my eyebrows, tilting my head back. “Besides, it's too soon for such a big step.”
“Time is overrated, Mrs. Elisabeth... Don't cling to it, we don't know how long we'll have our loved ones by our side!” He tapped my forehead with his finger, staring at me. “Accept Patrick's proposal!”
Standing up, Greg stepped down from the ring and glanced back over his shoulder at me.
“Don't mention anything to him about this plan; it'll be our little secret.” Lighting another cigarette, he flicked the lighter. “I'll tell Morgan I'm training you for self-defense; confirm it was your request!”
“You've really thought of everything.” I stood up from the floor, surprised.
“Someone has to think ahead,” he said. “Come on, your training starts tomorrow morning.”
POV: PATRICK
I straightened my tie, pausing when I saw her shift in bed, completely naked under the covers, admiring her beautiful curves. I approached, running my fingers through her goosebumps, restraining the urge to wake her in the most mischievous way my mind could conjure at the moment. My phone buzzed in my pocket. I rolled my eyes, knowing exactly who the day's annoyance was—the first of many to come.
I slipped out quietly, suppressing a cough tickling my throat, and found Greg at the bottom of the stairs, his expression grim. I coughed, staining my shirt, and he watched, sighing.
“You need to rest!” He handed me a tissue, coming closer. “Let me handle everything; stay with Elisabeth in bed.”
“You'd sink my company in a day with your brute ways!” I shrugged, wiping my mouth and smiling. “We've discussed this, stop worrying and take care of her as if I were here.”
“We shouldn't waste time with Elisabeth's past, I know she needs protection. But...” He tugged at my shirt.
“No 'buts', then. Protect her with your life until your last breath; that's your payment to me!” Straightening up, I rolled up my shirt sleeves, hiding the blood stains. “I'll change on the way; don't let her out for anything; no work calls or any outside contact.”
“Patrick, we can beef up security... You need someone by your side, I'm your doctor too.” I laid my hands on Greg's shoulders, and he looked at me with concern. “It's decided, isn't it?”
“These are the final arrangements; just a little more time, a bit more pain until everything's settled.” I sighed sadly. “Let me save the damsel in distress, finish off our enemies, and then I can rest.”
I patted his face as my phone buzzed again.
“She's relentless!” Greg stared at me, annoyed. “It'd be easier to kill her.”
“Simple compared to the pain she's caused us. Besides, Celdric would be at our door crying for revenge... The idiot still hasn't realized his sister manipulates him.” I rubbed my temples, running my hands through my hair, when my phone buzzed once more. “Anyway, showtime!”
“Don't let your guard down; do you have your gun?” Greg spun me around, checking and glancing at my socks. “You still remember how to use it, right?”
“Forgot who taught you to shoot straight?” I gave my friend a playful slap on the head, and he chuckled. “You worry too much; I'm ready for whatever's coming.”
“I'll wait for your messages periodically, as agreed... Don't forget the danger alert code.” He ran his hands frantically through his hair. “If she asks for you, what do I say?”
“The truth!” I grinned nonchalantly, putting my hands in my pockets.
“Which truth are you referring to?” Greg raised an eyebrow.
“I'm heading out for work, and I'll sort out this whole mess with the ex-psychopath,” I sighed. “It seems like both of us have a knack for choosing spouses poorly.”
“We're too naive,” Greg replied curtly.
“My friend, you urgently need a girlfriend and to release the frustrations you've been holding in here,” I pointed at his chest; he swatted my hand away. “Careful, you're getting too bitter; you'll end up alone.”
“As I said, my friend...I'll be right behind you!” With a steely gaze, Greg stared at me defiantly.
“Still haven't I convinced you to give up on this foolishness?” I paused at the car door. “Don't be foolish; I'd give anything for more time.”
I glanced at the window of my room, thinking of the beauty in my bed—the woman I admired and desired so intensely. I got into the car, heading straight to the publisher's office for that damned emergency meeting!