Chapter 91

Chapter 91
Clive’s POV

I take a look and can’t see Jake. Maybe she thinks she saw him, let’s face it she is traumatized. It wouldn’t surprise me. However, if Jake was at the window I need to have a word with him to stop whatever shit he is up to now. The man can’t help himself. And after what happened a few years ago and then a repeat a few months ago, I need to keep him in line. He needs a damn leash around his neck.

“There’s nothing or no one there, Claire. You’re safe with me. Trust me, I promise I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

What she might not know is that she might need protecting from me. Another day, another time. Who knows when the inner beast decides to come out and play.

“I swear to God, Clive I saw him,” she says adamantly.

“No doubt, and I will have a word with him. Leave it with me. I will speak with him and tell him to stop with all his pranks.”

“Thanks,” she mutters.

“Now how about a nice stiff drink. Whiskey?”

Claire nods and bites her lower lip. On another day I might find that kind of tempting but not right now. It’s too soon for me and for her. I am not going to step into another man’s shoes that quickly. No matter how attractive and beguiling Claire is, patience has to be my strong point right now.

Besides, emotional involvement with Claire is not part of our plan. The plan will derail if I so much as let an inch of my heart become involved with her. I made a promise to…. I stop myself. In any case, the fact of the matter is, I am not to get entangled with Claire.

“Come on then, let’s go into the main lounge and get warm in front of the fire, you can warm your hands up, they feel freezing.”

I lead her out of the kitchen. Hector follows and goes to her side when she sits down on the three-seater sofa. I watch as she folds her legs and curls them up underneath her. Hector jumps straight up and throws himself down by her and lays his head on her lap.

“You’re such a good dog, Hector. I already love you,” she tells him making a fuss of his curls on top of his head. It’s a heartwarming image watching her with Hector. She is made for having love and pets.

I have to stop myself from these wandering thoughts. We have a job to do and we will carry it through. Parting wishes and all of that kind of stuff.

From behind the sofa, I go to the drink cabinet and pull out a nice malt that’s over fifty years old. I can tell that she needs a good stiff drink inside her. I pour two fingers in two glasses and place the cap back on the bottle and place it on the shelf it belongs.

As I walk towards her, she has her head leaning back on the sofa, Hector dozing on her lap with his head and her eyes are closed. I see how her dark, long lashes flutter to her porcelain cheeks. She looks like a china doll, one that could easily break.

Fragile, however, she has proven not to be. From what I understand she has given as much as she got.

Jake comes wandering in, slapping dirt off his jeans. “Can’t you do that outside instead of traipsing it inside?” I ask him. God the man is a heathen at the best of times.

“It’s just wood dust, chill out,” he retorts. I see Claire open her eyes instantly, her entire body goes rigid. Jake watches her, she glares back him.

“Is there anything else, Jake?” I ask. He isn’t supposed to be putting in appearance quite as much as he is. The way he looks at her with that dangerous glint in his eyes makes even my blood run cold.

“Jake,” I almost shout at him.

“The wood is split; I left it in the stack by the front door. We’re fully stocked. I’ll take a whisky,” he tells me. I raise an eyebrow.

“That is not a good idea, Jake and you know it. Go get yourself something soft to drink.” The darkness in his eyes sends a chill through me, Claire picks up on it and I notice her visibly shudder. Hector lets out a low growl as he takes Jake in.

“What’s up with him?” Jake asks.

“Maybe, he is protecting Claire,” I say pointedly.

Claire furrows her brow.

“Seriously, what do I need protecting from here?”

You ask me, sweetheart. I say nothing.

Jake moves towards Claire and holds his hand out for Hector to sniff him. The dog nudges Jake’s hand, satisfied he lays his head back down on Claire’s lap. She takes the drink and takes a sip. I feel like knocking mine back.

All the tension is sitting in my spine and my shoulders. What I need is a good massage. If any of the others figure out that Claire is with me, there could be trouble. Having her stay was not part of our master plan.

Her phone rings. I watch as she takes it out of her pocket, gently nudging Hector to move. He humpfs and moves off the sofa.

“Hello, Nat,” she says quietly. There is silence whilst Nathalie speaks on the other end. Then Claire glances at Jake, then me and something shifts in her eyes.

“Okay, right. Of course. I’ll see what I can do.”

She hangs up almost too abruptly.

“Everything okay?” I ask her as Jake leans against the door frame.

“Yes, er, fine. I just had some interesting news. It’s all fine.” There is something in her voice that makes me wonder if she is shaken by whatever Nathalie had to say.

Is the woman unearthing things that are none of her concern?

Jake gives me a look to say; we need to stay on top of this!

I give the mere hint of a nod.

Claire knocks back her drink.

“You know, I’m tired I think I’ll go and lie down. Night Clive,” she says as she places a feather light kiss to my cheek. She does her best to avoid Jake who tries to block her.

“Don’t I get a kiss, pretty Claire?” he says in a tone that deserves him a punch in the face.

“Knock it off, asshole,” I say with anger. “Let her pass. What is your problem?”

He leers at me and grins that devilish grin of his.

Claire finally manages to pass him and darts off up the stairs as fast as she can.

“You need to stick to the plan, Brother,” he tells me in a warning tone.

“We don’t want anything to happen to pretty Claire now then do we?”