Protecting a Steele (The Steele Bros Book 3) Page 5

  “We completely understand. There’s no way we’d want you to be involved in something like that,” Logan states, and I believe every genuine word that’s coming out of his mouth.

  “Why now?” Jordan interjects, causing us all to stare at him. The way he asked makes me feel like he’s questioning the fact I’m here. As if he doesn’t think I want out of it.

  “Because things have changed.” I won’t give him any more than this. He doesn’t need to know that I’m pregnant. I’ll tell the three of them whenever I’m ready, and hopefully when our family situation isn’t as stressed.

  Jordan cocks his head, “Changed how, exactly? How do we know that you’re not here as some sort of ploy to catch us in that tangled web?”

  “Whoa! Chill, dude. Did you just forget the fact she’s multiple colors?” Christian comes to my defense, but it’s unnecessary. I figured they might have a reaction after I told them my story.

  I put my hand up, dismissing Christian. “No, it’s okay. Jordan has every right to be cautious around me and question my intentions. I had assumed this might happen, even prepared for it. There’s nothing I can offer you as far as proof goes, but trust me when I say I want nothing to do with the Falcones. I will never be a pawn in anyone’s game, nor will I continue to be a punching bag. It took me years to completely see what was happening to me. Now that I have, I don’t plan on ever being in a compromising position like this again.”

  “I want to believe the best in people, but being in the business that we’re in, we don’t often see the best. In fact, I think it’s a figment of people’s imaginations. I don’t know how to trust easily, Madigan. Shit, I don’t know if I’ll ever trust you.”

  His words hit me like a slap to the face. I expected this might not go well, but what I never expected was for him to completely push me out, or to be so open about doing it. I had hopes for this meeting and while they weren’t high, I assumed they were realistic. Jordan essentially just confessed that he might not give me the time of day, or the opportunity to forge a relationship with him.

  “Fuck, she isn’t a business associate, Jordan. Mads is our little sister. She is family,” Christian grumbles, annoyed by Jordan’s honestly. What Christian may not realize is that I’d rather have Jordan’s honesty versus him blatantly lying to my face. At least I know what I’m working with now.

  “She’s a stranger. That’s all she is.”

  I suck in a deep breath at Jordan’s choice words but have to remember that he has every right to feel this way. He isn’t wrong, so I tell him. “You’re right. I am a stranger, but I hope that someday, I won’t be. I’m hopeful that we can all get to know each other.”

  Jordan scoffs which gives me the idea he doesn’t think it’ll ever happen, while Logan offers a short-lived smile. At least one of them is open to it. Instead of a response, Jordan shocks me with his actions as he walks down the hallway and I hear a door slam.

  A bit confused, I ask Christian and Logan. “Did he just leave?”

  Christian gets up and walks down the hall, a moment later coming back to the living room. “Yeah, he sure did. Looks like he took your car too, Lo.”

  “There Jordan goes being dramatic again. I swear that’ll never change. My apologies,” Logan mutters, sounding stressed. I’d never assume that Jordan is the melodramatic one. Naturally, I’d assume that trophy would be handed to Christian.

  “There’s nothing to apologize for,” I say,

  Logan smiles softly, showing me he’s trying as hard as I am to make light of the situation. “While I’m not exactly keen on this entire situation, there’s nothing I can do to change the delivery of . . . discovering I have a sister. I can’t control that, but what I can control is what we do from this point on. It’s obvious to me that your ex-boyfriend’s family is dangerous, and we’re very well prepared for that. However, because we’ve just met, I’ll have to undergo certain security measures that we wouldn’t normally need with family. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

  I nod, “I think so. You’ll want me to sign a non-disclosure agreement, right?”

  I can tell Logan doesn’t want to do this, but he has to. It’s all about risk, and right now I’m at a high-risk level. “Yes, I will. Although, I have to work out the kinks and speak with my lawyers first thing tomorrow morning to ensure I’m not missing anything. I’m sure that after documents are signed and we’re covered legally, Jordan will open up a bit.”

  “It’s okay. I’m fine, really. He’s allowed to feel the way he does about me. This isn’t easy for any of us and I had expected you two might not like the idea of having a secret sister.”

  “You’re just another person to share our crazy life with,” Logan chuckles, rising from the couch.

  “So, what should we do now?” I ask him quickly, needing to know some sort of plan. I might not look like it, but I’m a nervous wreck.

  “You should explore your new house and get acquainted with it. I need to go home and tell my wife about today. Tomorrow, Carlos and Reggie can bring you to the office and we’ll go over some legalities and discover a bit more about the other. Does that sound good to you?”

  “Yeah, it sounds like a plan,” I say, feeling a weight lifted off my shoulders.

  “Great. I’ll see you around ten a.m. Are you a coffee fan?”

  “Oh gosh, that’s adorable. I love coffee!” For a moment, I forget I’m pregnant and quickly take down my excitement and rephrase. “I love coffee, but I’m trying to go without so much caffeine right now.”

  “Oh, okay. Well, I’ll make sure we have something decaf for you. At least that still has a little bit of caffeine.”

  “Thank you,” I reply, meaning every word of it. Logan gives me the hope that we can somehow turn this situation around. I can only pray he does. After all, I’ve already lost my father to a heart attack, and while my mother is still living, she won’t ever be the same. The last thing I need is to lose more family.

  10

  Your soulmate will be the stranger you recognize.

  ~ R.H. Sin

  Reggie

  Christian left with Logan a few minutes ago after their talk with Madigan. Carlos ended up coming back with a hell of a lot of food and not nearly enough people to eat it. At least we’ll have leftovers for a few days.

  “Do you want to see the house?” I ask her. She’s sitting down on the barstool, staring blankly at the wall in front of her.

  “Yeah, we might as well.”

  Madigan shoots off her seat and walks down the hallway, pausing at a door between the dining room and kitchen. “That’s Carlos’ bedroom. He’ll be living here as well. He doubles as your maintenance man, will clean if you need him to, and is pretty handy with a gun if I require any backup.”

  “Oh, so . . . is he one of your guys?”

  “Yes, he works for my security company. For the most part, we’re contracted out to your family but take a few small cases throughout the year for any additional men I have on my roster. I assigned him to be your driver because he doesn’t care what he’s doing. Carlos will do whatever is required of him.”

  “I guess that’s a good thing,” she says with a slight giggle at the end. It seems like she’s starting to lighten up after her stressful conversation with her brothers. I’m glad she is because if she didn’t, I might’ve had to choke her out.

  “It doesn’t seem like it should be, but it is. So many people complain about shit these days. Even when they’re getting paid handsomely to do the work, they always want to whine and moan.”

  “It’s how people are. Everyone assumes that their feelings matter when it comes to their job. When in reality, it doesn’t. They’re paid to be doing something, which most of the time, they don’t want to, but guess what? They need to suck it up and deal with it.”

  For the first time since meeting Madigan, I’m starting to like her. She’s not just all good looks. There’s a good brain behind that alabaster skin of hers. If I’m lucky, this job won’t be so horrible after all.

  We slowly walk down the rest of the hallway and head up the stairs, but I can’t help but think about what she was telling her brothers. I overheard every last word of it, and when the comment was made about her being multiple colors, I instantly knew what she told them.

  Madigan is running from a man who purposefully put her in harm's way. Someone who enjoys hurting the one person he’s supposed to protect. I loathe men like that and men like him. They’re despicable creatures who deserve nothing more than to be put in the ground. If this Vinny fellow even attempts to come for her, I’ll make sure a round goes through his head the second I see him. Protecting a Steele is my job, and I don’t take that lightly.

  We come to the top of the stairs and she sees a few doors. I point to the one on the right, with the door hanging wide open. “This is your room. There’s an en-suite attached and a huge closet.”

  Madigan scrunches her nose together, “I don’t have any clothes except the ones I’m in right now.”

  “Okay, I’ll send Carlos out to fetch you some clothes for tomorrow. After we go to Steele Enterprises, we can head to the mall and replenish your wardrobe. I’ll just need to know your sizes.”

  “Oh, wow. I wasn’t expecting that. Thank you.” Her cheeks flush with a soft pink color, and I catch her avoiding my eye contact as she looks to the floor.

  I clear my throat and continue speaking, “I’ll be right across the hall in my own room, and this is an additional room. We don’t have anything in it right now, but if you want it to be converted into anything, we can do that.”

  “You’re going to be across the hall?” She seems a bit flustered at the thought of me so close.

  “Yes, is that a problem?”

  “Uh, no. I . . . across th
e hall, really?”

  I nod my head, confirming what I’ve previously said. Although, I should elaborate a bit. “Yes, I will be directly across the hall from you. In the event we need to get out quickly, I’ll be as close to you as I can.”

  “As close to me as you can,” she repeats, like a broken record.

  I’m starting to think she has a problem with me being so close. This could end up working in my favor. At first, I hated the idea of having to babysit her. But . . . is it such a bad idea guarding a beautiful, single woman? I’ve never had to do this before, mostly guarding important men for a majority of my career. Although, I’ll see the positive sides of things where I can.

  I don’t like her that much, but who says I have to like her? Madigan Archer-Steele could be the bit of fun I need. And, it’s clear that she might have some sort of feeling toward me. Even if it’s solely sexual, I’ll take it. Fuck, and Brooklyn was ragging on me last week that I needed to find a nice woman. She even tried to set me up with one of her friends. Where’s the need to set me up when I’m not looking for a relationship? The only thing I’m looking for is a friend, with every sort of pleasurable benefit possible.

  I couldn’t get a clear read on her before, but now that her stress level is going down, I might be able to figure out just how she ticks. “Does the idea of being close to me alarm you?” I ask, taking a step closer to her while I use my index finger to bring her chin up so she’s forced to look at me.

  “N-no, not at all,” she tries to lie but fails miserably.

  “Alrighty then,” I chuckle, heading down a couple of steps. “Go relax. I’ll have Carlos come up and get your sizes, then he’ll go grab you some clothes and when he comes back, I’ll hang them on your door.”

  I don’t bother sticking around to see her face or listen to whatever her response is. All in all, I think I’ve left the impression I hoped I would. Now, I can go grab some grub. Tomorrow should be pretty interesting, to say the least.

  11

  “Let the healing be easier than the hurting.”

  ~ Seeker

  Madigan

  Last night, I hid in my room like a teenage girl. I heard someone come up the stairs and checked to see if I had a bag by my door. Much to my surprise, I had a few of them. In the bags were a few various outfits, including jeans, blouses, a couple of dresses, and some pretty undergarments. I ended up sneaking downstairs for some food in the middle of the night and Reggie caught me walking back into my bedroom. The entire time, he didn’t say a word. We stood in silence as I felt his eyes raking over my body like I was some sort of dessert choice in a bakery.

  Now, it’s nine in the morning and I’ve just finished changing into a pair of jeans with a beautiful emerald green chiffon dress blouse. Carlos grabbed two pairs of shoes for me while he was out as well. One set is a cream-colored flat, and the other is a simple black pump. I opt for comfort today and slide on the flats.

  With the way I left New York, I couldn’t pack anything to bring with me, however, I was smart. I put the basics of my makeup kit in my purse. Which is essentially a primer, concealer, foundation, bronzer, a little basic natural eyeshadow palette, and mascara. I really am hoping that Reggie takes us to a fully compatible mall because I need to replenish my collection, plus a hairdryer and curling iron are desperately needed.

  A loud knock comes to my door causes me to jump in place. “Yeah?” I call out to whoever is on the other side.

  “Are you ready? We need to get going in a couple of minutes if we’re going to beat traffic,” Reggie’s voice says through the door.

  Immediately at hearing his voice, my heart beats a little more rapidly. I don’t notice it at first, but the moment I do, I’m silently giving myself a talking to. He’s a bodyguard, not a man forged from the fire. There is nothing special about him to cause a reaction like this. Plus, I’m pregnant, running from my crazy ex-boyfriend and his family, and because of all that, I have no reason to be looking for anything romantic. Maybe if my situation was different, I might entertain it, but I can’t. Actually, I can’t. Jesus, this is like some sort of romance novel. Beautiful, rich girl protected by a handsome bodyguard. My life is no fairytale, and I doubt any of this will end up the way a romance like that should.

  I walk a few feet toward the door and open it, revealing Reggie to me. “Yeah, I’m all set. Let’s get going, shall we?”

  “Alright.”

  I walk straight past him at his short response and head down the stairs, walk toward the garage door and see that Carlos is standing there waiting for us.

  “Good Morning, Madigan. Did you sleep well?”

  I smirk, “Yeah. It’s the first good sleep I’ve gotten in weeks.”

  “Great, I’m so glad to hear that. Come, let’s get you into the car.” Carlos walks behind the driver’s seat and opens the door for me. I get in the SUV and buckle my seatbelt while Reggie gets in on the opposite side of me and does the same.

  Carlos gets in and starts up the vehicle as the garage door opens and starts to reverse. I take the opportunity to make some small talk with Reggie and figure out what our plans will be like today. “Are we going by a mall later, or what sort of area are you taking me shopping in?”

  “I was going to take you downtown. There are plenty of boutiques where I think you’d be able to find what suits your needs. Why, is there someplace you’d like to go?”

  “Yes, I need to get some beauty supplies. So, if it’s possible, I’d like to go to a mall. If we go there, I know exactly which stores to go to get what I need.”

  Reggie chuckles, “I forgot you didn’t get too in-depth into your conversation with your brothers last night.” I get the sense he thinks it’s hysterical I need to go grab some makeup.

  “What is so funny to you?” I demand to know, growing a bit irritated.

  “Logan’s wife owns a makeup line. It’s a lot safer for women because of the lack of chemicals. She only uses natural products. Her office is in the same building. I’m sure we could just go a couple of floors down and grab some prototypes of her stuff. It’ll probably be a great way for the two of you to meet, anyhow.”

  “I knew Logan was married, but I had no idea his wife was a businesswoman too. But, uh, what do my brothers really do anyway? My dad was deep into stocks. Or at least that’s the extent of what he told me.”

  Reggie laughs, looking up to Carlos, who’s staring at me in the rear-view mirror. From the way things are going, they know something that I don’t. “I’m sure they’ll tell you more after you sign the legal documentation today.” Reggie’s response only makes me want to know more.

  “What makes you say that?”

  “I just have a hunch.”

  Hunch? Yeah, right.

  “Whatever they’re doing must be pretty risky since I have to sign an NDA,” I state, keeping my eyes on his. When I was a little girl, my father used to tell me that eyes were a path to one's soul, but more than that, they’re the first indication to tell if someone’s lying to you. If the person you’re speaking to can’t maintain eye contact, they’re probably lying.

  “I’d agree with that statement.” He raises a brow, snickering. “If you’re trying to trap me into giving you information, it won’t work. I’ve been doing this for far too long to fuck up now. All I will tell you is what I already have.”

  “I’m not trying to trap you into anything,” I say, lying straight through my teeth. I doubt he can tell I’m lying with how sweet my tone of voice is.

  “Madigan, you’re adorable. You’re a woman, which means you’re sneaky. But, you’re also a Steele, which means you always desire to have the upper hand. There’s no way you’re not trying to trap me.” I don’t know whether to be appalled or thank him. Obviously, my father and brothers must always like to be on top when it comes to work. And when it comes to work ethic, I admire that.