7: Deal Breaker

Valerie’s POV

“We’ll blow down this gate in the count of ten.”

A strange voice echoing through the speaker makes me lose sleep. I groan, with slight pain jolting through my joints. I spent the night in the library, on his hard table where I had cried my eyes out. 

“Ten.” 

The voice blares, ringing through the house. Something seems off. I pull down the blond just a little and the sight of police men with cocked arms, and Penenlope by the side of the leader, scares me off. 

Oh, my god.

I hastily open my phone to the numerous missed calls from Penny and a warning text. ‘If you don't respond, I’m storming your house with the cops.’ 

“Shit. What have I done?” 

I may hate Baron but having a blown house in my name is the last thing I look forward to. I push away from the table with my last strength and dash for the door. The thunderous sound of footsteps and voices makes me stop abruptly. 

“It's something about Ma’am Valerie being in danger.” It's Jax’s voice. 

Baron sighs. “And where is my wife?” 

Their voices and steps slowly fade away. 

“I don't know… What are we doing about the police?”

“Fuck them.” Baron groans. “I don't care if you tear the world down, just find my wife.” 

Their voices finally disappear. I pause for a moment, hearing confused steps patrol. I can't let him know I was in his library. When everything fades off except the countdown of the officer, I open the door and rush out. 

Damn!

I gasp, bumping into a hard figure. 

He’s swift to grab me by the waist, pulling me into his embrace. “Wifey.” He mumbles, a small smirk on his lips. 

I exhale slowly, putting my heart at rest. My hands itch to slap the nasty smirk off his face. I steady myself but his hold around my waist is firm. 

“You look sick,” he frowns, eyes roaming around my face. His thumb brushes my chin and I pull back. It doesn't stop him from cupping my cheek. “Are you hurt? The cops are outside… what’s wrong?” His eyes wander down my body, searching for bruises or anything. 

I look away from his charming eyes. Even though he looks a mess with his hair undone, he’s stunning. 

“Are you a stalker? Perhaps a psycho?” I try to push him off. “How did you know I was in there?”

His odd expression melts into something warm. That cocky smirk returns and he leans in to roll a strand of my hair around his finger. “What if I say it's your scent?” His hand pulls me in, nudging me against his body. Pressed close, he lowers to sniff my neck. 

I go rigid, feeling my heart pound again, but this time, not in danger. 

“Valerie!!!” 

Penny’s voice rips through my confusion. I jerk from his arm and push him away. 

“Three!” The commander’s voice responds.

“Don't! I'm fine!” I yell, hoping that they hear me. The scream causes an ache to return to my head. 

By the time I join the small crowd downstairs, they’ve already stopped the countdown. The gate automatically opens at my arrival and Penelope runs in, sweeping me in a warm hug. 

“Holy hell, Vee.” She whimpers. “You scared me.” 

I cry when she spanks my ass and laughs as she hugs me tighter. Then she pauses to look at me closely. “You changed… What happened?”

Pausing my impulse, I'm not sure if I should spill. “We had a misunderstanding,” I murmur to her hearing. “Can I come over later? I have to go to work.” 

“Of course.” She lets me go. “Go on, I’ll sort this out.” 

She waits for me to leave then turns over to the officers and starts addressing them. It's sad to see how much I’ve stressed her. 

Back in the room, I have a quick shower and start dressing up when Baron shows up with a cup of coffee. He walks over to me and I ignore him, paying attention to the mirror. 

Not giving up, he approaches me, mug in one hand and my cufflinks in the other. “Just how you like it, honey.” He teases. 

I slip out of his reach, raising my voice to show my irritation. “If I want coffee, I can get coffee.” I sigh. “Besides, don't you have work or something?” 

Ignoring the level of hurt I’ve inflicted, I snatch my cuffs from his hand and hurry out of the room. The car is already prepared. I get into the backseat of my SUV and the driver pulls out. Oddly, Baron’s car crawls behind me, trying not to be seen, but not smart enough. 

His odd behaviour is starting to creep me out. I'm this close to sharing my location with Penny. When we arrive at the company, he stops and turns to leave.

I watch his car disappear before walking into the big lobby. The receptionist curtly bows and Sasha, my PA, rushes forward. 

“Good morning, boss.” She takes my bag and tries to catch my pace. “You have a 10 AM meeting…” She rushes over to my schedule with a loud voice to subdue the greetings of other staff greeting from their cubicles. “Ma’am,” she pauses to get my attention. “New clients are insisting on seeing our boss.”

I simply roll my eyes in a ‘and?’ attitude.

“They are in the conference room.” She raps.

“Set my table and get me coffee.” I wave her off and divert to the conference room. 

Rufus, the manager, and a few other staff members stand up in respect. The new clients are two gentlemen and a lady. I reached for a warm handshake over a brief introduction.

“Pardon my lateness.” I take my seat. 

“It's fine.” The leader speaks up. 

We go over a gig of his team proposing that our company set up the biggest state-of-the-art gallery and coolest penthouse in the heart of the city. Of course, that needs great funding, which they have, but their demand for return on investment is wild. Regardless, it's almost a billion-dollar gig!

My PA rushes in to serve me coffee.

“Thank you so much for the consideration. I’ll revert back as soon as possible.” I take a sip and refrain from gagging. Not a great scene, I gulp the bitter liquid and fake a smile, and watch them leave. 

“Sasha, coffee, not herbal tea.” I sigh, abandoning the coffee and heading to my office. 

The door is open when I push it. “I have news…” 

My heart drops on seeing a lady perched beside Baron, her hand around his neck.