Chapter 15 - Static

“What is wrong with you? You had me followed?! Who I meet, who I talk to, who I have a relationship with is none of your business. How dare you spy on me?!” I exclaimed.
“So you are allowed to eavesdrop on my conversations, but I can't have you followed to ensure you are safe?” Zach hissed, anger flashing across his face.
“I didn't eavesdrop! I was getting myself a drink when you and Keiran decided to have your very loud conversation. What was I meant to do? Cover my ears? You knew I was in the house as well. You should have kept your private conversations private.”
Zach glared at me, clenching his jaws so tightly I could hear his teething grinding.
“Fine. Yes, I had you followed. I just wanted to make sure you were okay. There is a psycho after you if you've forgotten.”
“No, I haven't forgotten. But that still doesn't give you the right to have me followed. I appreciate your help, but please don't act as if you own me. I am capable of looking after myself.” I snapped.
“I’m not doubting your capabilities; I’m just looking out for you,” Zach growled.
“Why?! Why have you made it your mission to be my savior? And don't give me bullshit about how you want to help me because I saved your life. You and I both know your intentions are amorous rather than wanting to help me for humanity.” At this point, I was so infuriated that I was yelling.
I knew I was only lying to myself when I told Derek that Zach just wanted to help me. His behavior wasn’t of a guy that wanted just to be friends.
Zach glared at me with so much anger it gave me shivers. I took a step back out of instinct. If he was going to lose his shit, I wanted to be prepared to run.
Zach caught my movement, and his face immediately changed. The anger vanished, and regret replaced it.
“I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you.” Zach sighed, running his hand through his hair in frustration.
“Look, you saved my life, and I want to help you. I'm not denying that I have an attraction to you, and I would love to bend you over and hear you scream my name but right now, it's not about feelings and emotions. There is someone tenacious out there that is hunting you down. I know that's not the answer you are looking for, but that's all I can say. Please, just trust me. I'm not trying to take your freedom away.”
“Z-... Zach-...” I started, but he put his hand up to stop me.
He slowly closed the distance between us and stood in front of me.
“Stace, I know you've been hurt, and trusting a man isn't easy for you. But I'm not like other men. I will set the world on fire just to be able to see a smile on your face. All I ask is for you to have some faith in me. What do I have to do for you to trust me?” Zach cupped my face with one hand and gently stroked my cheek with his thumb. His eyes were soft, loving.
I swallowed the lump in my throat and searched his eyes for answers I knew I wouldn't get.
“Having someone spying on me doesn't earn my trust. It's invading my privacy. Claiming that someone is yours without their permission definitely doesn't give you any brownie points either. How can you talk about trust and faith when you've given me no reason to trust you. Trust is earned, Zach, not demanded,” I argued.
Zach sighed and stared down at me. Regret was evident on his face. Zach’s grip on my face tightened while his thumb gently caressed my cheek, sending a wave of desire through my body.
Why was I so sensitive to his touch?
“You're right. We've started off on the wrong foot. I’m sorry you feel as though I've invaded your privacy. I just wanted to protect you, and maybe I've gone about it the wrong way. Forgive me?” Zach’s voice softened as he tilted his head to the side and gave me a small smile.
I gulped as my heart fluttered at Zach’s apology and puppy dog eyes. The effects he was having on me raised so many questions in my head.
“I-... I will think about it.” I stuttered, trying to find my spine. I wasn't the kind of girl that let men walk all over her. So what had happened to me now? I had never been this squeamish around mean before.
Zach chuckled and nodded, “I guess I deserve that. Although, this doesn't mean I won't have you followed. This time I'm telling you that there will be someone always keeping an eye on you.”
“You can't do that,” I snapped.
“Oh yes, I can. My staff gets just as much protection as I do. My work is very sensitive, and I don't want to leave any door open for someone to rob me.” Zach flashed me a cheeky smile.
“If that's the case, I don't want to work for you. I'm not signing up for my employee to invade my privacy” I pushed Zach’s hand away and took a step back, creating spacing between us.
“Your life is in danger, and you're more worried about your privacy? Why?! I'm offering you around-the-clock protection and a safe place to stay. A smart person would grab that opportunity with both hands.” Zach stated.
“Maybe I'm not smart then” I crossed my arms.
I knew Zach meant well, but if he had me followed, I wouldn't be able to see Derek, not that I was very interested in seeing him right now.
“The only reason someone would be so worried about their privacy is if they have something to hide. Do you have something to hide?” Zach questioned, narrowing his eyes at me. He stuffed his hands into his pocket and licked his lips.
I swallowed loudly, trying to come up with an excuse.
“Well? Do you?” Zach pressed.
“N-... No,” I stammered.
“Then, what's the problem? Scared I’ll catch you with your boyfriend again?” Zach smirked, although his smirk was laced with bitterness.
“You really have a problem with Derek, don't you?” I replied.
“I asked you first,” Zach sneered.
“No, I don't have anything to hide, Zach. Go ahead, spy on me all you like. Something tells me it will cause you more discomfort than it will cause me,” I stated before grabbing my bag and heading toward my room.
Whether Zach wanted to admit it or not, he definitely had a problem with Derek. And if he was going to keep insisting on keeping an eye on me, I would make it more problematic than he could even imagine.
“Does that mean you'll stay here and work for me?” Zach’s raspy voice stopped me mid-step.
I sighed and nodded, keeping my back to Zach.
“I don't have anywhere else to go, and you know that. I never expected life to be this cruel, forcing me to become dependent on others to survive,” I croaked. Tears started to form in the corner of my eyes.
“Stace-...” Zach started, but I was in no mood to listen to him. Before he could say another word, I began to walk away, heading down the hallway.
Tears streamed down my face as I walked briskly towards my room. I felt betrayed, used, and helpless. I had put my faith in Derek and the FBI, but instead of doing what they promised, I was being used as a decoy.
I slammed the bedroom door shut and bolted for the bathroom. I hated crying. It made me feel vulnerable, and now wasn't the time to feel that way. This was just another hurdle that would pass, and I had to face it with my head held high.
I quickly stripped off my clothes and stepped into the shower. After letting my muscles relax under the hot water, I wrapped myself in the fluffy robe hanging in the closet and walked out into the room.
A knock on the door made me jump. I stood in the middle of the room staring at the door, hoping Zach would give up and walk away. I just wanted to be left alone.
“Stace, it’s Keiran. Open up. I can hear you in there.”
What the hell was he doing here?
I walked over to the door and pulled it open.
“Do you not have your own place?” I complained.
“Do you always have to be dressed in something revealing when I knock on your door?” He snickered, raising his eyebrow. I watched Keiran’s eyes scan me before his lips curled into a naughty smirk.
“Please tell me you have something on underneath that robe” Keiran bit his lip, arching his eyebrow.
“No, I don't. If you forget, I don't have many clothes. What are you doing here?” I snapped.
“Well, right now, I'm trying really hard not to get a boner. Although, I did come to give you this tray.” he held up the tray.
There was a steaming bowl on the tray with a grilled cheese sandwich next to it.
“What’s in the bowl?” I asked, crossing my arms.
“Chicken noodle soup. Zach said you hadn't eaten, so he sent this.”
I stared at the food tray but didn't attempt to take it.
How did Zach know I hadn't eaten? I hadn't said anything about being hungry.
“I'm not hungry.” I lied even though my stomach was aching from hunger.
“Your growling stomach is telling me otherwise.” Keiran chuckled as he pushed past me.
Keiran walked into the room and placed the tray on the study table before perching himself on the edge of the bed.
“Nice room. I've never really been to the rooms down here. Why didn't you pick a room upstairs?” he began.
“I'm just glad I have a roof over my head. The help doesn’t normally get a nice place to stay or such a respectful employer.” I replied.
“Yeah, don't mention the whole help thing in front of Zach. He won't like that very much,” Keiran snickered.
I rolled my eyes and clenched my jaws.
Why was Zach making this so difficult?!
“As of tomorrow, I will be cleaning the toilets around here. Whether Zach wants to accept it or not, I am the help – the maid.” I snapped.
Keiran didn't seem phased by my outburst. Instead, he smirked and ran his eyes up and down my body.
“You really find me alluring, don't you?” I observed.
Keiran chuckled and licked his lips, “Trust me, your beauty is definitely mesmerizing. The things I would do to you. But your fate has intertwined with Zach’s, and I am no one to mess with fate no matter how much my dick wants me to. Besides, Zach called dibs.”
“I will never understand Zach’s obsession with me. Yours, I understand. You think with your dick, and I prefer that. You fuck and walk away. But Zach, he’s thinking with his heart, and it's scaring me a little.” I confessed, being a little too honest.
“Fuck and walk away. Now that term, I like.” Keiran laughed.
“I always thought you would be more of a committed relationship kinda girl.”
“I am. I mean, I used to be. Life has just…. wait, why am I even telling you this?!” I shook my head and sighed.
Keiran was easy to talk to, but that didn't mean I could just blab whatever I wanted.
“I know I may seem like a sex-crazed douche, but my dick isn't the only useful thing I have. If you need someone to talk to, I'm here.” Keiran smiled at me.
I started laughing. He really knew how to use his words.
“Thank you. I will keep that in mind. For now, it's getting very late, and I have to start my new job in the morning.”
“Very diplomatic way of saying get out. Fine, ill go. Make sure you eat. Zach cooked it, especially for you. Bastard never cooks for me.” Keiran got up and started walking toward the door.
*He what?!*
“He cooked for me?” I choked.
“Yeah. You've had a rough few days, and Zach thought some comfort food might make you feel better. He’s a really good cook. He made the soup from scratch.”
The world’s seventh youngest billionaire had cooked for me? Me, the help…
I swallowed loudly and looked at the tray Keiran had left on the table. Why was he being so chivalrous?! He could have any girl he wanted, and here he was, obsessed over me.
Was he obsessed with me, or was I overthinking this? I mean, he could be this nice to anyone, right?
“Why are you so shocked?” Keiran asked.
“I-... I just don't understand why-... why is Zach so-...” My voice drifted off.
“Can I ask why you think Zach can't be interested in you? I mean, you're beautiful, sexy, and sweet. Where is it written that a rich guy can't be involved with the help? Love doesn't see status or wealth.”
Did he just say, *love*?! I stiffened at the word.
“Love…” I gulped.
Keiran froze in place and started blinking rapidly. The color drained from his face, and he looked like he had seen a ghost.
“What do you mean by love?!” I choked.
“I-... You-... Umm-...” Keiran stuttered.
I observed him as he nervously looked around, running his fingers through his hair.
“Umm, shit! Look at the time. It's getting late, and I need to head home. I really need a shower.” Keiran exclaimed, changing the subject.
Before I could say anything further, Keiran started to walk away.
“Have a goodnight. See you tomorrow,” Keiran muttered as he walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him, leaving me swimming in my own thoughts.
I slowly walked over to the table and stared at the still steaming food. Zach had gone through the trouble of making me a meal.
I couldn't fathom why but it made me happy to think someone cared this much about me.
The chicken noodle soup smelt so good, and the smell made my aching stomach growl. Saliva flooded my mouth, and I immediately sat down to stuff my face.
Within minutes, I emptied the bowl, licking my fingers clean. Keiran was right; Zach was a very good cook.
Once my stomach was happy, I headed to bed. I got under the blankets and tucked myself in before turning the lights off. I was mentally and physically exhausted, ready for sleep. But just like the previous night, the static in the air was making it hard to sleep. I tossed and turned as the thick electrifying air started to itch my skin. I closed my eyes tightly and tried to will myself to sleep.
I had just started to drift off and surrender myself to unconsciousness when I felt the bed beside me dip, and a strange warmth engulf me. The static in the air immediately disappeared, leaving behind a refreshing coolness.
I was finally comfortable, and with the thickness in the air gone, I could breathe easily.
The warmth tightened around me, and I happily snuggled into it. I usually found the heat suffocating when I slept, but there was something about this warmth that calmed me and made me feel safe. I rubbed my face against the warmth and let sleep consume me.
That night, for the very first time in two years, I didn’t see the haunting hazel eyes that had plagued my dreams….