Burning Admiration

Chapter 4

JACOB

I had just sat down at my desk when my assistant appeared in the doorway, "Mr. Alexander, I know you requested no new appointments, but Mr. Carlisle is here." "That's fine, send him in," Ian and I had mutual interests in investments, and we had crossed paths many times before - because of that, I'd make an exception.

Ian came in shortly after, "Hello Jacob, I'm sorry to come in on such short notice, but it's urgent," He looked disheveled, despite the fact that he was sporting his typical three-piece suit, much too bright for my liking, though. All black seemed to suit me best. "No worries. What can I do for you?" I leaned back in my chair and gestured for him to sit on one of the chairs in front of my desk, but he remained standing. "Oh, I won't be long. I need your top two men, and I'm also going to need multiple security cameras installed," he paused, "and Jacob, I'm going to need your word that you'll be watching these cameras night and day. Because it's my daughter that needs protecting," he slid a check across my desk that was triple that of my standard fees.

I didn't typically handle the monitoring and surveillance of our clients, but since Ian was an acquaintance - with money and connections - I'd handle this myself.

I wasn't aware that he had children. Then again, maybe I assumed all men in business chose to live a lonely life - no wife, no family. I'd chosen a long time ago that it was what was necessary If I wanted to succeed. Had I gotten a wife, she would've always felt like the mistress - always coming second to my job.

"I can do that - I already have two men in mind for her. I'll do my best to keep your daughter safe, Ian. She's in good hands with Shield". "I know, and that's why I came to you. I'm trusting you with this, Jacob. Don't fuck up."

"C'mon, Ian, you know me better than that. I didn't build this company on fuck ups. I'll reach out to you once we've installed the cameras and established a connection to our servers". I stood up out of my chair and outreached my hand to shake his, "Thanks, Jacob. I've got to get going - you have my cell," he turned and left in a hurry.

__________

The office had grown quiet, and the city skyline lightly lit my office through the windows - my wall was lined with them. I decided to call it a night. I walked over to the windows, taking in the scenery. The contrasts of the impeccable architecture and the fortune 500s with millionaire CEOs to the streets littered with homeless people never ceased to surprise me. Druggies. Alcoholics. Weak-minded, low-lives.

"What a waste of space," I could smell the alcohol on his breath, "get your whore of a mother to come and get you." But she couldn't because she had left, "If I have to tell you one more goddamn time to stay in your fucking room-" I threw my hands in front of my face to defend myself as his fists came flying towards me. He picked me up off the couch by my hair and dragged me towards my room.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door, "Mr. Alexander, I've been notified that the cameras have been set up, and the live feed should be available for you," my assistant said. I nodded, heading back to my desk.

The monitors lit up the office around me as I navigated my way to the live feed from Ian's daughter's house.

I watched as a woman with blonde hair walked in the door - I remember glancing over the write-up of her account. I assume this is her. She walked in nervously, joined by two of my men. She glanced up at the cameras, and my breath hitched in my throat. Our eyes locked - and although she couldn't see me, it felt like her eyes pierced my soul.

My men took their posts at the front door, and I watched as she sauntered over to the couch. She slumped down defeatedly, but she still held a certain confidence and poise. I watched as she lay down, intertwining her legs - the image of her legs wrapped around my waist flashed into my mind.

Soon after, she got up and went into her room. I followed her across my monitors as she went into her closet and out of my view. She came back out in a matching satin pajama set. I was mesmerized by the faint outline of her nipples and the lace lining of the set. Thank god for high-resolution security cameras.

Most of all - I was mesmerized by her.

I knew right then that watching this woman had just become my new favorite hobby.