The Book of Rook

Chapter 34

PHOENIX

I roll over and my body feels like I've been run over by a steam roller. My legs are sore from running so much yesterday and my face and scalp hurt. I slowly get out of bed and drag my body to the bathroom.

Looking in the mirror, I want to cry. My lip is split, and I have a bruise under my eye. Hopefully make up will hide it until it goes away. Can't go to my first day of work in a few days looking like I went a few rounds with Connor McGregor. I hope Brad's nose is broken and every time he breathes, he thinks of me. Jackass.

Since I'm not planning on going anywhere today, I pull on some yoga pants and a Van Halen t shirt. Throwing my hair in a loose ponytail, since my scalp is sore from all that pulling, I head downstairs for breakfast.

I come to a halt when I enter the kitchen. Rook is talking to an extremely large man. He can easily be mistaken for a football player or mountain. His broad shoulders take up most of the kitchen. Just kidding but he's pretty tall even though he's sitting down. His brown hair is up in a messy man bun. I don't particularly care for them, but it works on him.

Rook stops talking and looks up at me. "Ah, here she is."

The large man turns around and I try not to stare. His green eyes assess me as I send him a smile. He looks like he just stepped out of a GQ magazine. Tan skinned, straight nose, square jawline and cheekbones that could cut glass. He's wearing a dark grey suit which hugs his well-muscled form. He stands and holy shit, he's ginormous. He could probably flick me with his fingers and I would go flying across the room. He has a short close cropped beard on his chiseled face. His full lips turn into a smile showing straight teeth.

"Mrs. Raines," he says as he extends his tatted hand.

I extend mine and he engulfs it in his massive paw. I'm still staring. "Hi," I squeak out. I shake my head and look over at Rook whose expression looks annoyed.

"This is Ilya, your new bodyguard," Rook informs me.

It takes a while for his words to sink in my head. My bodyguard. I look at Ilya again. His green eyes look like they are piercing into my soul, and I feel a blush coming on.

"It is a pleasure to meet you," he says in a low voice with a slight accent. He points to my face. "Does it hurt?"

I shrug my shoulder. "Nope but you should see the other guy," I joke. I realize we are still holding hands, so I give mine a little tug as he releases my hand.

"How are you feeling today, Sunrise?" Rook asks me in a tight voice.

I tear my eyes from Ilya and look at Rook. "I'm a little sore but ok."

Edith comes around the corner with the laundry basket. When she sees me, she drops the basket and hugs me. Like a typical mother, she tsks her tongue as she examines my face. Without another word, she goes to the fridge and grabs an ice pack and gives it to me. In my periphery, I see Ilya still standing there, watching me. Rook comes over to me.

"Unfortunately, I need to go to the office, unless you need me," he says with hope in his eyes.

"I'll be fine. I've got Ilya to keep me company," I say as I watch the smile from Rook's face change to a scowl.

"Ok, then." He pulls me into his arms and kisses me. Not a sweet goodbye peck but a soul consuming kiss. He slips his tongue in my mouth as his hand on my waist grips me tighter. Caveman, making his claim. He lets me go and gives me another kiss on my forehead. "I'll see you tonight."