Nemesis: A Love Story

BRAEDEN

She arrived at the office and parked her motorcycle in her reserved spot. She was tired. She'd been awake most of the night going over her conversation with Tessa, hoping she had been able to help in some way. It was clear to her cracks were starting to appear in Tessa thick armour and now was a critical time in her process. She hoped these people that had come into her life, were with her now.
She pulled off her helmet and placed in the on the seat as she retrieved her bag.
"Braeden?"
The sound of her name, so early in the morning, gave her a start and she spun to see an incredibly handsome guy standing behind her. She knew him immediately from the pictures in his file.
"Hugh Navarre I presume? I was about to call and set up a meeting with you."
"Saved you the trouble"
He seems very serious.
She can see he's giving her the once over. Not surprising given his upbringing. Poor kid. He had to grow up way too fast.
"I have some free time now anyway. Follow me."
He steps aside as she grabs her helmet.
"Nice bike"he remarks casually.
"Thanks. It was my moms."
"Was?"
She stops walking as she unlocks the door.
"Yep. Was."
They walk the rest of the way upstairs in silence.
She lets him into her office.
"Make yourself comfortable" she calls over her shoulder as she hangs her coat and bag.
She sees him eyeing the room
"Yeah changed it a bit. The couch is gone"
He gets a look on his face but quickly masks it.
"Always hated that thing."
She makes them both coffee and sits.
He follows suit.
He doesn't touch it.
"So Hugh. I'm gathering this isn't a coincidence you being here. What can I help you with."
He sits stiffly in the chair. His arms on the rests. His hands cupped on the edges.
"I'm not here about me."
"Ok." She eyes him curiously.
"I'm here about Tessa."
A lightbulb goes off. Well this is a surprise. She didn't expect him to be one of her people but here he is.
"You do realize I won't speak with you about her, Hugh"
He leans forward.
"I care for her"
Was that a fact or a warning?
Probably a bit of both.
She leans forward as well.
Boys like this don't scare her.
They never have.
"I can see that. Clearly. What is it that concerns you?"
"I don't want her to be hurt or messed with. She's been through enough"
Braeden smiles at that and leans back in her chair.
"And you're worried I may hurt her in someway?"
" I want you to know she's  not alone anymore. I know she came back from seeing you wrecked. And now she wants to go see the bastard." He can't hide the emotion in his voice.
This peaks her interest.
"Her brother?"
"Yes."
"And this worries you?"
"Of course it worries me! He tried to kill her!"
"You're worried he'll try again." She queries.
"No. I'm worried seeing him again will set her back again."
Oh. I see. This is an interesting development for sure and two more unlikely people she had never seen, find each other.
"And all the ways she's opened up to you will be closed again. Isn't that what this is really about? You've finally found someone to care about and you're afraid she pull away."
She pushes him.
She does it on purpose. Testing her limits and his really.
She doesn't take him for the easy handed kind. No he's more the no holds barred type.
Hugh fumes inwardly she can see it in his remarkable eyes. She can see why the file says what it does, about his intensity, his quick to anger response, his way of manipulating the system.
But he isn't with her.
For some reason he's reigning it in, and she's pretty sure that reason is Tessa.
"I'm not talking about me"
"Why not? Clearly you care for this girl. She means something to you. You've had to protect people your whole life haven't you? You're mother and sister from your father. Even others from yourself. But something about her broke through. Right?"
"Don't." He warns uncomfortable.
"Don't what?"
"Don't psychoanalyze me."
"It's kind of my job requirement."she smiles.
They have a stare down.
She concedes her push.
"Listen I understand why you feel this need to protect Tessa. I get it. But I'm not the enemy here, Hugh. She is in safe hands with me. So are you. I think you've spent your whole life fighting to keep you and your sisters heads above water. Had to do some questionable things. You and I are a lot alike that way . But like you said about Tessa. She's not alone anymore. And neither are you. She's is a strong girl and what happened to her and her family, even what came after that, would've destroy or ended most people. She's still standing. And I know with 100% certainty, that with me, you and I'm pretty sure your sister by her side. She'll never have to worry about that fall. Are we clear here?"
He remains quiet.
Thinking.
He then looks at her.
"We're clear."
"Good. I didn't know about her wanting to visit her brother. I can understand why you're concerned. So am I." She admits. He looks at her surprised.
"I'm going with her."
He gives her a look like he is waiting for her objection.
"That's good." She tells him. "She'll need you and that's a big step for her."
"I know."
He stands then.
She follows.
He's a good foot taller then her.
He looks tired.
Weary.
"She might need you after this" he says as he starts to collect himself.
"You know where to find me. " she walks to her desk and grabs a card. Writes her cell on the back.
"In case she needs it."
He takes it, puts it into his back pocket.
Nods his head in thanks.
He begins to leave.
"Hugh" she calls out to him and he looks over his shoulder at her. Eyes warmer now. She must've passed his rest of her. 
"Whoever it was that told you you aren't worthy of love. They lied."
He looks to the ground, a slight nod of acknowledgement and walks out.