The Assistant

Chapter Twenty-One

Cuddling with two people that are both nearly a full foot taller than you is a bit of a chore, not that it wasn't incredibly sweet to wake up with my head on Jon's shoulder and Patrick's arm around my waist as he sidled up behind me, but it was slightly awkward to maneuver. Not to mention that between the two of them I felt like I was cuddling in a furnace made of muscle, chest hair, and pillow hogs.

By the end of the weekend though I was more than happy to be on the jet heading back to NYC, and to my own bed. Not that sharing wasn't delightful and all, but I really wanted to sleep alone for a change. To my astonishment, Morgan flew back with us and would be staying with Jon for a week or so, however long the G and W case called for. I privately took both my Doms aside and informed them that I would not be touching Morgan again, it just wasn't my cup of tea unless I knew him better or trusted him more. Neither seemed put off by this and happily agreed to keep our arrangement between the three of us until I asked for something more.

Monday morning came too fast for my liking, Friday came much slower, and when it did it came with absolutely nothing for me to do. I did everything I could in Jon's office before he finally got fed up with my fidgeting and sent me down to Patrick's office. The two of them didn't seem to be fond of my restlessness on a slow Friday afternoon.

"Lydia," Patrick said exasperatedly. "What are you doing?"

I rolled my eyes. "What does it look like? I'm fixing your bookshelf."

"It's fine the way it is."

"It's still out of order," I protested. I was almost finished rearranging it anyway, now he had to let me finish.

There was a long, beleaguered sigh from behind me followed by the sounds of the chair sliding out. "Lunch," he ordered, turning me to face him. "I don't care where, I don't care how much, just go get lunch and bring me back some."

I frowned at him. "You're annoyed..."

He rubbed his face as he spoke, "I'm not annoyed, I'm just developing a migraine from your endless fidgeting. There's a difference."

I snorted and went to grab my purse, Patrick caught my hand and spun me around just before I got to the door. He cupped my chin and pulled me in until our lips were almost touching, barely millimetres apart. "I love you," he murmured, amber eyes blazing.

"I love you, too," I whispered, my eyes fluttering shut as he kissed me softly.

I pulled away and blew him a kiss as I shut the door. In the hall, I took a deep breath and practically ran to the elevator. Pulling out my phone I texted Allie to see if she wanted to meet for lunch.

It was raining out as I got to the street but it didn't bother me as I popped the umbrella open and strolled with ease. Everything felt so surreal lately, a calm valley before the storm as Allie's mom would say. I noticed small tensions in the office but whatever it was must not have been too bad since Patrick seemed fine with it. Every time I saw him after a meeting, he looked a little flustered but quickly brushed it off as it was nothing, and since Japan had gone off without a hitch, I had to assume everything was still fine.

I closed my umbrella and bounded up the steps into a small sandwich shop, a hipster joint with horrific prices that made me cringe, but I knew the guys liked it so I figured I'd go somewhere we would all agree on. Plus I had a company expense card, who gave a shit how much I spent on lunch for billionaires?

"Dia!"

I spun around and surveyed the shop; in the back booth I spotted Vicki, her hair was pulled into a sleek, high ponytail, her lips heavily glossed, and wearing a simple peasant top with skinny jeans, couture but simple and understated. Beside her was the antithesis to both – Maritza. I felt her gaze searing into me, the glacial blue of her eyes was like a homing beacon about to tear me apart. I swallowed and waved at them, content to get out of the shop as fast as possible without looking like I was avoiding anyone.