Fields of Clover - THE SPECTER SERIES [book two]

Chapter FIFTEEN

Yevette Feilds

You sit in the assigned seat next to Patrick, your eyes flick over to the tag on the seat to the other side you..

Oh crap.. You are about to spend the entire luncheon seated in between the man you kissed and let stay in your bed last night, the man who makes your heart race.. And your ex-husband, a man who makes you sick to your stomach and who you're pretty sure trashed your car last night - or at the very least, paid somebody to..

You squirm around nervously in your seat knowing any second your father is going to return with the senator and his vile son in tow.. You're gazing around the room when Patrick leans over and whispers in your ear.. The low rumble sending delightful shivers across your skin.. "It's gunna' be alrite' princess, jus' relax.. Trust me.."

You turn back to face him and see he is wearing his usual confident grin.. The tension in your neck unwinds little by little.. For some reason you believe him.. You know he will make sure nothing happens to you. At least at this luncheon.. For how long after that, you have no idea..

A thought that sends a plummeting sensation straight through your heart.. "I trust you Patrick.. I do.. I'm just nervous.. I didn't tell you this, but.. Zach has been sending me some threatening texts from a blocked number.. So I guess now, I am a little more on edge than usual.." You don't mean to blurt it out like that, but there it is..

Patrick looks surprised, but he takes it in stride and gives you his kind reassuring smile.. "O..kay.. Would've been good to know that sooner, but it's alrite'.. I will need to look at yer phone later though.." That seems a little odd, but honestly if he's offering to help you are not beyond letting him.. You need all the help you can get because your best plan fell apart the second the judge announced the acquittal..

"Sure.. You can have it.."
... 'And anything else you want' - adds the little voice in your head..

"Anythin' else I should know about, Yevie?" His eyes search yours hopefully.. As if he knows you still hold hundreds of secrets, and he can't wait to hear them all..

"Probably lots...Just.." You steady yourself, now is not the time to fall apart.. Not in front of this room full of piranha who will eat you alive at the first sign of weakness.. "Please don't leave me alone with them.."

Just then you spy them..your father, the senator and Zach, stalking towards the table in their dark Italian finest.. A beefy guy in a dark suit follows behind the senator, who you recognise as his bodyguard, Carlos Ramirez..

"Wouldn't dream of it darling.." Patrick surprises you again with his flawless accent.. You'll never get used to him speaking without his merry Irish inflections, so for a second you gape at him as he rises to his feet with a neutral expression, before you numbly follow, standing just as the others reach the table..

The new arrivals eyes sweep over you and then to Patrick.. Your father is the first to speak.. "Michael, this is Patrick O'connor, Marine and Yevette's guest here today.."

You try not to cringe at the way he says the word guest.. As if Patrick doesn't belong here and you have committed some terrible crime by bringing him..

"Mr O'connor, I always appreciate the company of fine servicemen such as yourself. We're glad to have you join us.." A well rehearsed tone and demeanour encompasses Senator Michael Ryan..

You know it is fake, because you have seen that man lose his temper.. And all the finest suits and expensive leather can't hide the truth from you.. He's a monster..

Patrick reaches out and shakes the Senators hand firmly. Meanwhile Zach stands casually beside his father, his wicked eyes trained on you.. You do your best to ignore him and focus on the Senator..