“Yes. I noticed it for the first time a few days ago when I was driving back home from work. The second time was the night before last, also when I was returning home from work. I was in the train and I felt someone’s eyes on me... It was actually terrifying, and not being able to see that person freaked me out. Then Lauren told me about that guy getting killed, and I thought the same thing might happen to me...”
My heart rammed wildly against my chest, and I hated I had to admit her that in this way... “Actually, Madison, that was the company investigator who was following you.”
Her eyes widened immediately, and she pulled away her hands from mine. “What?”
I took a deep breath, feeling so guilty now. I didn’t want to scare her like this or make her feel like I considered her a bad person. “We had an investigator follow you to make sure you were who you were claiming to be, you know. Oliver and Colten had some concerns so I needed to make them feel more at ease. I knew that bringing you into this business deal was a big move and we needed to trust you. I couldn’t afford to take any risks. So that man followed you for several days to make sure you didn’t work for our competition.”
Her face twisted into anger, and for the first time I realized that this might push her away from me, and how much that would kill me.
Fuck, Grant, you really screwed this up.
“I can’t believe you would do this to me.”
“I know. I’m so sorry. This wasn’t anything personal, believe me.”
“It became personal when you started sleeping with me!” she hissed, her eyes flashing with hurt and embarrassment.
“I know. As the days passed and I saw how hard you worked and gave your best, I realized my mistrust wasn’t right. You proved yourself to me over and over again, and I started trusting you. That is why I called him yesterday and told him his services weren’t needed anymore. I believed you.” I growled in frustration. “I wanted to tell you this in a different way. I didn’t want you to find it out like this. I didn’t want you to feel afraid or think you are in danger. I’m truly sorry, Madison.”
For several moments, she didn’t say anything, staring at me with insecurity. She looked like she was having an inner battle, and I felt like a complete douchebag. She was a gem, and I didn’t want to lose her over this.
“Madison, I don’t want us to fight or for you to be angry, even though you deserve to me. I trust you. I do, and I won’t ever do anything like that behind your back again.”
Several moments later, she finally offered me a slight smile.
“Fine, I get it. Honestly, I’m a little offended, but I do understand. I realize this project is extremely important, and if I were you I would probably do the same. But I’m going to get you three back for this. Consider this your warning. And I want a commission on this project.”
I felt relieved and a smile spread across my face. Now that this thing with my investigator was out in the open, I could finally relax completely. Fuck, I wanted to tell her that, and I was feeling a little guilty for going behind her back like that, but now I wanted to kiss her like crazy because she was understanding.
“Ha! You know what? Done. The guys will deal. I’m really sorry it came out like this, so if you want a cut, take it.” I shook my head. “Damn, I want to make you happy, not hurt you.”
Her eyes filled with joy and the smile she gave me threatened to make my heart burst—for real. When the hell did I become such a softie?
I pulled her face to mine, desperate to kiss her, and claimed her lips with urgency that made me hard as rock in an instant. Our tongues stroked each other in hurry, both of us hungry for much more, and I realized I needed her right now. I needed to fuck her as soon as possible or I would explode.
What was she doing to me?
“I need you.”
“I need you too, Grant.”
“Good. Then let’s celebrate today’s success properly.”
“Properly?”
I smirked. “Yes. As in ‘Let’s get a fucking room’ properly.”
18
Madison
Shit. Why couldn’t I just deny him?
Oh yeah because he was hotter than a Greek God. I was still a little shaken up that Grant had hired an investigator to follow me around, but considering the scope of our project, I knew it had been the right move. Besides, I should be grateful that he’d given me a chance to prove myself and work for him. Yes, I was scared and that person following me around freaked me out, but Grant had already explained himself, and I believed him. Besides it sounded like it was a company decision, maybe he was overruled.
On the other hand, I also made a mistake for not trusting him. I shouldn’t have followed Lauren’s advice blindly. I should have talked with Grant first.
Everything had become a little clearer since we had aired our dirty laundry. Grand had made me feel so much, and we had spent days together, getting to know each other gradually. All of that mattered, and I felt guilty for not thinking better of him. He wasn’t that kind of man—ruthless and inconsiderate of others—so it wasn’t okay of me not to trust him.