"Well, it is now."
James laughed again as he messaged him the picture of his daughter he'd taken just the week before.
When Jarrod picked up his cell phone and laid eyes on it, his friend immediately frowned, recognizing the signs. He was a man too, after all.
The tension in his body, the telltale glint that appeared in his usually cold, impenetrable eyes.
James understood - he wasn't a saint by any stretch of the imagination, though far from his friend's level - but this time, it wasn't just any woman, it was his daughter, who was in danger because of him.
He couldn't let him have his way.
Coughing to get Jarrod's attention, Jarrod guessed what he was going to say. He'd betrayed himself easily, which wasn't in his habits and annoyed him, strangely more than usual.
"Jarrod, as deep as my gratitude is, I hope that..."
He paused for a moment, hoping Jarrod would continue for himself, but it was too much to ask concerning the latter.
"Yes? What do you hope?"
"That you won't take advantage of the situation and pounce on my daughter at the first opportunity."
Jarrod took his time before replying.
"No, of course not. You don't need to worry. However, I won't turn her away if she's interested and willing to give herself to me."
The judge cried out gravely, forgetting his request and the kind of man to whom he made it
"I point out that you're talking about my daughter. You'd understand if you had one of your own."
"That's not going to happen any time soon."
"It doesn't matter. If it's you who's hurting my daughter..."
But Jarrod cut him off immediately.
"You know my terms and my way, James. You have to take everything, then, still okay?"
James could only nod, albeit reluctantly, as this was the way things were supposed to be. Not to mention that they were both adults and vaccinated.
He only hoped that his daughter wouldn't suffer too much from the situation and from what would be the unavoidable separation.
As Jarrod stood to leave, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of apprehension. Protecting a client's daughter was one thing, but this was different. There was something about Crystal that intrigued him, something that tugged at the carefully constructed walls he had built around his heart. He knew that getting involved in this case would mean risking the carefully cultivated distance he had maintained for so long.
But as he stepped out into the bustling city streets, Jarrod made up his mind. He would do whatever it took to keep Crystal safe, even if it meant venturing into uncharted emotional territory. The thought of her being in danger was simply unacceptable, and he would stop at nothing to ensure her well-being. History was repeating itself for him, but this time he'd make sure it didn't have the same outcome. He was no longer a child. And he was in charge. He'd be ready.
With a renewed sense of purpose, Jarrod headed back to his office, already formulating a plan to ensure Crystal's protection. The stage was set for a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, and Jarrod was determined to be the one holding the winning hand.
***
Crystal Kyle exhaled a weary sigh as she stepped out of the gleaming high-rise, her pumps clicking against the bustling city sidewalk. Another long day at the office had come to a close, but the evening traffic promised a less-than-relaxing commute home. Still, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her work—her role as executive assistant to the CEO of one of the city's most prestigious firms was demanding, but also rewarding.
As the young woman made her way to her car, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that she was being watched. Glancing around quickly, she saw nothing out of the ordinary—just the usual throngs of people rushing by, absorbed in their own lives. Chalking it up to post-workday jitters, she unlocked her door and slid behind the wheel, exhaling another heavy breath.
Just as she was about to start the engine, a voice startled her from the passenger side.
"Miss Kyle."
Crystal whirled around, heart racing, to find a tall, dark-haired stranger sitting calmly in her car. His piercing gray eyes held her gaze, his expression a mix of authority and something else she couldn't quite place.
"Who are you? How did you get in here?" Crystal demanded, gripping the steering wheel tightly.
"My name is Jarrod," he replied, his deep voice smooth and assured. "I'm a friend of your father's, and I've been sent to protect you."
Crystal's brow furrowed in confusion. "Protect me? From what?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Jarrod's lips curved into a humorless smile. "That's what I'm here to find out," he said cryptically. "Your father is concerned for your safety, and he's asked me to keep an eye on you."
Crystal's mind raced as she tried to process this unexpected intrusion. "I haven't spoken to my father in weeks," she admitted, "and he's never mentioned anything about needing protection. How do I know I can trust you?"
Jarrod's gaze held hers, unwavering. "You'll have to decide that for yourself," he said before continuing. "No, I'm just kidding. You can simply call your father to confirm. Simple as that.."
She gave him a tight smile. "I know, and I was just about to."
"Yeah, But joking aside, I can assure you, your father is deeply worried, and with good reason. There are dangerous people out there who want to get to him through you."
Crystal's heart pounded in her chest as she contemplated Jarrod's words. Her father was a successful judge with numerous high-profile clients, but she couldn't fathom anyone wanting to target her as leverage against him. Still, the intensity in Jarrod's eyes was undeniable.
"I'm sorry, but I can't just take your word for it," she said firmly. "If my father is truly concerned, he can call me himself. Until then, I'd appreciate it if you'd get out of my car."
Jarrod regarded her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Very well," he said finally, opening the door and stepping out. "But be careful, Miss Kyle. The danger is closer than you think."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the crowd, leaving Crystal shaken and unsettled. She sat in her car for several minutes, gripping the steering wheel and trying to calm her racing heart. What was going on? And who was this mysterious Jarrod, really?
Decisively, Crystal pulled out her phone and dialed her father's number. She needed answers, and she needed them now.
The line rang several times before her father's familiar voice answered. "Crystal? Is everything all right?"