Broken Hearts

Chapter 3

Taking a seat, I was sitting looking at the lobby's high ceilings when a man entered and approached the desk. He had a quick conversation with the receptionist. As soon as they were done, he walked over and took a seat across from me. Giving him a quick glance and then moved on to looking around me again.

I could feel his eyes staring at me, making me slightly uncomfortable. Adjusting myself in my seat, I attempted to ignore it until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Can I help you?" I asked with some sass.

"I'm sorry, but you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life."

Looking into his eyes, I felt entranced for a moment. They were a shade of green I had never seen before. Against his darker skin, they popped out at me. I couldn't help but stare.

"Thank you, but you are being a bit much." I was trying to be gentle, but I didn't want him thinking something that wasn't real.

Saved by the elevator ding, I stood quickly and gave David the biggest of smiles. His body language gave away his displeasure with seeing me. He wasn't happy with me, which I anticipated. I don't understand why he wouldn't be happy to see me, but everything about him screamed anger and irritation.

"Hello my love," I tried to serenade him with my voice, but he was unresponsive.

Grabbing me by my elbow, he led me to a corner of the lobby, giving him whatever privacy he needed. I was about to be scolded, for what I don't know.

"What are you doing here?" He gritted out.

"I haven't seen you so I wanted to come visit you. I missed you." I rubbed my hand on his arm and he gave me a distasteful look.

"You interrupted me during a very important meeting. You won't just be showing up to my company. It sets a bad example for my staff." He had no love in his voice. Actually, he was quite irritated.

"You haven't been home in days," I pointed out.

"This deal I am working on is requiring a lot of my attention." His excuse was tiresome. I've heard it over and over again.

"I'm bored and lonely. We don't pay Mrs. Murray to keep me company. We pay her to work. I don't have any friends." My arms were now crossed across my chest. My irritation was now evident in my own body language. I'm tired of this dynamic. There's no love or affection. My anger was soon swindled away. I love those stupid eyes of his. They always pulled me in. He used to be so kind and sweet, now he couldn't be bothered by me.

"Find a hobby," he said shortly.

"Maybe I will start coming to the city more often. I hate it here, but there is more to do than sitting at home and gardening and working. I'm tired of being lonely." My tone had softened and in response so did his eyebrows.

"I hate it when you come to the city. It is dangerous here. I will never forget the time you nearly got hurt." His eyes wandered off, I could see the scene playing in his eyes. He was thinking about when I was robbed.

"What do you suggest?" There was no anger, no frustration, just a simple question.

His eyes wandered the room and landed on something. At that moment, I swear, if we were standing close enough to a light bulb it would have shined bright.

"Actually, I am in the process of doing interviews for security. I have a man here for an interview and, based upon his credentials, I think he would be perfect to guard you."

He motioned for me to turn around, which I did. He led me over to the man I had met earlier. I felt uneasy about all of this and attempted to argue with David, but he wasn't having it. This was his solution, and I was expected to accept it regardless of how I felt.

"Mr. Parson, I would like you to meet my wife, Ashlyn. I know the ad you applied for stated it would be within the confines of the company building, but due to recent events, if you are hired you would personally see to her well-being."

Standing, the man addressed my husband.

"It would be an honor sir." He put out his hand for me to shake.

I felt stupid, I looked at his hand as if it were going to strike out at me. Once I overcame my urge to hide, I reached out and shook the man's hand. Getting a better look at him, I saw that he was wearing a beautiful Armani suit. Not a spec of dust or dirt anywhere on him. The black of his suit was the deepest black I had ever seen in my life. It had to be new, if it wasn't he had talents that were hidden from the rest of the world. I noticed a few scars littered his skin. He had obviously been in many fights as there were marks on his hands, wrists, several places on his face, and neck. There was one that called for my attention. It was right above his left brow.

Pulling myself back to the world, I let go of his hand and smiled shyly.

"It is nice to meet you Mr. Parson." My voice sounded so small. Something about him bothered me, but I couldn't tell what it was.

"Please, call me Justin." He gently corrected.

My eyebrow raised at him involuntarily. I was confused. Why didn't he want me calling him by a professional title? Justin sounded so informal and personal. Rather than having the chance to say anything, David quickly interrupted.

"Ashlyn, please take a seat, I am going to interview him and if he is hired, he will be accompanying you home." David was looking at the man with hope. It opened a whole new set of questions in my mind.

Has he always been this worried about my well-being? Why now? He's never mentioned this before. I appreciated his concern, but something about this entire situation bothered me. He should have talked to me first.