Jax released an annoyed sigh.
“Where have you gotten with the investigation
into the computer breach?”
“Nowhere. It’s like they caught on to it and disappeared.”
“What about the person you thought might be the leak?”
“Her computer was bugged and monitored.”
“I should have had a word with Clover last night at the estate. He was there and appeared kind of pompous.”
“By the way, I heard about what happened with Mariana. Lucky that you and Jameson were there. Is she okay?”
“She’s doing better.”
“Making progress?”
“You can say that.”
“Watch out for her, Jax. She’s special, but she’s caught the interest of a lot of people. Including Clover.”
“What do you mean?”
“I just have this feeling, you know, that something isn’t right. I feel like Clover is out to get you and destroy this company for some reason.”
“I don’t know what that would have to do with Mariana.”
“You and Jameson are staking a claim. That’s enough to make Clover want to hurt her. I’m not staying that he had something to do with last night, but he does do business with Ellington James. Ellington has connections to Pro Tech Security.”
Jax felt his chest tighten. He was instantly concerned over Mariana’s well-being, and suddenly Jameson’s plea to go slowly with her was eliminated from thought. He wasn’t going to let her live alone at that shit hole apartment.
“I’ll take your gut instincts into consideration. Why don’t you do Jameson and I a favor and see what you come up with on Ellington and Pro Tech Security. If something doesn’t feel right, I’ll have a talk with Darian and try to talk him into using our services.”
“Sounds good to me. I hate those two assholes and knowing that Ellington touched Mariana is enough for me to rip the guy’s fucking throat out if need be.”
Jax laughed. “Thanks, Spider. Keep in touch.”
Jax hung up the phone and was relieved to have a man like Spider, retired military, on his side. Now, he had to get ready for the fight he was surely going to have with Marian over her moving out of her apartment and moving in with him and Jameson.
* * * *
“Thank God you’re okay. I was so upset when I heard about what happened,” Freda said as she hugged Mariana and held her tight. Mariana couldn’t help the tears that formed in her eyes. She had come to care for Freda so quickly. It was crazy.
“I’m okay,” Mariana said and choked up on the tears she was trying to hold back.
Freda smiled, and that was when she noticed the tears in Freda’s eyes as well. Mariana couldn’t help but wonder if Freda cared about all her escorts this way. She kind of hoped that it was only her that Freda cared this deeply for. Then she cleared her mind. Why was she even thinking such thoughts? She had no right to feel possessive of Freda or her kindness and turn it into something more. Was she suddenly desperate for a family, for someone to love her?
Mariana attempted to step away, but Freda held her hand.
“Let’s bring you upstairs to get changed.” Mariana glanced at the concerned expressions on Jax’s and Jameson’s faces. Jax had been acting strangely since he took a private call in his office.
* * * *
Freda waited in the bedroom as Mariana changed back into her regular clothes in the bathroom. She waited patiently, wanting to talk with Mariana about some changes. It seemed that Jax and Jameson did not want her working as an escort any further, but she was committed to a few more dates. Freda could get Mariana out of the commitments, but only if that was what Mariana wanted. It seemed to her that Jax was being extra pushy. Freda knew that both men had intense personalities and were used to giving orders, not taking them, but this was different. They were on edge and they were immediately possessive of Mariana.
The bathroom door opened, and Marian emerged with the dress hanging over her arm.