Heading For A New Life Read online

  Laura looked up at him with frightened eyes, and he stopped short. He chewed his lip with displeasure and nodded reluctantly to himself:

  — Come on, I'll take you to the nearest cafe, and there you will tell me what happened.

  Why did she obey? Maybe because someone else's warmth was desperately lacking, or maybe because the stranger's eyes turned out to be so sky-blue that associations with a fairy-tale prince involuntarily surfaced in his head that he saved the princess from the clutches of the dragon.

  Tall, fair-haired, with an incredibly charming and infectious smile, Dominic Reeds did not listen to any objections, going ahead to the cherished goal. And the goal was Laura, who trustingly opened her soul to him on the very first evening over a mug of cheap coffee. Only a blind man would not notice how lonely she is, and only a biscuit could not fall in love with a bright brunette with an incredible, feline look in bright green eyes. He drove her home, and a day later he was waiting at the entrance to the hospital, holding two cups of coffee in his hands.

  — Dominic? Laura was pleasantly surprised. Having had a good sleep, she could not think about anything else all yesterday, only about the case that brought her to a sexy handsome man. Laura even honestly tried to remember the last time she had sex, but the memory was lost somewhere between: a year ago and in a past life. Dominic smiled broadly, and everything around seemed brighter, brighter next to him. Laura reached out to him, not thinking about anything, falling headlong into a crazy romance. Dominic, it seemed, was born by her half - so easily foresaw all her desires. I could rip it off after my shift and take it to the bay just to sit and watch the stars. Or he could take him home and massage his feet, listening to stories about the day.

  Alexander Smith, who once again won the election, was unpleasantly surprised that his daughter chose a simple roofer from the suburbs as her life partner. Of course, I wanted a better game for her, but the father did not object and argue with Laura - the fragile truce that was established with them recently was worth keeping silent and, gritting his teeth, take his daughter to the altar.

  — I really wish you happiness, ”he whispered, leaving her opposite Dominic. Laura just nodded, unable to take her eyes off the one who would be her husband in a few minutes.

  — You will never regret choosing me, ”Dominic whispered as they danced their first dance. And Laura believed, until the moment when everything went to hell. A year later, when my husband lost his job.

  — Nothing wrong. - Putting a mug of coffee on the table, Laura looked at Dominic, who seemed to shrink, became smaller, hugging his head in his hands.

  — Where will I find work now? Where should I go? - moaned Dominic, raising his dull blue eyes to her. Disheveled, in a stale T-shirt - it seemed that he had not left the house even once in the two days that Laura spent in the hospital.

  — Look, is there really no place in Seattle for a professional roofer? Laura folded her arms across her chest, fighting both pity and annoyance.

  — There are thousands of people like me in the city, and everyone is out of work. Dominic snorted. -

  You don't have to worry that you will be fired!

  — A strange comparison, don't you think? She said coldly. Picking up empty beer bottles, Laura went to the trash can, when Dominic caught her hand, pulled her to him, burying his forehead in her stomach.

  — Sorry, he whispered dully. - Sorry, I'm taking it out on you, I'm an asshole.

  — You're just tired, ”Laura smiled, calming down at once. She placed her hand on the top of his head, gently tousled her hair and winced as he looked up at her. - Go wash and go to bed. I'm sure when you wake up, things won't be so hopeless.

  At first, it was so: Dominic honestly tried to find a job, got a job in a taxi, then in a building materials supermarket, but everything was not right. He began to drink, irritated with or without reason, as soon as Laura stayed at work. And he also began to be jealous of her. When he was in a bad mood, when he was once again kicked out of work, special reasons were not needed.

  — Whore! - Another slap made me fly over the kitchen and hit the wall. Laura pressed her hand to her cheek. Dominic's gaze burned with animal fury, and it seemed that he now believed every accusation that he shouted. - Where have you been? Fucked in the parking lot, in the back seat? Or sucked her head doctor?

  — You know… ”Laura's voice trembled, and she hated herself for it. For the fact that she was afraid of him and endured, instead of collecting things and disappearing. - I came home right after the shift, did not stay anywhere, anywhere ...

  — You're lying! He flew up and grabbed the shoulders tightly, shaking them well. - Have you seen yourself in the mirror? You have it written on your face that recently you had sex!

  — Yes, it would be better! Laura shouted. - It would have been better, then I at least got to work!

  Something in Dominic's face quivered like a glass mask on the floor, and remorse sparkled in his eyes. His legs gave way, he fell to his knees, hugging her, hugging her, and said in a strangled voice:

  — Sorry. I really don't know what's going on with me. Sorry. If I could find a good job, if I could ... Maybe - he raised his eyes, which were shaking with tears, - will your father help me? Will arrange it somewhere ... And everything will change ...

  Laura stood without moving, pressing her back against the wall, clutching it with her fingers so tightly, as if she wanted to break through. She never told her father about their scandals. She did not tell me at work, although there they pretended not to notice pale bruises on her arms or neck. The very idea of dumping your problems on strangers seemed wild. But something had to be done about it. And, three days later, when Dominic left for a part-time job in the suburbs, where they were building a large shopping center, she packed her things, took ten days off on account of unused days off and left the city. Her father was in Washington, and there was no one else to look for her.

  After returning from vacation, Laura first called Alexander and asked to find a lawyer. Father did not begin to find out the circumstances and reasons on the phone, and after half an hour Laura was already talking with one of the best divorce lawyers in Seattle. Dominic tried several times to watch her on the street, three times rolled up a scandal at the entrance to the hospital, and it was exhausting even more than the last year of his life with him.

  The last straw was the death of the patient, for whose life Laura fought seven

  months. Exhausting, hours-long operations, waiting for a transplant, a long-awaited transplant ... Kate was on the mend, preparing for the wedding, which she no longer hoped to play when the rejection began. Her heart refused, they did not have time to save her.

  Another Wednesday evening could not even be called a full weekend - Laura simply took the keys from one of her colleagues who rented a house with a friend, intending to get drunk alone in a bar that she would never come to again. Perhaps, take someone off, forget. And this was more than successful: the brown-eyed handsome man at the counter was not suitable for the role of a vest, but he perfectly suited the role of a male, fulfilling his purpose inside and out. The sex was amazing. Or maybe she thought so after a long abstinence? In any case, when the stranger dumped in the morning, Laura was not even upset - she did not count on a long relationship.

  A month later, my father summoned him, barely returning from Washington.

  — You need security, ”he said, as soon as he sat down at the table set for two.

  — Even so? Laura raised an eyebrow. - If you think that I cannot fight off Dominic, then in vain - I signed up for self-defense courses.

  — Great, - Alexander snorted sarcastically. - Senator's daughter is fighting with her ex-husband. I wonder who will win? - He looked at her mockingly, but the next second his gaze went cold: - I do not doubt you, Eleanor. - Sighing heavily, he lowered his eyes and said quickly: - You need security because of me.

  — I did not get that. - Laura tilted her head to one side, trying not to pay attention to the icy col
dness spreading in her stomach. Once they also believed that the times of showdowns between those coming to power and those who do not want to give it up are long gone. And then my mother was gone.

  — You understood everything, - Alexander frowned as if from a toothache. Then he nervously smoothed his perfectly styled hair and looked hard at his daughter. “They can press me through you. This time, baby, it's very serious.

  — Where did you get in? Laura whispered, glaring at him. - Where did you go, you were not enough mom?

  - Calm down! He barked, slamming the table. - Calm down, - added more quietly. - This time everything will be okay. But you will have to walk with the guard for a while.

  — How do you imagine it in the hospital? Will he constantly follow me with his tail?

  — Decide for yourself. - Alexander, seeing that his daughter had surrendered, wearily rubbed his eyes. - The main thing for me is your safety. If need be, he will live in your house.

  — Fine. Laura winced. - Maybe you’ll say right away: you decided to give me not a personal guard, but someone who will replace my husband? Do you even recognize his pedigree?

  — What are you, sometimes, still a child, - the father shook his head. - In any case, this is no longer subject to discussion. I'll be waiting for you tomorrow at the Columbia Center restaurant. Try not to be late.

  On the one hand, the thought that someone would be able to protect him from Dominic at least temporarily was somewhat relieved. But only until Laura realized that in this situation, the ex-husband is really "little things". And what her father wants to protect her from is much more serious and significant. And also the fact that Laura is unlikely to ever know the details. Sighing heavily, she adjusted her glasses and threw up her head and exited the elevator. The men rose to meet her, and Laura winced and narrowed her eyes. But having met

  contemptuous look, smiled coldly.

  — Nice to meet you, Mr. Labert.

  His palm was scorching hot, in contrast to the icy expression of his dark eyes.

  Chris pointed to the sofa and, waiting for her to sit down, sat down opposite.

  — I think you will negotiate the terms without me. Alexander took a quick glance at his watch and nodded to Marcus. - Marcus will contact you to sign a contract. You start work on Monday.

  — Great, ”Chris drawled, leaning back as the door closed behind the senator and his bodyguard.

  — Are you surprised? - coldlyLaura asked, raising her hand and nodding to the waiter. - Perrier with lemon.

  — No whiskey this time? - He himself did not know what made him say all this. Laura, a rich bitch who runs to poor areas to film men there, is now divorcing her husband. Because he took it off another member? If Chris didn't need money like that, he probably would have thought whether it was worth agreeing or not.

  — I don't drink, ”Laura hissed. - You, I see, today is also not on tequila?

  — I don't drink either, ”Chris chuckled. “So, Eleanor Smith. What are your wishes? Perhaps, - he leaned forward, - you want to repeat our acquaintance in a different setting?

  — Don't play offended innocence out of yourself, ”she snapped. - Two adults met and had a good time. What is the problem? It doesn't look like you graduated from seminary.

  — Problem? Chris shrugged. Indeed, what is the problem? Who is he to condemn her? His personal opinion about her and similar women at the time of work can be shoved in the ass. Make money and send both the senator and his daughter to hell. - No problem, - he smiled white-toothed and so charming that something involuntarily stirred in Laura's chest, froze and fell down the belly. - What are your wishes? Let's discuss working conditions?

  Chris looked at Laura with a mocking squint. A straight back, smoothly combed hair, legs neatly crossed among themselves - she personified the ideal daughter of a politician and did not at all resemble the Laura who looked with a crazy look and smiled invitingly, answering kisses. Two-faced bitch. Like most of her kind.

  — Doesn't she look like an adventurer? She twitched the corner of her mouth nervously and unwittingly straightened her hair. It was weird to meet your casual lover under such circumstances. And embarrassing. Chris radiated confidence and calmness, but it was then that they made him pay attention to him, and now Laura could not help looking at her broad shoulders, involuntarily recalling their firmness. A gaze slid to his lips, a wave of heat seared through his body, and Laura looked resolutely into his eyes.

  — No, it doesn't, ”Chris replied calmly. What difference does it actually make to him who and how many times a week does Eleanor Smith sleep? "I hope our ... acquaintance won't be a problem?"

  — Not. - Laura shook her head decisively, throwing out of her all the thoughts about the old night, which, by the way, she has often recalled ... Enough! With a strained smile, she said: “I don’t need protection at all, this is my father’s idea. But if we have to cooperate, I would like to clarify the details. First, I have a very busy schedule. Secondly, you don't have to follow me around the hospital, it's better to wait outside. And thirdly, it is advisable to do without all this, - she waved her hand in the air, outlining the silhouette of Chris. - If a you every day will you appear in costume under hospital, me overwhelmed with questions.

  — Something else?

  — Not. - Laura was even confused. It seemed that Chris didn't really care that there was anything between them. Four times, by the way! It was insulting, - women's pride was pretty hurt.

  — Then I'll wait for you on Monday at six at the entrance to the Washingtonhospital.

  — At the entrance to the hospital? Chris raised an eyebrow. - I think it is worth picking you up from home and taking you to work.

  — It's overkill, ”Laura laughed nervously. - Seriously. I don't know what dad is guided by, but you shouldn't take me out of the house.

  — Let me decide. Chris leaned forward slightly, catching her gaze and holding her. Laura froze like a rabbit in front of a boa constrictor, it seems, even forgetting how to breathe. How could she forget how handsome he is? - I am now responsible for your safety and in everything that concerns her, you will obey me. Did you agree?

  She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath as he reached for the glass of juice. Weakness spread under the knees, and I had to call on all my composure to help me in order to rise with dignity. Chris immediately followed. Laura held out her hand, shook it briefly, and smiled.

  — See you tomorrow.

  — I'll pick you up at five.

  He watched the retreating figure with his eyes, involuntarily noting that the midi skirt suits her

  much more than that vulgar dress that was in their first meeting. Did he remember her? Maybe a couple of times: after all, Laura was the first with whom he spent the night after imprisonment. But then her image faded, blurred and hardly deserved attention. Now, knowing that she was married, Chris felt nothing but contempt for her. Rich women are almost the same. Spoiled selfish women who do not care about vows and vows. Will his personal attitude affect his work? Definitely not. He spent seven years among those whom it is difficult to name even people. I spent and learned not to pay attention to external stimuli if they interfere with the goal. And if he needs to protect some slut from a jealous husband, then so be it. The main thing is to get paid on time.

  Laura could hardly restrain herself so as not to turn around. He was looking after her, absolutely sure, but with what thoughts? Entering the elevator, she turned around and immediately exhaled in disappointment: Chris was looking at the phone screen, and not at her side. The doors closed with a melodic clink, the car went down, and Laura attributed the movement of the lower abdomen to the speed of the elevator. Obviously meeting Chris had nothing to do with it. As well as the fact that now she again felt like a woman who wants to live on, finally leaving the past in the past.

  That one-night stand outing with the club and having sex was sheer madness, so far removed from Laura and everything else that Emma, who gave her the keys to her house, was shocked whe
n she returned home in the morning and found traces of a stormy night and her friend in the middle of this pogrom, completely satisfied and smiling, like a cat that has gorged itself on sour cream. This was exactly what Laura desperately needed - she just needed to feel alive. Not a brilliant surgeon, to whom a line was lined up, not a downtrodden wife, who was afraid to raise her head, but a woman, desirable and alive. Chris managed then to breathe life into her and for that alone one could say thank you.

  A couple of hours later, the work laptop clicked loudly, notifying of the letter - Marcus sent a testimonial to Christopher Labert, which he compiled for her father. And an hour later, Laura flew into his office like a furious fury, throwing the printed sheets on the floor.

  — Are you out of your mind?! What the fuck were you thinking when you hired that bastard ?!

  — Decrease your tone. - Alexander took off his glasses, which he put on when he had to work a lot at the computer, and looked at his daughter. He expected something like this from her, but did not expect her to rush to study Labert's biography so quickly.

  — I won't even spend a day with him! Laura spoke more quietly, pointing accusingly at her father. - Now, when I get divorced from my husband because he beats me, you hire the one who killed his wife to guard me! Your fucking wife!

  — Laura! - the senator's voice rang with ice. - Slow down! I hoped you would not discuss my decisions. As well as the fact that I never hire unverified people. They made inquiries about Laberthe, and not only in prison. Trust me, he's qualified to guard you. And the past is not always so unambiguous, you should know.

  — I don’t know what can be controversial about murder and jail time! Laura snapped, feeling that she would lose this argument. For some reason, the father decided to choose exactly Labert for the role of her guard and would never admit the reasons for his choice. But Laura herself was beginning to feel nauseous, as soon as she thought that she had spent the night with the killer. To herself, she now called Chris exclusively LaBert, not even mentally admitting that something