“Be safe,” he murmured. “Don’t forget to check in with me in an hour. If you don’t, I’m coming to find you.”

“I will,” I promised. “I’ll be fine. Try not to worry.”

When I got to my desk, Imani leaped up and raced over.

“Are you okay?” she asked, running her hands up my arms as though to check for broken bones.

“Yes.” I frowned. “Why?”

She stepped back and scanned me from head to toe, lingering on my cheek, which was still bruised, and my forehead, where the cut was slowly healing. Her hand flew to her mouth. “What happened? Everyone is saying you’re in trouble, but no one seems to know why.” To my surprise, she hauled me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re in one piece. I was worried.”

Tentatively, I hugged her back, surprised by how nice it felt to know she cared. “I’m okay.” I eased away from her, although she kept a loose grip on me. “Some men trashed my place on Friday night, and then the same guys tried to snatch me off the street on Saturday morning. Fortunately, Ronan was there. If not for him, I don’t know what would have happened.”

Her eyes widened impossibly further. “Why are you even in the office today? You should be locked away in a safe house, or at least given paid sick leave. I mean, you were nearly freaking kidnapped. Surely no one expects you to work.”

I explained to her the same thing I did to Ronan. She didn’t look convinced, but nor did she argue.

“I’m here if you need anything,” she said.

“Thanks.” I smiled and squeezed her hand. “How was your weekend?”

“Nowhere near as exciting as yours, thank God. I had a blind date, which didn’t go well. The guy was a looker, but he was a little too sure of himself, if you know what I mean.” She sat and gestured for me to do the same. “Tell me more about what happened.”

I opened my mouth to speak, but a throat cleared to the left, and I flinched in surprise. I hated that someone had been able to approach without me noticing. I glanced up. It was the woman from reception, and she held a massive array of flowers bound in blood-red paper.

“Delivery for you.”

“For me?” I squeaked, ogling the bouquet. They must be from Ronan. Who else would do something like this? But he didn’t seem the type to be flamboyant in a professional setting.

The receptionist winked. “Aren’t you a lucky girl?”

She set the flowers on my desk but hovered while I read the card. The more I read, the colder my insides became.

My dearest Willow

Please do me the honor of joining me for dinner at The Sauvignon Steakhouse tonight at 8 pm to discuss our upcoming nuptials. I look forward to making you my bride.

If you need to call me, you can do so using the number below.