and we could hide together on Omega 9. But the assassins would follow us there, too. I’m making my stand here, at our home where I can dig in and keep her safe. I will only fall back to Omega 9 as a last resort. We can’t get married there. Well, we can, but it won’t be recognized as legal on Tarvos. But, it’s there if we need it.
“I am here to double-check that you are indeed following the letter of the law. We were alerted to the fact that you’ve moved into the Touchstone domicile.”
Her brow furrows.
I’m equally concerned. Who alerted them?
“…and I’m here to check that you are not living with Bergelmir Touchstone as his bound.”
She stands up straight and looks aghast. “I’m not living with Mr. Touchstone as his bound. As you can see, he’s not even here. I am living here alone.”
“Where is Bergelmir Touchstone?”
“I don’t know,” my female answers truthfully. “He’s the head of a security firm and got called away on a high-profile mission. He’s been gone for the last few days and I have no idea when he’s returning. I’m only here in this house because he asked me to house sit while he was gone.”
“You’re his house sitter as well as his surrogate? For how long?”
“Yes. I’m his employee, paid by him for these two different jobs. I have no idea how long this new assignment will last.”
The official notes this change of status in his tablet. “You need to alert us to any other changes in your employment.”
“I will.”
And then the Hyrrokin walks toward the front door and gives my female a few other instructions as to her fees and important dates to remember, and then she’s opening the door for him and exchanging pleasantries.
Heh. She’s always been much nicer than I am. I’d be kicking this male’s ass to the curb.
I pull out my tablet to type a message to Chloe. I pause, trying to think of exactly what to say. I can’t accidentally let her know I’m right here, watching and hearing every word she says. She has to still think I’m away on my security job, because that’s our cover. She has to be able to continue to truthfully tell anyone who asks that she’s my employee and has no idea where I am.
How are you today? I type, keeping it simple, then hit send.
My jaw clenches as the male leaves. I’m going to stop these fuckers and keep her safe. And Hannibal and the team are going to keep trying to prevent government shenanigans from their end. I’ll also get in touch with Aegir. I won’t tell him everything, but enough so that he can help from his end too. My brother has currency and connections that go all the way to the highest levels of business. Between all of us, we’ll get this fixed. I estimate it will take a week.
I watch as Chloe stands at the front window, watching the male walk to his vehicle and pull away and leave. She looks beautiful, standing there with the sunlight kissing her creamy, golden skin. Does she have more pigment than before? I think so. It must be the sun on Tarvos, making her healthier already. Then she glances down at her blinking tablet and reads my message. She tentatively smiles and I see her typing a reply. She hits send and then walks away.
My tablet lights up immediately with her response:
I’m having a good day, thank you for asking.
A government worker was here checking up on my employment status. I told him the truth, that I didn’t know where you were and that I’m your employee. He noted in my file that now I’m your house sitter as well as your surrogate. They wanted to know why I was living here, because I guess that makes it look like we’re cheating and you’re trying to make me your bound?
Oh, my Chloe. If only I could tell her that I’m right here and that yes, I’m cheating my way around this fucking ludicrous immigration law until my last breath.
But don’t worry, I made it clear that you’re only my employer.
PS—I’m going to get started on a kitchen remodel today. I’m starting there because it seems like the most important spot to fix first. You said I could change what I wanted, so I’m holding you to your word.
Sincerely,
Chloe
Only her employer…
I look up and watch her perfect full ass move underneath the shorts she’s wearing this morning. She’s