Caleb

Chapter Two

"James has hired his own private security team as well, but I'd like for you to be his extra pair of eyes in the evenings while he makes his rounds at the various clubs he manages. He's a twenty seven year old bachelor who can be um... easily distracted. I'll let you work out details with his security team and I believe he'll be arriving from a trip abroad late this evening." 

"Nothing I can't handle sir." Pierce said confidently.

Flores seemed much more concerned with Elaina's safety than James. Maybe it was because James was a man, but it seemed to Caleb like there was a tiny bit of animosity and tension within that relationship.

"There are several galas, charity functions, and political fundraising events that the family is scheduled to attend over the next few weeks. I know Hunter had you all fitted for formal wear and sent over your measurements. Everything should be delivered by this evening."

Before Flores could say another word his office door creaked open and the light clacking of heels against tile sounded through the room.

Elaina entered with her head down, focusing on a stack of documents in one hand and holding a bag of food in the other.

Goddamn. How is it even possible for someone to look that beautiful?

Her heels gave her a few extra inches of height, but from reading her file Caleb knew she was only 5'5. She had her long dark hair pulled back neatly at the nape of her neck and her dress was tasteful and professional, but was form fitting enough to make Caleb's mouth water at the sight of her perfect curves.

How does anyone get any work done around here?

"Dad, I need your signatures on these by the end of the day. Also I brought you lunch. It's a salad and I don't want to hear any arguments about it."

The voice of an angel if Caleb had ever heard one.

She smiled warmly at her dad, before she realized Bravo team was even in the room. As soon as her eyes settled on the men to her left, a soft blush flooded her cheeks and she placed a hand on her chest as if she were appalled at her intrusion.

"My apologies, I didn't realize you were meeting with anyone. I'll... I'll just leave these here." she said in a rushed tone, setting down the documents and food.

"Nonsense! Your timing is perfect actually." Flores corrected as he leaned forward, placing his hands on her shoulders and giving her a kiss on the cheek.

Caleb felt a quick jab at his ribs from Pierce's elbow. The movement was so quick and subtle, he doubted Elaina or Flores picked up on it, but it made Caleb want to punch Pierce square in the face. He clenched his jaw and tilted his head slightly, fighting the urge to give Pierce a death stare or act on his impulse.

"Elaina, I'd like you to meet Declan, Marcus, Pierce, and Caleb." Flores introduced each member of the team and motioned to each of them as he spoke.

Caleb watched as she gave each team member a genuine smile, shifting her gaze to each of them as they were being introduced to her. Once her big bright eyes landed on Caleb they widened slightly and bounced down to his toes then back up to his face.

Did she just check me out?

Feeling the corner of his mouth start to curl into a smile, he held her gaze with his knowing grin which only caused her to snap her gaze away in response.

"Elaina. Nice to meet you all," she said sweetly.

All of the sappy scenarios that Caleb had been imagining started to involuntarily flood his brain now that she was standing in front of him - his favorite one being her throwing herself into his arms and thanking him for coming to protect her. Yeah, that was definitely in the top five.

"Interviewing security for your campaign trail?" Elaina asked.

"Not entirely. I've hired Declan and his team as our private security until the election."

The genuine smile that had just lifted the sides of Elaina's mouth started to fade and she narrowed her eyes at her father, giving him a skeptical look.

"Private security for the grounds?" she asked flatly.

"Private security for the family...in addition to the grounds security that we already have in place."

All of the warmth left Elaina's face and she cut her eyes at her father's words and huffed out a breath before dropping her head and placing her hands on her hips.

"Additional security? You cannot be serious. Don't you think that's a little excessive?" Her tone was harsh and unyielding.

Well, scratch the damsel in distress scenario because that sure as hell ain't happening. Elaina looked down right pissed. 

"Elaina..." Flores opened his mouth to speak and explain his reasoning, but Elaina cut him off, not wanting to have their conversation in front of the team.

"Can I speak with you alone for a minute?" She asked as a question, but it was a statement - a command that her father obeyed by following her as she turned to head for the door.

"If you'll excuse us for a moment," she said to the team with a smile that only traveled half way up her face and was obviously forced.

Oh yeah, those big beautiful eyes are definitely green. Or maybe they're only green when she's pissed.

Once Elaina and Flores were behind the closed door, the faint sound of Elaina's angry little voice could be heard as she delivered a tongue lashing to her father. The sound was interrupted by Marcus who whistled through his teeth.

"She fucking hates us." Pierce chuckled under his breath.

"Wouldn't be the first time a client hated us." Declan added.

"You've got your work cut out for you Doc."

"Yeah no shit" Caleb laughed.

The sound of the door opening again, pulled the team's attention back to Flores who reentered the room with a smirk on his face.

"My apologies, Elaina is absolutely her mother's daughter. Twenty five with all the answers and strong opinions on...well on just about everything." Flores chuckled to himself.

Caleb smiled at the comment. He knew he had his work cut out for him, but was more than ready for the challenge. If Elaina had strong opinions, he was ready and willing to hear every single one of them.