chapter 2: Safe And Secure

Chapter 2: Safe And Secure

Brianna

Callan's penthouse was immaculate, the first level had a twenty ceilinged living room with the city skylines as its window view. There was a black slate gas fireplace which brought a type of masculinity to the space and gracious separate kitchen and dining room. The second level apparently has a media room with a bar. The primary master suite with dual bathroom, dressing area and secondary rooms with en-suite bathroom. I didn't get to actually see it because David was very fidgety and kept speaking.

“Mr. Harold is a particular man, he wouldn't like you viewing or touching any of his things.” He muttered and it felt like this David guy was my babysitter for the day.

The only place I was basically allowed to touch was the living room couch, where the two of us promptly sat down and watched several hours worth of fashion shows.

“It is to get me in the Port Harcourt mood.” I told him.

I used to love Veeky James and the fashion she was known for. I wanted her life even though it wasn't always luxurious. As a child, being in my situation, I felt like I was made to be in that show. It was escapism but now I am here, I will be living in Port Harcourt, it was not something I expected.

“What is your favorite character?” I asked him, he was sitting at the complete opposite end of a very long couch.

“Margaret.” He said without a second thought.

“Why? Because she is a sex addict?” I asked and he blushed, it cracked me up.

“She is just strong willed and so felt assured.” He responded.

Self assured? I can't relate.

“Is that how you are? Self assured?” I asked.

“I am good at my job but I tend to hold a nervous disposition.” He gestured with his hand.

When we heard the ding of the elevator, we both turned towards the foyer that it opened up to. My brother walked out who I haven't seen for so many years. He looked more mature, he is undoubtedly a handsome guy. Girls went crazy for him back at school and all my friends crushed on him and I hated it. Our hair was the same color, chestnut brown and ocean blue eyes. He had a deep set of eyes which made his face more masculine cut than my dainty face. He has some tattoos as well and a confident stance that he didn't have all those years ago before the military.

He wasn't a suit man but here he was exiting the elevator in one of the most drop dead gorgeous suits ever. I hopped to my feet before I even realized it and started rushing towards him. He was much taller than me but I still got my arms around his hard torsos.

“Hi, I missed you.” I gushed, his arms came around me and he gave my back a small rub.

“Hey, kiddo.” He used his childhood nickname for me. I am a dainty sized girl and he always called me kiddo. He pulled me at arm length to get a look at me.

“Shit, you are getting old.” He shook his head at my own matured look.

I snorted and called him old as well. He led me back to the living room and told David he was free to go. He sounded like a boss and it was so weird to me.

“So are we staying here for a month or did you just want me here until I got a job?” I tipped my head at him.

If Callan Harold is as particular as David said, I doubt he wants us here as roommates for a month.

“No, this is a safe and secure building. I would rather you stay here.” He replied.

“Safe?” I asked and he was silent for a moment.

“Yes, Port Harcourt is a big city and it is not safe for young girls.” I rolled my eyes.

“I live all by myself in Asaba, Bryce. Don't start treating me like a little girl just because you are stuck in time with me being eleven years old.” I shook my head at him.

That was the time he took care of me and he often seems stuck in that time frame with me. He didn't like the subject so he changed it. Sticking his hands in his pocket, he stood confidently and looked down at me.

“Where are your bags? We will bring it up to your room.” I looked around and then frowned when he saw my crooked wheeled luggage behind the couch towards the kitchen.

Where is all my stuff from the moving truck?” I looked around like I had suddenly seen my belongings.

“I wasn't about to clutter Callan's house, I have it sorted for you. In a few weeks, we will have our own space.” He motioned to grab my bag but he didn't roll it, he just picked it up and started walking towards the elegant floating stairs and I followed him behind.

“You know, I do appreciate that you moved out of your old place.” I said from behind.

He barely glanced over his shoulder at me while reaching the platform to the second floor. The media room was sort of behind the staircase landing and then a hall brought us to several doors. The one on the very end was apparently Callan's and I was brought to the first door on the left. When the door swung open, I couldn't see it right away because his big body was in the way.

“It is fine, I outgrew that place and I didn't want you living alone anymore. You belong here.” He surprised me with his words and it warmed my heart.

When he dropped the bag, he stole a quick glance at me, but I pretended not to notice the quiet tension that flared when he mentioned leaving me alone. He still carries the guilt of escaping our parents of choosing freedom and leaving me behind to endure the wreckage. Things only got worse for me after he left, but I never blamed him. The military gave him a new life, forcing him to grow up fast. We both grew up, but in different worlds and opposite wars.

Now, for the first time in eight years, we’re about to live under the same roof and I can already feel the past closing in, ready to explode into the present.

“Well,” Bryce said, motioning towards the room.

“It is beautiful and luxurious, is our place going to be like this? How can you afford it?” I had to ask.

The room was done with soft hues of gold accent and lightning and the biggest bed I have ever seen.

“Not this fancy but it is in this building.” He said.

“Wait, what? I thought we were going to live…” I didn't get to finish before he shook his head.

“Callan made some good points about this being a safer neighborhood and with its high end art and all those stores. I can't see you hating it.” He narrowed his eyes on me.

Callan suggested we live in this building? This is interesting.

“So again I ask, how can you afford it?” I crossed my arms.

We were both only a few steps into the room but I turned to get a good look at him. He narrowed his eyes on me again.

“I am a successful businessman now, Brianna and I can take care of us.” He replied.

“What kind of business?” I pushed further.

“Harold Group of Company owns many businesses and Callan helps his family run a lot of them and I am his number two now. So yes, I can afford it.” He said with his famous attitude.

“Vague,” I grumbled but let it go. I would be googling that name as soon as he walks out that door.

“Alright, I have to go out for a little while but I will be back for dinner and we will sit down and have a chance to catch up, alright?” He pulled his phone out of his pocket and checked something and I frowned.

“What time will that be? It was already late afternoon.” I pointed out.

“This is Port Harcourt, so eight o'clock dinner here is not too late.” He pointed out, giving me his arrogant grin and turning towards the door.

“Oh,” he stopped at the door.

“Don't touch Callan's things, he doesn't like people in his personal space. He is doing us a big favor so be good.” He warned me, he was going to keep treating me like a child, I can already sense it.

I looked around this clean beautiful room and shrugged, plopping on the bed and pulling my phone out. I typed Harold Group of Company into my search engine and scoffed when I saw the most vague answer. Privately owned, nothing specific but the less information they gave me, the more I want to dig.

I ended up taking a shower and getting myself ready for dinner at eight.

I wasn't sure if we would be going out or not, I highly doubt Bryce likes to cook.

Any excuse for a pretty outfit, I got dressed up and when I heard the ding of the elevator at some minutes before eight, I went wandering downstairs to ask my brother where we would be going to eat.

I paused at the bottom of the steps when I realized it wasn't my brother.

It was the gorgeous Callan Harold.

My heart rate quickened at the sight of him, all my crazy dreams came flooding through my spine. Diamond shaped face in the way that his jaw muscles are sharp and prominent, sexy bedroom forest green eyes, those I remember from my dreams. Sharp pink lips and a five o'clock shadow matching his lustrous black hair. Tattoos on his knuckles with a man ring and veiny hands. Are you kidding me? Built like a dam devil himself and carved this man for sin. He would be the sexy villain character in any movie. He is too dark rooted to be the hero of a story, you can feel it within his aura.

His suit showcased his excellently built body and he stood in a wide stance like he knew no matter where he was standing, he had the biggest dick in the room. It gave that vibe off and damm, it was sexy. He paused in the living room beside the staircase I was coming down from and now in his wide stance with his hands in his pocket as he openly checked me out from head to toe. My cheeks felt a little warm and my pussy vibrated at the sight of him and those bedroom eyes. He is thirty-two and all men, every inch of him an alpha man.

“Umm, hi.” I stuttered, his body hadn't moved, only his eyes and they returned to my face when I spoke again.

“I am, Brianna…” I trailed off, feeling unsure for no good reason. His stare was intimidating and my whole body was reacting to it.

“I know who you are.” He said in his deep sexy voice.