Ignoring the asinine voice in his head, Ivan pulled his keys from his other pocket and pressed the fob to unlock his doors. “I’ll follow you.”
With her attention momentarily pulled toward the beeping sound his vehicle made in response, she looked back at him with a questionable stare. “You sure? I’ve only been here a few months, and I’m still learning my way around.”
Understanding the point she was trying to make, he gave her a nod. “I’d feel more comfortable having eyes on you the entire time, rather than having to glance in the rearview the whole way there. But take your time and drive as slow as you need. I’m in no hurry.”
That last bit wasn’t altogether true. He was chomping at the bit to get back to his computer so he could find out everything there was to know about the pretty, scared brunette.
“If you’re sure.” Sliding a hand into her pocket, Cera pulled out her keys and turned for her car.
She made it only a few steps away from him when he stopped her.
“Oh, and Cera?” When she looked back at him, he made sure she knew, “Something happens and we get separated, don’t stop. Keep going straight to the resort and wait in your car with the doors locked until I get there.”
He didn’t foresee it being an issue, but with it getting this close to rush hour…
A slight nod was her only response before the mysterious woman continued on her current path and headed for her car. Ivan waited until she was inside with the door shut before trekking across the lot to where he’d parked.
Sure you know what you’re doing?
Maybe. Mostly. But either way, it was no skin off his back.
Once he did a deep dive into Cera’s background, he’d have more than enough intel to make the final call. If it appeared she was being up front and honest with him, he’d take her case. But if she lied to him, if she tried to conceal or withhold anything pertinent to his investigation into her supposed stalker…
Little Miss Davidson would discover she’d messed with the wrong man.
5
Cera’s eyes grew wide,her jaw precariously close to dropping to the floor as she and Ivan stepped through the large double doors leading into The Douglas. She’d known before coming here that it was way above her social status, but even the structure’s incredible location and massive exterior couldn’t prepare her for what she found inside.
The resort’s expansive entryway was so big and elaborate she felt as though she’d stepped into a dream. Beautiful textured walls and pillars of stone made up the bones to the incredible space. Dark, earthy tones met with subtle whites, buttery creams, classic navy blues, and shade of mustard she wouldn’t have thought to add but was aesthetically masterful.
Together the interior’s sleek accents created a surprisingly complimentary feel to the establishment’s otherwise classic rustic look. But the crème de la crème was the brilliant, sparkling chandelier hanging high above her head.
And she hadn’t even made it past the lobby.
Feeling so far out of place she needed her own zip code, Cera closed her dropped jaw and swallowed back her unease. “Wow.” She blinked. “This place is really…”
She was at a loss for words because how did one even begin to justifiably describe such a magnificent piece of property?
Gorgeous.
Luxurious.
Expensive.
Worlds away from anything I could ever begin to afford.
“Safe,” Ivan offered sincerely, his gentle hand resting against her lower back as he guided her past the dual leather couches and massive stone fireplace.
Cera glanced up at him, his unwavering gaze letting her know he was serious. “I was going to say impressive,” she let him know. “But safe is better.”
Much, much better.
His eyes stayed with hers another beat before he turned away to focus on his intended target. They reached the elevators a minute later.
Pressing the top button to signal they needed to go up, Ivan took half-a-step back to stand by her side. Cera noticed a bright light appear above the elevator’s metal doors and watched as the number six began a slow and steady countdown.
Seconds later, a loud ding alerted them of their ride’s arrival, its silver doors parting for their expected entry.