Arranged: An Array Series (Book #1)(59)

“Quite openly,” he countered, gesturing at the docks. “You help run all this. An empire, really, of trade. It takes a unique mind and personality to have the heart to do it. I am beyond impressed.”

The sun brightened his blue eyes as he walked closer to the docks, surveying them up and down, asking questions. I answered them all, when Eve showed, looking lovely in a light pink gown, her hair curled on top of her head.

“Thought I’d join the both of you here, since I suggested it.” She smiled, her face freshly powdered and glowing.

“Glad to have you,” Reddington replied. “Your friend was just explaining her plans and answering my legion of questions.”

Eve glanced at me with a smirk before bringing her attention to him. “She loves speaking about it. Ava has worked very hard at it. Too much, to where she has to pencil me in to spend time with her.”

I chuckled. “That’s a lie.” Examining the busy docks, I curtsied. “Would you both please excuse me? I have to meet with my man about the upcoming shipments.”

Reddington bowed. “Of course. We’ll be here waiting.”

Giving him a quick smile, I turned on my heel, making my way to Mr. Torres’ office. Greeting a few men on the way, I knocked lightly on his door before entering. Mr. Torres was knee-deep in paperwork at his large desk, sorting through high stacks of papers through his small eye glasses.

Peering up at my entrance, given away by the squeaky door, he greeted me. “Ava! My dear, it is lovely to see you!” Standing from his chair, he rounded his desk, extending his arms for a hug. He gave me a light squeeze before releasing me. “How is Evan?”

“Getting better. He should be out of bed in no time.”

Mr. Torres took off his reading glasses and hooked them onto his coat pocket. Pulling out a wooden chair, he gestured for me to sit.

“How is everything here?”

“Oh, just fine,” he replied, taking his seat. “Everything is running smoothly. I’ve been keeping daily reports, so I can keep Evan updated once he feels up to it.”

“Sounds like you have everything under control, as always.”

“Ah, well, it was what you hired me to do. Keeps my mind young.”

I sent him a small grin. “And you’ve done a wonderful job…with all the things you’ve been hired for.”

“Well, thank you, my dear,” he replied. “I try.”

“Was it hard doing both positions?”

He raised a brow. “Both positions?”

“Why, yes. The one where you help me with the inventory and other miscellaneous things, and then the other, where you were hired to protect me and my father by Lord Cranfield.”

Mr. Torres’ eyes relaxed as he clasped his hands on his desk, but remained silent.

“I’ve come along some hardships with Lord Cranfield,” I continued. “We are not on speaking terms nor do I want to be in contact with him in the future. I’ve come to adore you, Mr. Torres, and I was wondering if you’d like to work for my father and I only. That would mean breaking any contract or abiding agreement you have with Cranfield.”

“Ava,” Mr. Torres began, “I didn’t mean to deceive you, or your father. I came as a job, but I’ve come to love you, and being here.”

“And I understand,” I assured him. “I have no ill will toward you and would love for you to stay with us.”

He nodded. “I would like to as well.”

“Then we have an agreement?” I raised my hand for him to shake.

“I’ll still be protecting the both of you while I’m here. That won’t be negotiable,” he put in.

I bowed my head. “All right then.”

“You have a deal then, my dear.” He shook my hand. “I will write him a letter today, and send it post haste.”

A huge weight lifted from my shoulders as I released the breath I was holding in. Walking over to him, I placed a quick kiss on top of his head.

“Thank you for understanding,” I replied. “Come to dinner tonight. You need a good home-cooked meal.”

Mr. Torres chuckled. “I’ll be there.”

Excusing myself from his office, the warm spring air felt lighter, now that I had taken another step toward releasing myself from Garrett. I didn’t need him; I had George. Closing my eyes, I listened to the hustle of the docks and the bellows of the men relaying orders.

Now, to get rid of the Elite Eight.





Garrett





Chapter 24





“You let her go!” I shouted in George’s face.

He leaned against his desk, sipping on his brandy, looking at me like I was being a pest.

“And I took half your men,” George added, with no remorse in his voice as he took another sip.

I bore daggers at him. “Where did she go!”

“Home,” George said calmly. I clenched my hands into fists; George was about to have a close encounter with one of them.

Well, if this was how she wanted to act, I wasn’t going to deal with it.

“Home?” I repeated in a low, threatening tone. “With half of my men?”

“She received a letter from home; her father is very ill. He wasn’t getting any better, so she left.”