□ TWENTY- SIX □

"Hope, I was wondering if I could speak to you" a sweet voice asked from behind me.

I turned my head to see Sophie standing at the door. Glancing at Michael, I made sure he was still talking on the phone and I nodded, walking over to her.

She cocked her head to the outside and I followed. "What can I do for you?" I asked, as we walked out the door.

Sophie glanced at Michael. "I want to tell you something but you cannot tell Michael" she said, looking almost nervous.

I clenched my hand. "Okay, sure" I replied.

She started to walk so I followed after her. "I've been keeping a secret from my brother and I'm really not sure how he's going to take it" Sophie started with.

I tucked some hair behind my ear. "Keith and I broke up, a month before I found out I was pregnant, I told him of course but he had already got into another relationship" Sophie said, still walking.

"And Michael doesn't know?" I asked worriedly.

"If he was to find out, well.. you didn't see Michael in his younger days.. and believe me I know my brother still knows how to punch someone" she replied.

I bit my lip. "I haven't told my mother either, but I feel as though I can trust you" she said, looking up at me.

"Of course" I replied surely.

"What do you think I should do?" She asked, knowing on the edge of her lip.

"Well, he's going to find out sooner or later" I replied, unsure on what to say.

"Who's going to find out what?" A velvety voice asked.

Sophie and I both turned our heads to see Michael walking towards us, his suit looking pristine, sleeves rolled up to his elbow while displaying his tattoos and his hands in his pockets.
"Find out, that I was thinking of quitting" I said quickly, covering for his sister.

She spared me a thankful glance. "Well you and I will discuss that later, but right now I have to go" he said as he reached us.

I frowned. "What happened?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Someone broke into my office, decided to throw  my paperwork around and then proceeded to break into my computer" he said, shrugging one shoulder.

"What?!" Sophie and I exclaimed at the same time.

"Dont worry about it, they wouldn't have got much.. I have an excellent secretary who hides all the important stuff" he said, smiling at me.

"But I have to go back to the office" he said, pouting at his sister.

She frowned. "But you just got here, don't you have people that can do that stuff?" She asked.

I moved to stand behind Michael. "I do but I want to handle this personally" he replied.

Sophie humphed but Michael turned to me. "I want you to stay here, get to know my family" Michael said, facing me and lifting his hand.

He tucked a few strays of hair behind my ear. "But you'll need me to sort out the paperwork?" I replied confused.

"That can be done when we get back, for now I'm worried about other things.." he trailed off before glancing at his sister.

He reached for my wrist and pulled me away so he could talk to me privately. "I know you hate the thought of being in the same room with my mother but use this as a chance to get to know her, I'd really like you two to get along" he said.

I sighed. "Okay" I replied defeated.

"Thank you" he said, leaning in closer.

He pressed his lips to my forehead. "That's for your dreams and this is for me" he whispered as he pulled away.

He moved forward slightly and captured my mouth in one swoop. The kiss was so intense and caring that I knew he would miss me the entire time he was away. He pulled away gently. "Take care of my sister and don't let her get into trouble" he whispered.

I nodded as he rested his forehead against mine. "I'll be back soon" he promised.

Then like a swift wind, he was gone. Striding away with purpose. Suddenly, it felt cold without him. Sophie watched his retreating back. "Wow, he just trusted you to look after me, you must mean a lot to him, either that or he's really really in love with you and plans to marry you stat" Sophie replied.

I looked at her, both horror and surprise across my face. She started laughing. "Oh my God, that was hilarious" she chuckled.

I rolled my eyes. "You are as cruel as your brother" I replied before laughing.

"Who do you think taught him?"

=《》=

Michael's POV

"Boss, we may have an idea on who broke into Hope's office" the calm voice said on the phone.

I pulled my keys out of my pocket as I walked to my car. "Tell me" I said, unlocking the car and climbing in.

"They left a file on the computer that says something, but it's like a riddle" the other voice said.

I sighed. "Murphy, I do not fucking pay you to read riddles, I pay you to find the bastards that try and take me down" I replied harshly.

I could almost see him roll his eyes. "Sir, the interesting fact about this riddle is that at the bottom its like a letter, it says, "we were in love and I will remember it, the screaming, the crying and that man walking into our house.. and I knew you'd been cheating.. I knew I had lost you" Murphy quoted.

My hand clenched on the steering wheel. "Boss?" he asked, not getting an answer from me.

My teeth clenched as rage filled me. "That fucking bastard" I snapped.

"Sir I'd happily agree if I knew who you were talking about" Murphy replied.

"Hope's ex, Harry Davidson" I replied.

Murphy snorted. "I want you to find him and I want him waiting for me when I get back to the city, do you hear me?" I asked, letting my authority seep into my tone.

"Yes sir" Murphy replied before I ended the call.

A/N

Uh oh. Looks like Harry is gonna find himself in danger. And you guys are about to see the ruthless side of Michael Hayfield.

Are you ready?

At least Sophie and Hope are getting along.

What did you think of the chapter?
:) :)

Lots of love, T xoxoxoxoxo