Chapter 8 - THE MAN WHO HAD EVERYTHING TO LOSE
Roman learned about the break-in from a public police report.
He called Claire.
She answered while standing in her office.
“Roman.”
“Are you safe?”
“Yes.”
“Your staff?”
“Everyone's fine.”
He exhaled.
“Good.”
Claire hesitated.
“I know what you're going to say.”
“What?”
“That I should have called you.”
Roman was silent.
Then he said, “No.”
She frowned.
“No?”
“You called the police and your attorney. Those were the right calls.”
Claire stared.
He continued.
“I was going to ask whether you wanted help reviewing your building's physical security.”
She smiled.
“That would actually be useful.”
“Then I'll send you the name of an independent consultant.”
Claire leaned against her desk.
“Roman?”
“Yes?”
“Why are you so careful with me?”
Silence.
Then he answered.
“Because I know what happens when someone mistakes control for love.”
Claire's heart tightened.
“Who hurt you?”
Roman didn't answer immediately.
Then he said, “My father.”
Claire went still.
Roman continued.
“He believed people only stayed if you made leaving impossible.”
She swallowed.
“And you?”
“I decided I'd rather be alone than become him.”
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Then Claire whispered, “You don't have to be alone.”
Roman's breath caught.
May you like
Neither said anything else.
But something changed between them.
