Sinful Mates 1-3

chapter 13

Making my way down to the now empty car park, I opened my door and ripped the blazer off and

jumped into some loose-fitting tights. It was the weekend now; I would have two whole days of trying to

fill the time. Just as I was getting comfortable, Tom walked up the ramp, a container in his hand. Tom

opened my door and passed the container to me. “Hey, I forgot to give this to you. I heated it up on my

way down. Mary made lasagne last night.”

“Thanks Tom,” I said, grabbing the hot container from his hand. It smelt delicious. My mouth

instantly started to water.

Tom lent against my car. “Eat, I have something to tell you.”

Opening the container, I dug in. Tom even provided a fork and butter knife, my empty stomach

welcoming the lasagne. Mary was a great cook. I could see why Tom was always so excited to get

home to see what she made for tea. Tom waited for me to have my mouth full before he spoke.

Probably to stop me from cutting him off, forcing me to listen. But what came out of his mouth nearly

had me choking on my food.

“Theo and Tobias know you’re staying in the carpark; I swear I didn’t say anything,” he said holding

his hands up in surrender. I didn’t know what to say, I knew I would need to move on now.

“How then if you didn’t tell them?”

“I’m not sure. Tobias came and seen me today. I am not sure how they found out, but he asked

security to check the lower-level cameras, then came to see me when he realised every day I walk up

to the top level and come back with you.”

“What did you tell him?” I asked, horrified. They are going to fire me, I know it. I never should have

stayed here, and now Tom was probably going to get into trouble because me.

“I told them the truth; you shouldn’t have to struggle like this, Imogen.” I nodded my head in

understanding. Tobias had done his homework really got up in my business. I wonder if that is why he

changed the Medical Insurance Policies?

“Well, I will move on. I suppose I will not have job on Monday. I really hope you didn’t get in too

much trouble, Tom. I never should have put you in that position,” I apologised.

Tom held up his hand stopping me from continuing. “They aren’t firing you; I think he wants to help.

He sounded genuinely concerned, which is odd. That man is definitely terrifying, but he seems to have

a soft spot for you.” I raised an eyebrow at the last part.

A soft spot I thought back to all the times he had scolded or yelled at me. The way he ignored my

presence half the time. Something had changed the last couple of weeks though, he had become more

intense and watched me when he thought I wouldn’t notice. Then thought to what happened today in

his office.

I thought back to the meeting when he dressed me like a child. I could feel my face heat up just at

the memory making me feel self-conscious and embarrassed.

“I don’t need their help; I manage just fine on my own.”

Tom shook his head. “Please Imogen, if they want to help let them.”

“They have helped plenty. My job is enough help, that’s if they don’t fire me. I will move on

somewhere else so he doesn’t harass you and you don’t get in any further trouble, Tom. Really, I’m

fine. It is only temporary.”

“Always the same excuse. You are too stubborn for your own good. You know that?”

I just nodded and finished eating the lasagne. Tom waited for me to finish and took the container

for me. I decided to wait for him to head back inside before I packed the car up. Turning the ignition

over, I checked the fuel. The fuel light was on, I decided my next best option was the storage locker.

The compound was pretty large, and I would just have to see the locker company if I could store my car

there. I knew it would cost an extra forty dollars a week, but what choice did I have? That would leave

me twenty-seven dollars a week to live off.

I reminded myself this was only temporary, that I could do this for the next couple years. Pulling

out of the parking lot, I drove the couple blocks to the storage locker parking just inside the compound

behind the gates. Getting out, I made my way to my locker. Manoeuvring and restacking half the

storage locker, I made enough room that I could use my blankets to make a makeshift sleeping

quarters. At least this wouldn’t be as cramped as the car. My only concern would be being crushed to

death by falling boxes and furniture. Grabbing my washing bucket, I made my way out to my car,

grabbing my dirty laundry. I filled the bucket and went to a nearby tap and filled the bucket with cold

water. Once that was done, I found my shampoo. I was out of washing powder, but it was easier to

wash clothes in the shampoo anyway. At least I didn’t have to scrub so hard to make the crystals

dissolve.

Once I was done, I went back to my storage locker, pulling the door down behind me, and hand

scrubbed my clothes before hanging them on coat hangers along the wall where the fire sprinklers

hung in case there was fire, using it as a makeshift clothesline.

When I finished doing that, I took the bucket back out and emptied it on the grass. When I looked

up, I jumped in fright. The stray was standing watching me. I clutched my chest, and a gasp escaped

my lips. Rolling my eyes at my foolish reaction, I called him over. “How did you find me?” I asked. Of

course, he didn’t answer. I patted his head before standing up. “Come on then,” I said, patting my leg

trying to get him to follow. He tilted his head to the side and his ears perked up before he followed me.

The weekend passed by in a blur. I remained for the most part inside my storage locker, only

leaving occasionally to stretch my legs. The stray came and went but would always come back of a

night, which I was always happy to see him. Although he took up most of my makeshift bed, he acted

like a hot water bottle. His temperature was always hot like he ran a fever. I just put it down to the fact

he was an oversized dog and all the fur made him warmer than usual.

When Monday morning came around, I got dressed and lifted the roller door. The stray ran off. I

assumed he must have needed to pee, only he didn’t return before I had to leave. Walking through the

bushland that backed on to the park, I made my way to the entrance of Kane and Madden Industries.

Tom was waiting outside for me this time, instead of in the parking lot. I smiled when I saw him waiting

patiently. “Hey Tom.” I waved while walking up to him. “How was your weekend?” I asked.

“Great. I went and played golf, probably one the few things I’m actually good at.” He beamed. “And

yours?” he asked.

“Fine, I have a new friend. Well not the humankind. More the four-legged furry kind that likes to

growl and whine. He just keeps coming back.” Tom looked confused a little. “It’s a dog Tom, what did

you think I meant?”

Tom shook his head. “Oh, nothing dear, was just a little shocked. I thought you meant a person not

a pet.”

“I don’t know if you could really call him a pet. He comes and goes as he pleases and takes up my

bed, but he keeps me warm.” I laughed.

Tom seemed lost in thought for a moment, before nodding. “That’s great than, shall we head

inside?” I nodded and followed Tom in. When I reached the elevator, just as the door were about to

close, a hand stopped it. Theo stepped in. I looked out expecting Tobias to be behind him but couldn’t

see him.

“You are early today. Where is Tobias?” I asked. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

Theo watched me for a few seconds. He looked nice very casual today, just wearing jeans and a

button up shirt. He smelt amazing in the tight space. I instinctively leaned in but realised what I was

doing and stopped myself. He smelt like vanilla and sandalwood, the same as Tobias. I moved further

away, my heart was hammering in my chest, and my stomach tightened. I had never had this reaction

to him before. Though he looked pretty affected too, his eyes darkened and he moved as far as the

tight space would allow.