We leave the city and begin to drive through the country. The passing scenery is full of cows, horses, woods and fields.
Eventually, we reach a gated property and I lean forward as Roberto uses a remote to open the huge, wrought-iron barrier. The driveway is long and graveled and when the house comes into view correction, four houses I hold back a gasp.
Roberto drives us past the main house and over to one of the smaller homes. Even though it isn’t as large, it’s still extremely nice and I get out and look up at the two-story brick building.
“This is Connor’s house,” Roberto tells me and motions for me to follow him. “He should be back soon. In the meantime, you’re stuck with me.”
I follow Roberto up onto the porch where a couple of cushioned chairs sit and I wait while he unlocks the front door. “Go ahead.” he tells me. “I’m going to grab your bag.”
With a nod, I step into Connor’s house and almost pinch myself. I can’t believe I’m here and curiosity fills me as I walk into the living room, checking everything out. It’s nicely decorated, mostly all neutrals, and simple, yet cozy. Much more lived-in than his apartment in the city. There’s a couch, TV and coffee table with a remote lying on it. No artwork on the beige walls. It’s ridiculously clean and uncluttered which tells me a lot about his character.
He’s disciplined, organized and simple.
The sound of a car’s engine fills my ears and I turn around to see a Mercedes pulling up beside the Jeep. My heart starts beating harder when I catch a glimpse of Connor getting out and meeting his brother. They start talking and turn, heading for the house. Not sure what to do, I just stand here and clasp my hands together.
The last time I saw Connor he’d said goodbye. Yet here we are and I’m flipping out.
Connor is the first through the doorway and he abruptly stops, gaze landing on me.
“Connor,” I whisper. Then he’s hurrying across the room and pulling me into his arms. I sag against him and he holds me close.
“Are you alright?” he asks, pulling back, his hands moving over me, like he’s checking for wounds.
“I’m fine. But my guard wasn’t so lucky.”
His face darkens. “I heard. Christ, when Sean told me what happened… when he said someone had targeted you, shot at you.” He shakes his head and drags me back into his arms again. “I’m going to protect you, Trish. I promise.”
Not far away, Roberto clears his throat and sets my bag on the floor. “l leave you two alone,” he murmurs and slips out.
Leaning back, I stare up into Connor’s handsome face and see concern etched all over it. “I don’t know who did this, but I refuse to give them another opportunity. You’re safest with me, right here, where I can keep an eye on you.”
“It’s strange being here,” I whisper, glancing around. Connor runs a hand along my jaw and turns my face to him.
“Everything is going to be fine,” he assures me.
I wish I could believe him, but it’s hard. Because I feel like I’m standing in the middle of a den, surrounded by lions.
And that’s not a very comforting thought.
–
Connor.
Having Trish back in my arms, where she belongs, is the best feeling in the world. My world feels right again, and I can breathe easier knowing that she’s now with me.
“I get that it’s weird because of our family history, and I don’t know what bullshit you’ve been told, but I have a feeling it’s a similar version of what I’ve been told about your family.”
“I don’t want to hate your family, Connor,” she whispers, looking up at me with those big brown eyes.
“I’d like to be friends with them.”
“I’d like that, too.” I press a kiss to her forehead. “Why don’t we get you settled here and then I’ll take you on a little tour?” She nods and I walk over, grab her bag and motion for her to follow me. “I know it isn’t nearly as big as the main house, but it’s quite comfortable.”
“It’s perfect. I really like your place,” she tells me and, for whatever reason, that makes me really happy. Maybe because I can envision Trish living here with me and I wonder how she’d feel about that?
I guide her up to my bedroom and set the duffel bag on the bed.
“You’re staying in here with me, as close as possible so I can protect you.” Turning back around to face her, I reach for her hands, lift them up and kiss her knuckles.
“Are you sure that’s such a good idea?”
“Yes,” I insist. “I want you to be comfortable and close.”
“Thank you,” she says softly. “I just don’t want to intrude.”
“You’re not,” I assure her. Letting out a sigh, I shift and know it’s time to address how big of a dick I was to her the last time we saw each other. “Trish, I’m sorry for the way I acted last time we were together. I was too rough and I didn’t handle things very well. I’d just found out who you really were and about your engagement and…” I release a shaky breath and rake a hand through my hair. “I was consumed by jealousy.”
“I understand and I could’ve handled things better, too. Let’s not talk about it.”
“But I need you to understand. I would never hurt you.”
The desperation in my voice catches her by surprise. I can see it in her eyes. But she nods and says, “I believe you.”
That’s what I need to hear and it makes me feel better. After clearing out a drawer for her, I help her put her clothes away then decide to give her a tour of the property and grounds. She nods, but I can see her swallow hard and shift uneasily.
“Don’t be nervous,” I tell her and reach for her hands. “You’re safe here.”
“It’s just a little, ah, awkward. Being the enemy and all.”
Even though she tries to keep her voice light, I know she’s serious.
“My family will be kind to you,” I tell her.
“I’ll be glad to hear all about them.”