When she opens her eyes again, there’s so much heartache in them. It guts me to see her like this.
She pulls away and wipes her cheeks, then first takes a couple of deep breaths before, she says, “You can’t go through that pain again.”Chapter 21Where are you hiding, beautiful?JamieJulian tilts his head to the side, his eyes boring into mine.
“Again?” he says, his voice too calm for the anger I see coming to life on his face. “Have you already decided you’re going to die?”
My frustration only grows because I can’t make any of them understand. “No, but let’s be real for a second. There’s a crazy person out there who has tried to kill me before. We have nothing. No clues to who it could be. The odds aren’t exactly in my favor.”
Julian gestures to the house. “The odds aren’t in your favor? How do you figure that? I have a small army guarding you! I’d say the fucker is greatly outnumbered.”
“For how long? What if this person is never found?”
“Then you’ll have to get used to living with protection.”
“It’s that easy?” I ask, my fight draining from me. I’m exhausted to my core. “I can’t live like a prisoner, Julian.”
For a moment, he closes his eyes as he tries to remain calm. “You won’t be the first person to have guards. Unfortunately, when you’re a member of certain families, it comes with the territory.”
I hear what he’s saying. “Fine, but I’m still going back to school. I can’t just sit around and wait for him to strike.”
“On Sunday, after dinner, I’ll take you myself.”
“Will you get guards for yourself as well?” I ask.
“Will it make you feel better if I arrange security for everyone?” he asks, the anger fading from his voice.
“It will make me feel a hell of a lot better.”
“Then, consider it done.”
“Really?” I ask to make sure.
“Jamie,” he moves closer to me, and pulling me back against his chest, continues, “I’ll do whatever it takes to make you feel safe. If that means starting a security company of my own, then so be it.”
I let out a chuckle, and rest my cheek against his beating heart. “Thank you.”JulianWhen we sit down for dinner, I forgo the head of the table and take the seat next to Jamie.
Dad walks into the dining room and pauses when he sees me next to Jamie. “Oh, good, good.”
I suppress a chuckle when he goes to sit at the head with a smile on his face. Stephanie takes the seat next to him.
“It’s so good to have everyone here,” Dad says, and lifting his glass of wine, he toasts, “To family and new friends.”
When the servers bring out the food, Dad asks, “Carter, how’s the publishing business?”
“It’s good, Sir. We’ve just opened a translation department and hope to break into the European market.”
Dad and Carter get absorbed in talking business, which has Stephanie asking, “Della, when are you due?”
“In four weeks.”
“Oh, wow, it’s right around the corner.” Stephanie smiles, then asks, “Do you know the sex yet?”
“We’re having another boy. We’ve decided to name him Tristan.”
“It’s a beautiful name,” Stephanie compliments her.
While we enjoy the entrée, I notice Jamie’s leg jumping. Moving my left hand under the table, I place it on her thigh, which makes the jumping instantly stop.
The dishes are cleared, and when soup bowls are placed in front of us, Jamie slips her hand under the table and taking hold of mine, she turns it over before weaving her fingers through mine.
“Can you eat with just your left hand?” I ask softly, so the others won’t hear.
“We’ll find out soon enough,” she jokes.
Dinner is relaxing, and for a moment, I manage to forget about everything.JamieTomorrow Hayden and Max will come to see if they can help. I have only met them twice, but from what I remember, they looked pretty badass, so it feels like there might be a glimmer of hope in this nightmare.
Not being able to sleep, I climb out of bed and walk to the kitchen. Switching on a light, I pour myself a glass of water, then lean back against a counter and take a sip.
I’m deep in thought when Julian walks into the kitchen. He’s only wearing sweatpants, and the moment my eyes focus on his bare chest and abs, I spew the water all over the kitchen floor, then choke when a couple of drops go down the wrong hole.
“I didn’t know you were up,” he says as he grabs a couple of paper towels.
Clearing my throat to get rid of the burn, I place the glass in the sink, then crouch to help him wipe up the mess.
“You could wear a shirt, you know,” I say, my voice hoarse from choking on water.
Yep, it’s definitely not hoarse because I have a close-up view of his abs.