Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 104239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 104239 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 521(@200wpm)___ 417(@250wpm)___ 347(@300wpm)
It’s a tense five minutes that unspool into fifteen. The temperature in the apartment feels as though it’s dropped since we arrived. Brittney apologizes more than once, though we all assure her there’s nothing to apologize for. I don’t particularly enjoy being tracked without my knowing about it, but if it means putting an end to these attacks, it seems like a worthwhile sacrifice.
“Wait a minute,” Aspen whispers, snapping her fingers. “If they can’t find him, maybe you can. Can you track him, see where he is?”
“I can try, but it would only work if his phone is on—and if he’s on the premises. Outside of Corium, there’s not much I can do.”
After a half dozen calls with various security team members, Xander slides his phone into his pocket. I know what he’s going to say before he opens his mouth, and it leaves me wanting more than ever to protect what’s mine. There was a predator in our midst, and we overlooked him.
“You don’t have to bother trying to track him,” Xander murmurs. “The entire security team has searched every inch of the premises. Castle, dorms, all classrooms, and even outside the walls.” He offers his son an apologetic shrug. “Ren’s not here. He’s gone.”
EPILOGUE
DELILAH
I could get used to living like this.
The last of the light from the setting sun washes our bedroom in amber, and a sweet, cool breeze stirs the gauzy curtains at the doors leading out to the balcony of the villa Lucas rented for our vacation. I can’t believe I’m in Italy—me, who grew up in the most depressing trailer park imaginable.
Not only in Italy, which would be incredible enough, no matter where we ended up staying. But it’s like paradise, all lush rolling hills beyond the balcony and a sparkling lake that stretches out as far as the eye can see. When I sit up and look toward the balcony, I can spot a few boats dotting the water. We were out there earlier on a rented yacht, swimming and eating the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted.
Me. On a yacht. Is this my actual life?
Is this my actual man? Lucas sits up and plants a lingering kiss on my shoulder. “We’d better hurry if we’re going to avoid all the knowing looks and whispers when we get there.”
“We were taking a nap,” I remind him with a happy grin. “After swimming all day, we were tired.” Nobody needs to know about what happened once we got back here and took a shower together… and then again once we got into bed for what was only supposed to be an hour’s rest.
He chuckles before sliding a hand under the sheet covering me. “Nobody could look at me while I’m looking at you and believe I’d only be interested in taking a nap.”
As always, my body reacts to his slightest touch. All I want is to close my eyes, lie back and let him do whatever he wants. No matter what it is, I’ll end up liking it.
Instead, I groan softly before swinging my legs over the side of the bed and forcing myself up. “Food first. Besides, Xander will send out a search party if we don’t show up on time.” If anybody told me only a few months ago that I’d someday be vacationing along with the Rossi family, I would’ve recommended they get professional help. At least we’re staying in our own villa to give us a little privacy, but we’ve spent a lot of time together. Like this afternoon, on the yacht. We generally have dinner together, too. Tonight, it’s going to be a big feast at Charlotte’s home, across the lake.
Dusk has fallen by the time we’ve washed up again and gotten dressed. We climb aboard a small boat and zip across the lake. The wind in my face and hair is delicious. I close my eyes and bask in it while leaning against Lucas, who wraps an arm around my shoulders and holds me close.
“Are you enjoying your vacation?” he asks before kissing the top of my head.
“What do you think? Though I might need a second vacation after we get home.” Not that I’m complaining. I love always having something fun to do, something exciting to see. Like when we took the train to Rome and spent a few days exploring or our upcoming visit to Venice. I can hardly wait to float along on a gondola.
I’m tired, but it’s a good tired.
We reach the dock below Charlotte’s home and climb the stairs to her courtyard. Voices float down from there, laughter. Lucas takes my hand as we approach. It’s the most natural thing in the world.
“There you are.” Charlotte shakes her head, wearing a teasing smile. “We thought we’d have to hold the meal.”
“You know I’m not the young man I used to be. All this activity is exhausting.” Lucas accepts a glass of wine, winking when Charlotte gives him a knowing look. I’ve never seen him so relaxed and happy. He’s like a different man right now.