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Dane stepped into my personal space. “You’re coming home with me.” He raised his hand when I went to speak. “Don’t argue. Don’t offer to stay anywhere else. Just grab the suitcase that you took with you on our trip—then you’ll have some of your things with you. If I were you, I’d bring the contents of your safe as well.”
I thought about protesting, but if I stayed with anyone else, they’d faff over me all night long, which would drive me insane. Dane was not one to faff. Plus, people would wonder why I’d want to stay with anyone other than my husband. And I was due to move in with him in a few days anyway. I might as well get a preview of my new temporary home.
I sighed and said, “All right.”
He nodded, satisfied. “You can ride with me and come back for your car tomorrow. Right now, you’re too angry and distracted to drive without zoning out. Tell me I’m wrong.”
I couldn’t, so I didn’t argue.
A short while later, we were driving en route to his house. Sinking into the smooth, buttery leather seat, I kept my eyelids shut, hoping it would hold back the angry tears that stung my eyes.
“You didn’t hear before now that there was a surge of burglaries in your neighborhood?” asked Dane, his voice low but vibrating with agitation.
“No.” I looked at him. “Even if I had heard about them, I wouldn’t have been better prepared for the break-in. You never think it’ll be your home they target. Fucking assholes.”
“Maybe this will be the one time that said assholes left evidence behind.”
“Maybe.” But I wasn’t counting on it.
“Don’t forget to call your insurance company to tell them about the break-in. You should also call Simon and your foster parents; tell them what happened and let them know you’re all right.”
“I will. Soon.”
We spent the rest of the journey in silence. When the car slowed as we approached a gated, tree-lined property, I strained to see past the trees but failed. “I take it we’re here.”
“We’re here.” Dane tapped the screen of his cell a few times, and then the electronic gates opened.
Sam drove forward. I felt my mouth drop open as I got my first look at Dane’s home. It wasn’t a house. It was a grand, stately residence that looked more like a hotel. It possessed a timeless elegance yet also a modern twist. Boasting arched windows, stone turrets, and thick white columns, the large property sprawled across three-stories and was situated in the middle of an expansive estate.
Holy shit.
Yeah, I’d known he lived in a huge-ass house, and I hadn’t doubted that it would be as impressive and imposing as its owner, but I hadn’t expected this level of opulence. It was a concealed slice of paradise.
As Sam drove up the long, circular driveway, I admired the lavish landscape with its pruned trees, flower garden, and manicured hedges. A man-made lake sat in front of the mansion near the courtyard. Yeah, it had a freaking courtyard. With a fountain.
Sam pulled up at the end of the driveway and then grabbed the suitcases from the trunk while I was busy gawking at the house. He said a quick goodbye to us and then left.
Carrying both my small suitcase and his own, Dane headed for the door. Gripping the strap of my purse tight, I followed him. Stepping into the large, bright white foyer with its winding staircase and chandelier, I let out a low whistle. “Wow.”
Noticing an electronic pad on the wall, I realized there was some kind of built-in automation system that controlled the temperature, lighting, and alarm system among other things. Fancy. I was guessing Dane had already deactivated the alarm using an app on his phone, because no alarm went off.
“Come on,” he said. “I’ll give you a tour.”
Chapter Eleven
My heels clicked on the polished, artfully patterned wooden flooring as I trailed after him. I tried not to gawk as we walked from room to room. The high ceilings had intricate rose moldings and pretty lighting. The neutral colors gave the open, airy rooms a welcoming ethos. The large windows flooded the place with natural light, adding to the inviting feel.
The scents of polish, floor wax, and artificial fragrances laced the air. He had to hire cleaners, because there was no dust or clutter to be seen. I doubted Dane went around dusting and mopping.
The den and two living rooms all had plasma screens, feature fireplaces, ample luxury seating, and beautiful artwork. The formal dining room, high-tech media room, and oversized, commercial-grade kitchen were equally impressive.
It wasn’t until he showed me the two-floored library with its walls of books and winding staircase that I felt a case of true envy. God, I’d love this room. I’d happily sleep in it. Live in it.
