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“What about we grab a late meal at the diner. It should be pretty empty and we can talk.”
Corey knew exactly what she meant to talk about. She was ready to break things off with him and Shane for good.
Whatever pain Belle was dealing with had to be killing her. He wanted to lift her burden and lighten her load. She deserved his very best, and he swore that was exactly what he would give her.
We are not over, Belle. You’ll see. We will never be over. I love you, baby, and I know you love me, too.
“Dinner is a great idea, but not at the diner. I’ll cook for us.”
She shook her head. “That’s too much trouble, Corey. You’ve been here since six and you and I will be helping Cody on the dragon hunting ride with the boys this afternoon. You’ll be too tired to cook.”
He gave her his best don’t-question-me stare. “Dinner at mine and Shane’s house.” That way Shane and I can be in control, not you. He knew that was what she needed more than anything.
“There’s no point in arguing with you, is there?”
“Sweetheart, now you’re learning.”
He touched her cheek.
She smiled.
God, you are so beautiful.
“Fine. Dinner at your house at ten. I’ll be there.”
“Why don’t I just bring you after the hunting expedition, baby? We’ll already be together.”
She shook her head. “I’m going to have to clean up after riding with you and the boys.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Bring an appetite.”
She looked up at him and came to her toes. Then she kissed him, increasing his need to hold her, to have her, to possess her.
“Corey, I’m going
to check on the patient.”
She went into Trollinger’s room.
He and Shane had agreed that Belle needed to open up to them, to be honest about what was really holding her back. Tonight, they would make sure she did.
* * * *
“How did you sleep?” Belle put the blood pressure cuff around Cindy’s arm.
“I had things on my mind that kept me awake.”
She knew the feeling. “Anything I can help you with. Is it about your brother?”
Cindy shook her head. “I try not to think about him. Besides, I’ve got all these wonderful people protecting me. I was just plagued about something that happened to me recently.”
Belle couldn’t imagine how difficult it was for Cindy, knowing she was related to such a monster. Having Amber as a sister was the exact opposite.
Amber is my rock.
“Your blood pressure is fine. If you’d like, we can talk.”
“That would be nice. It’s very lonely in here, you know.” Cindy’s eyes were welling up. “I’m grateful for having bodyguards, but they all look at me as if I’m the criminal instead of my brother.” She turned her head away, hiding her eyes. “I’ve said too much. I’m sorry, Belle. This is just so hard.”
