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“Nice try at a little conviction in your voice,” Nory said, looking down at the ground.
“Honey, he didn’t do that.” Jade wouldn’t believe it. She didn’t want her friend to believe it. “Think about this, Nory. You once told me he tried to trade your sister Gemma for your freedom. He wouldn’t give you up like that when he tried so hard to protect you.”
“He’s in love.” Nory’s little cheeks swelled as she tried to feign a smile. “You know how that goes. We protect those who give us something to live for.”
“Nory—”
“Jade, I saw the proof,” Nory interrupted her.
They sat down on a bench right outside the vending area. They were under a street light and the place was deserted, yet all the men gravitated their way as if they felt the need to hover.
Nory grinned. “Your fellows aren’t going to let you wander too far.”
“I see you have the same problem.”
Nory peered around Jade. “It’s weird. I know there’s something between me and the Taylors, but there may be something between me and Madden. I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Madden is a little old for you. Don’t you think?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. True love works in mysterious ways, ya know?”
“So does true lust.” She elbowed Nory. “And he’s a hottie.”
“Says you.” She acted all girly, giggling and blushing. Then her laughter stopped abruptly. “If I never see you again, I want you to know you deserve this happiness.”
“What do you mean, if we never see one another again? Of course we will.” Jade wouldn’t part on the assumption that goodbye was forever. She hadn’t left Dutch Country with that feeling and she wouldn’t leave Nory behind with a permanent farewell.
“Jade, if this doesn’t work, I’ll die.”
“Then it will work,” she assured her, squeezing her hand and noticing Madden and how he lingered a little closer than the others.
“I’m sure we’ll talk again. I overheard Reason and Kellan discussing something about disposable phones. We’ll keep in touch.”
Nory nodded once and stood. “I wanted to apologize all the same. I’m sorry my father’s enemies involved you. I’m sorry they tried to blow up your home and I’m sorry—”
“If you’re sorry for all that, then you’re sorry I’ve found the loves of my life. I can’t accept your apology, Nory.” She hurriedly embraced her, realizing their time was drawing to an end when the men began walking their way. “If I accepted the apology then it would be like saying I regret the men I’ve met through you and I’ll never do that.
“You introduced me to the greatest men I’ve ever known so yes, Nory, we’ll run for a while. But someday, we’ll meet again. And until then, you keep yourself safe for me and those big lugs over there.”
It was tearful goodbye. Kellan and Reason had a very difficult time saying farewell to Nory, too. If Reason made one threat, he made a dozen. Madden and the Taylors would be marked for dead if anything happened to her.
“Nory cares for them,” Jade said as they pulled out of the parking lot.
Kellan leaned forward. “Did she tell you that?”
“She doesn’t know what she feels for Madden but she senses a connection.”
Reason glanced in his rearview mirror. “What do you think?”
“No secrets now,” she said. “Besides, I won’t be talking to Nory anytime soon.”
“He’s in love with her. He would never admit it.”
“He’s a little old for her,” Jade said, thinking there were probably ten or twelve years’ difference in their ages.
“Which is why he won’t pursue her now.” Reason watched Kellan as if he thought Kellan might add something different.
“Will they be able to run from Nory’s father?”
