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In another strange turn of events, New York had become a comfortable topic of conversation for Stone, while the mere mention of the city made my skin itch and my lungs constrict.
Because of all the places in the world, she was in New York.
The Midtown Princess had gone home, and I had held the door for her as she left.
Memories of her rose in my mind, things I didn’t want to remember, but seemed unable to forget. Like her green eyes sparkling as she made a wisecrack, her hair falling in lush, dark waves down her back, the freckles that dusted the bridge of her nose from her time in the desert sun. And her infectious laughter, so free and easy, seeming to light my very soul every time I heard it.
Daphne Pennington was everything I had ever wanted.
And nothing I could ever have.
Seeing her six months ago had been both the best and the worst moment I’d experienced in a while. Holding her on that dance floor, smelling her delicate jasmine scent, was the culmination of my every dream.
Walking away from her had been a nightmare. But it was what I needed to do. Because regardless of how badly I wanted her, Daphne could never be mine.
I knew that two years ago when I saw her in Stone’s kitchen, her gorgeous, toned legs dangling as she sat perched on the countertop, and I knew it now. Even though Stone had given me his blessing, my love for her was not enough. I could never give her the things she deserved, no matter how much her brother paid me. She was the daughter of a hotel mogul, used to all the finer things in life. I was the son of a failed rancher, a retired soldier with more demons than any man should have to deal with. She was young and fresh and bright and innocent. I was twelve years older than her, and it felt like a hell of a lot more.
There was no way I would tie her to an albatross like me when she deserved to do nothing but soar.
“Well, that’s damn good news,” Stone boomed, his smile wide as he resumed his seat. I still couldn’t get over the fact that Stone was smiling regularly these days. It really was a total role reversal for the two of us. I wasn’t sure I could even remember the last time I had smiled. I’m sure Stone and Penelope and just about everyone else I interacted with regularly were damn sick of my surly ass, but I just couldn’t help it. I couldn’t seem to find the guy I was two years ago.
“Is there anything else we need to go over before I head out tomorrow?” Stone continued. “I know that Alexis has all the management aspects under control, but is there anything else you guys need to address before I—” His phone ringing brought him up short. Glancing at the screen, I watched him smile at whoever was calling before he accepted the call. “Hey there, Blondie. How’s—”
I could feel the change in him, watching the way his face dropped and his shoulders stiffened. Both Gideon and I sat up straighter, leaning toward Stone, waiting for him to give us some indication of what was wrong.
“Penelope, slow down and take a breath for me. Are you hurt? Is the baby okay?” Stone visibly sagged with relief at her responses, running his hand through his hair as he stood again from the table. I stood as well, both my military instincts and my love for Stone and Penelope putting me on high alert as I waited to learn what they were dealing with and if there was any way I could help. “Okay, baby. Where are you now? Good. Stay there until I can have someone come meet you. Do not leave that hospital, you hear me? I’m going to make some phone calls and get you taken care of. What?”
Stone’s eyes shot to me, his face going pale, and my guts began to tighten.
No.
No way. She was safe. I knew she was.
I had just checked on her this morning.
But the look in Stone’s eyes told me otherwise.
“How long has it been, Penelope? Okay. Fuck. Okay. You just stay there and rest, baby. I will take care of everything. I know.” His voice softened as he tried to soothe her, but I watched as his fist clenched and unclenched by his side. “I know, Penelope. I will. I promise. Okay. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I love you.”
I didn’t wait for him to disconnect the call. “What happened?”
Stone swallowed heavily, glancing from me to Gideon and back before he answered.
“Daphne’s been kidnapped.”
