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“Dom has a buddy from high school who does body work. He’ll fix it for me. Don’t worry about that.”
I’m working on nervous energy as I quickly collect some of the toys Mateo liked the best this morning and put them in one of the boxes that’s still piled in the living room from last night. “I’m going to take this stuff down,” I say to Sofia. “Come lock the door.”
“Please be careful.”
I can’t stand the sick, worried tone of her voice. What kind of monster—and his family and friends—would threaten a mother and her child? I head down the stairs, carrying an armload of Mateo’s new toys, and scan the parking lot, looking for trouble. I don’t see anything concerning, but I’m not deluding myself that they won’t be back for her. When they come, they won’t be able to find her.
I glance at the back of my truck and see a small dent that’ll be easily fixed. Messing up my truck wasn’t the point of this mission for them.
I’m worried about her going back to work, but I’ll talk to Uncle Vin about that and figure something out. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep her and Mateo safe. I make several trips to bring toys and the bags she packed for them before I carry him down and strap him into his seat. The little guy never stirs, having worn himself out playing earlier.
On the ride to my house, Sofia doesn’t say a word as she stares out the passenger window.
I don’t try to make conversation with her because I understand she’s processing everything that’s happened and is fearful for herself, her son and me. I also get that she’d much rather I not be involved in her problems, but it’s too late for that. I’m involved, and I plan to stay that way.
When we arrive, Milo is on the sofa watching a movie and drinking a beer. “Hey,” he says, his eyes widening with surprise when he sees that Sofia and Mateo are with me.
“Hey. Sofia and Mateo are going to stay with us for a while.”
“You want me to make the bed in the guest room?”
I’d much rather have her in my bed, but that’s probably not going to happen. Not tonight, anyway. “That’d be great. Thanks, M.” Once I tell him why Sofia is here, he’ll be fully on board with helping to keep her and Mateo safe.
“Sure. No problem.”
Sofia stands next to me, seeming as if she doesn’t know what to do with herself.
With my finger under her chin, I tip up her face and gaze into her eyes. “Mi casa es su casa.”
“Gracias.”
“Make yourself completely at home, okay?”
She nods, but I still sense her reluctance. She doesn’t want to be here, doesn’t want me involved in her problems, but what am I supposed to do? Let her fend for herself against people who’d threaten her life and Mateo’s?
I’ve never been so agitated as I show her to the guest room, where Milo is finishing making the bed, and help her get Mateo settled in the queen-sized bed. “We can set him up with something separate tomorrow, if you’d like,” I tell her after my brother has left the room.
“This is fine. Thank you.” Her words are stilted and the distance between us vast. Gone is all the warmth from last night when she put her arms around me and changed my life forever with one kiss.
It’ll take time to get back to that, but I’m in it for the long haul. I want her. I want Mateo. I’ll do whatever it takes to make them mine, including protect them, whether she wants me to or not.
“There’re towels in the bathroom closet. If you need anything at all, just let me know.”
She sits on the edge of the mattress, seemingly riddled with anxiety. “Thank you.”
“I’ll check on you before I go to bed.”
She gives a brief nod but doesn’t say anything.
I ache for the sweet, sexy, happy woman she was last night, which was one of the best nights of my entire life and certainly the best night I’ve had with any woman. All I want is more of what we had then, and if I have to be patient to get back to that, then so be it.
“My room is right there,” I say, pointing across the hall.
“Okay.”
I leave her to get settled and go to the kitchen to pour myself a drink. I’ve never needed one more than I do right now.
“What’s going on?” Milo asks as he leans against the counter, beer in hand.
