AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Exactly. Reesa’s brother and his wife Alissa also were threatened, attacked, and nearly killed.
“Fuck. What the hell is my brother doing in Tabiq?” I snapped.
“His job. He’s caring for people who need him. That’s what we’re all trying to do, in one way or another.”
“I thought you said this was all in the past,” I said.
“No. I said it was worse in the past, but it’s a long road to stability. From the look in your eyes, Finn never explained why he needed a house built for Reesa.”
“He loves her and wants to give her a home they can share and grow old in.” I couldn’t recall his exact words, but it was something like that.
“Her house exploded. There was a hit put on her, and she was lucky enough not to be there when the bomb went off.”
My heart pounded. My brother could’ve been killed. “He…knows all that?” I asked.
“He helped us catch the people responsible for the attack. Of course, there always seems to be another right behind, willing to step up and take their place. So now you see why I said you need to really think about what the hell you’re doing. Kyleigh can get hurt more than you think.”
“You don’t mean that she could be in danger, do you?” I asked, hoping I misunderstood.
“Not directly. Right now, no one knows the two of you have been…close. If she goes back home and tells people that they are right about men from other countries, and who it was that broke her heart, it will reflect on your brother. Reesa’s good judgment will come into question. The people will demand she step down. The next leader might not have the same progressive vision for Tabiq. What do you think will happen if Tabiq turns back to its old ways? What do you think will happen to Kyleigh if there isn’t anyone to protect her and the other women?”
“I said something stupid. I plan on fixing it tonight.”
“She’s staying with us again. And before you ask, it was her decision, not mine.”
I had thought that had just been a threat and she would change her mind and call or text me.
“Damn it, Shaun. I’ve got to think of something.”
“Why?” he asked.
Why? Because I have to.That wasn’t an answer. How could I be honest with Kyleigh if I wasn’t being honest with myself?
“Because I think I’m falling in love with her.”
“Think? You’re not sure?” he questioned.
“Since I’ve never been in love before, I have nothing to compare it to. All I know is that she means more to me than I ever imagined.” And for the first time, my feelings weren’t driven by sex.
“Then I suggest you come to dinner at my house tonight.”
“How is that going to fix anything? We can’t talk about our issues in front of you guys,” I reminded him.
“That’s right. But sometimes, not talking is the best thing. Morgan and I are neutral.”
“Ha. Not even close to neutral,” I said. “But if you aren’t putting this dinner together so Kyleigh and I can talk, what do you have in mind?” I asked.
“Morgan is better at this than I am. She’ll probably suggest a game night.”
“Game night? Like cards?” I asked. I couldn’t picture us playing poker.
“No. She’s all about games that make people laugh. Odds are she’s going to team us up as couples. Morgan is really good at defusing situations. Hell, she’s had to be, she married me! And you may have heard that the Henderson family can be a little…difficult.”
You think?I shouldn’t point fingers, because apparently the O’Connor family wasn’t so easy to get along with, either.
“What time do you want me to be at your house?”
“I’ll text you after I speak to Morgan. For the record, a smart man doesn’t make big decisions without discussing with his other half first. Women hate being controlled. And men, we get in our own way more often than we realize.” He tapped on the glass and told the driver to head back to my hotel.
I was glad we didn’t actually go out for coffee. A simple car ride had been enough to strategize about making up for my mistakes and also to learn more about Tabiq. It was getting uglier each time, but I needed to know. What I didn’t understand was why my brother never told me any of this. I’d been in Tabiq for more than two months. At some point all of this should’ve come out. I couldn’t imagine my parents knew any of it, either.
I hated the thought that they were going to be in Tabiq for Finn’s wedding next week. At least I knew now so I could keep my eyes open and help protect them. But who would do that for Kyleigh when I went back home?
This was no longer just about my feelings for her. It was about keeping her safe. I had a clearer idea of what I needed to do. Getting her to see it my way, well, that’s another story altogether.
As long as she is safe, I don’t care if she hates me for life.
