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She wanted to tell him she loved him, but she was overwhelmed. She was still trying to process that he hadn’t ghosted her, that Mimi had done another evil deed that had adversely affected her life, and that Chandler cared for her every bit as much as she cared for him.
Chandler looked her over and murmured softly, “Belle, hermosa, bellissima, linda.”
“Oh, Chandler.” Her breath caught in her throat and her heart raced. She loved, loved that he’d learned beautiful in French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese.
He smiled, but then his blue eyes grew serious. “And just to show you there’s no doubt that I’m sincere …” He bowed his head and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was intense and robbed her of all coherent thought and oxygen. She leaned into him and he deepened the kiss.
“Kylee, Chandler … oh.” Aiden’s voice was far too close for comfort.
Chandler released her from the kiss, but cuddled her tight to his perfect chest. She looked over and Aiden was at the top of the stairs.
“Sorry to interrupt, but it’s time.” His voice held a teasing note.
“We’re coming,” Chandler told him, not taking his eyes off of Kylee.
Kylee was grateful that the Deltas all seemed so confident about tonight. She eased back and blew out a breath. “Here we go.”
He nodded.
Her mind was full of so many things. She loved Chandler but didn’t know if she was ready to tell him that. She had to fully process that Mimi had broken them up at sixteen and then programmed Kylee’s mind to believe she was unattractive and unwanted. It had sadly worked. So many years she’d let Mimi control her, even though she’d moved out at eighteen and claimed Mimi had no control over her. It frustrated her that though she’d thought she was strong and independent, she’d never let go of that nagging Mimi voice and influence. Not until last night when Chandler had interrupted the voice, telling her how beautiful she was inside and out and kissing her so thoroughly.
He was incredible.
Chandler took her hand and walked her to the stairs, following Aiden down. She wished she could gush about how she felt about him and plan a future together, but this wasn’t that moment. The world’s safety was riding on her getting some hairs. It was insane. Somehow she had to get through this op, and in the process she had to prove to herself she could stand up to Mimi, and they all had to survive.
The next hour was a whirlwind of being fitted with the mic and camera on the jewels of her bodice and the earpiece that she’d learned how to quietly listen and speak into without touching it.
They made it to Mimi’s house and her nerves ramped up again as Chandler drove her up to the front door in an older Lexus with an Uber sticker in the window. High end cars were parked in the huge circle drive, most of them with drivers waiting for their important guests.
As they stopped, Chandler glanced into the rearview. “You’ve got this, Kylee. You’re strong, brave, beautiful, and my entire family is praying nonstop for you, most of all me.”
She smiled back at him, but the doorman was opening her door. “Thanks,” was all she managed to get out to Chandler.
He inclined his chin to her, and his blue eyes filled with a fierce protectiveness. She pitied the person who tried to hurt her if Chandler was anywhere close by. She’d never felt so safe and protected, and she was walking into the lionness’s den. It made no sense.
She took the doorman’s hand and stepped out, relieved to see it was Jason, an older gentleman who had served Mimi at parties where she wanted to look uppity for years.
“Jason,” she said, genuine delight in her voice.
“Miss Seamons.” Jason blinked down at her. “You are an absolute vision.”
“Thank you.”
He closed the door and escorted her up the long, flower-lined walk. She barely resisted looking back at Chandler.
It was a mild night in Chicago for early September, so she wasn’t cold in her sleeveless dress. Despite the balmy weather, Mimi would make the gardener cover the flowers each night to keep them alive as long as possible.
She heard Chandler drive off and felt bereft for a second.
“You’ve got this, beautiful,” Chandler’s voice said in her earpiece.
Kylee smiled and kept her shoulders straight. She did have this. She said another prayer for help and let Jason lead her up the walk.
“Forgive me, sweet girl, but Mrs. Seamons did not inform me you were expected tonight,” Jason said. She knew he would have a guest list and if there was any deviation, security would be on that person in an instant.
She glanced to the side and saw men in suits stationed in the shadows of the gabled porch. They’d have weapons, and they wouldn’t be afraid to bodily escort anybody far from the premises. Especially with King Frederick here tonight.
She thought of Chandler holding her close, telling her she was incredible.
