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But a pang of hot fear surged through his heart.
Taking risks was in his nature, but this was different.
He felt as if he was about to jump out of the plane wearing a parachute that might not open.
“Tom…?”
Taking a deep breath, he turned and looked into her eyes with a steady gaze he wasn’t sure he could hold.
“It’s because of you, Jeanette. It’s only ever been you. No-one could ever take your place, and I didn’t want them to try.”
Tears suddenly sprang from her eyes.
“Tom, I’m so sorry,” she blubbered, her fingers tightening around his arm. “It’s the same for me. I mean, I’ve missed you so much. I still—”
Abruptly gripping a fistful of her perfectly styled hair and cutting her off, he held it tightly and pressed his lips against her in a heartfelt, fervent kiss.
“If you ever think about leaving again…” he warned huskily, moving his lips to her ear, “I’ll tie you up until you come to your senses.”
* * *
When Bethany left the cabin and returned to the house the night before, she’d been exhausted, and being back in her room with David in the East Wing had been unexpectedly comforting. In spite of the uncertainty facing her, she had fallen into a deep sleep. Now being woken by her phone, she groggily lifted it from the bedside table and squinted as she stared at the screen. It was David.
“Now what,” she muttered under her breath. She wanted to crawl back under the covers, but thought she’d better accept the call.
“Morning, David.”
“I knocked on your door but you didn’t answer. Are you okay?”
“I was asleep,” she mumbled as she looked at the clock. “Holy crap, I didn’t realize how late it was.”
“Bethany, I have something to tell you. It’s good news, really good news, but it might come as a shock so prepare yourself.”
“Uh, okay,” she replied, sitting up and leaning back against the headboard. “I’m ready. Go ahead.”
“Michael is dead.”
Suddenly wide awake, her head began to spin.
It was impossible.
He had too much protection.
No-one would dare try to harm him.
No-one!
“Bethany, are you there?”
“What? Sorry, it’s just hard to believe. Are you absolutely sure about this?”
“Yes, Matt was there. He just called.”
“How did Michael die? Where was he? What happened? Why was Matt there?”
“Take a deep breath, calm down, and I’ll tell you everything I know.”
“Okay, I’m calm—well sort of. Please just give me the details.”
