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Finn: Because you love her.
Derek: Don’t bullshit me.
Finn: I don’t fucking know. She just is. Are you happy?
Derek: No, but I’ll take it. Are you sure they can stay around until we’re back?
Finn: Yep, I checked with all of them.
Finn: You’re coming, right?
Derek: Of course I’ll be there.
Finn: The jet will be ready for you.
Derek: I’m not leaving yet. As I said earlier, don’t do anything stupid.
Finn: Walter and Phillip should be here soon.
Derek: Keep me informed of what’s happening.
Finn: Will do.
* * *
As we pullup to the safe house, my heart feels heavy in my chest. I can’t believe I have to leave Piper while she’s recovering from the surgery. I watch as the paramedics unload her from the ambulance.
I rush to open the door, my heart almost bursting out of my chest as I realize Piper is awake. I could have a few minutes with her before I have to leave. The paramedics and I trail Jared, the groundskeeper.
With every step I regret my promise to Finn. What if I choose not to join him?
ChapterFive
Piper
The soundof the ambulance wakes me up. It doesn’t take long to realize I’m the one on the stretcher. Derek sits beside me. His eyes are closed, and he’s mumbling something. I can’t see anything from where I lay. The doors open, the darkness of the night welcomes me, and right in front is an opulent brick house.
I am immediately struck by its grand and imposing appearance. There are multiple levels and wings to the house. Large windows, balconies, and terraces that I’m sure offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I love old houses, but the excitement dies down when I remember I’m here because my family is in danger and I’m hurt.
I stay quiet as the paramedics maneuver the stretcher inside the house. Taking a deep breath, I remind myself that this is okay. Derek promised he’d take care of my family and that Teddy was fine.The night air is crisp, and the gardens are dark. I imagine the flowers are in full bloom, adding a touch of whimsy to the grandeur of the mansion. Will they let me outside to enjoy the grounds?
Derek is by the massive door, which is carved with intricate designs. I can’t wait to learn the story of this place.
“Welcome, miss,” a man says as the paramedics set me up on a hospital bed, his voice formal but friendly. “I’m Jared, and I’m here to help with anything you need.”
There’s a lot I need to know about Archer and why he’s using another name—Finnegan Gil. Why didn’t he hug me or… My heart slows because it dawns on me that I know Finn and the Finn I know has a life and a family. They can’t…
Jared appears a moment later with a tray. “Here’s some water and a bell. Please ring it whenever you need me.”
He turns toward the door and nods. “Mr. Gil.” My heart skips, hoping to see him, but the voice of the man who answers isn’t his. “Thank you, Jared, you should go to bed. We’ll start the day early.”
As I turn toward the door, a man steps into my view, his height casting a long shadow. His age is evident in the deep wrinkles that crease his brow, but there’s a regal presence to his bearing that belies it. His chiseled jawline and strong nose give him an air of distinction, while his dark brown eyes appear to take in everything around him. His beauty is rugged and masculine.
Approaching, he takes my hand in his and gives it a gentle squeeze. “I’m Charles Gil, my dear. My son, Finn, asked me to be with you while he’s away. I wish we had met under different circumstances, but it’s a pleasure to meet you, Piper.”
He’s tall and handsome, with kind eyes and a gentle smile. I stare at Finnegan Gil’s dad. What does Finn have to do with my recovery? I thought Archer had come to me and… I blink a couple of times, wondering if he was a vision or Finn… could he be Archer? His dad might have a few answers for me.
“Hi, Mr. Gil,” I mumble, smiling at him. “Thank you for having me in your home.”
