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He may be an actor, but it’s obvious how distraught and unnerved he is over the entire situation.
Over the thought of losing Esme.
“I hate to think what could have happened.” He wraps an arm around her waist and pulls her close, kissing the top of her head.
When he does, she flinches. Like she doesn’t want him to touch her.
Or maybe she just doesn’t want him to touch her while I’m here.
“There’s no need to worry about her,” Archie cuts through the mounting tension. “Her protection team is the best of the best.”
“Exactly,” I add, then look toward Esme. “If you don’t need anything else, I’ll head out.”
“Of course.” She forces a smile. “I’m sure your family will be happy to see you.”
I nod, looking toward Tristan. “Mr. Hughes.”
He extends his hand and we briefly shake before I bow toward Esme. “Your Highness.”
“Captain.”
I skirt past them and walk toward the door.
Just as I’m about to step into the foyer, I pause, some outside force urging me to look back at Esme.
When I do, her gaze meets mine, a hint of longing within, before she quickly snaps her attention back to Tristan.
Where it belongs.
ChapterTwenty-Nine
Creed
“Oh, thank God,”Rory exhales the second I step into the house, rushing from the kitchen island to greet me.
The plates on the counter are full of cookies, a telltale sign she spent the morning stress-baking, as she’s prone to do.
Without hesitation, she wraps her arms around me and presses her lips against mine in an unexpected display of affection.
I momentarily freeze.
Our physical relationship is typically limited to the bedroom. It doesn’t bleed into the rest of our lives. It’s compartmentalized.
Not today.
“I’m fine,” I assure her, pulling out of her embrace. “I told you I was when I called.”
“I know.” She wipes at her cheeks. “It just… It rekindled some memories. That’s all.”
I squeeze my eyes shut, silently cursing myself. Of course it would. It brought back memories for Esme. Why didn’t I even stop to think it would do the same for Rory?
Probably because I barely gave her a moment’s thought since I left on this trip.
“I’m sorry, Rory.”
“You have nothing to apologize for. This is the job. I knew that when I met your brother.” She squeezes her eyes shut as she draws in several shaky breaths before attempting a smile, cutting through the tension. “Now that you’re home safe, I’m going to get out of here. Hit up the gym before getting AJ from school.”
“Do you want me to grab him?”
