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“I’m talking about howyoufeel. It’s not easy getting someone to trust you enough to talk honestly. It’s very draining as well.”
I am totally exhausted.
“Not the first time I’ve had to do it,” I reminded him.
“Does that mean it gets easier over time because that hasn’t been my experience,” he replied.
“I wish it did.” I sighed and said, “Maybe I should take your advice and go lie down for a while. I’ll see you at dinner.”
“We can eat in my room if you’d rather,” he offered.
Shaking my head I replied, “I think I’d like to eat where we can see the ocean tonight.”
That poor girl had been just out enjoying the view, never having a clue that it would be the last thing she would ever see.
Sorry we couldn’t save you, but at least he will pay for what he did to you.
I pressed the button to the elevator and headed to my room. I might not sleep, but I needed to be alone for a while. Time to grieve for the one we couldn’t save.
CHAPTER12
Draven
I was starting to get concerned. Kinsley should’ve been here by now. One thing I’d learned was she was very punctual. There was no way I could sit here on the beach any longer. I knew today was stressful. Even though she pulled it off, and while it appeared to be effortless, I knew otherwise. Emotionally and mentally, she’d been spent. Hopefully, the only thing that was delaying her right now was getting the much-needed rest.
As I made my way towards the hotel, I caught a view of her chatting with Shaun. There was no doubt that they were having a serious conversation. Her body language said that she didn’t want to be there.
Damn it, Shaun. Don’t upset her. She’s already got enough going on.
Everyone was telling me that I had to protect Kinsley, well that included saving her from conversations she didn’t want to be in. Might not be considered polite, but I was about to shut it down.
When I approached, Shaun was still talking but Kinsley stopped listening and gave me a smile.
“There you are. I was wondering what was keeping you,” I said, before giving her a side hug. “Sorry to interrupt,”not sorry,“but we promised no business talk tonight. And besides, our dinner is waiting for us and we don’t want it to get cold.” Taking her hand in mine, I turned to Shaun and said, “Maybe we can finish this tomorrow if you want?”
Shaun shook his head. “No. It’s fine. Go and enjoy your evening together. I was about to meet up with Bennett anyway.”
That was good. It meant that he would be occupied as well and wouldn’t be disturbing us.
I didn’t let go of her hand as we made our way to the table set for us on the beach. It felt…nice. Really nice. If I thought for a moment that it made her uncomfortable, I’d stop. But her fingers were relaxed and entwined with mine. A nice way to start our evening together.
When we sat down, I looked at her. “I meant what I said. Tonight is not about business. I’d like for us to pretend we are just guests at the resort and forget everything else. That is if you don’t have any issue with that.”
“Draven, I know I should say that I do, but honestly, I’d like nothing more,” she smiled at me.
I’d never seen her green eyes sparkle as much as they were right now. She needed this tiny escape from it all, and surprisingly, so did I.
The waitress brought over our food, and she giggled. “You really ordered us salad.”
“Not to bring up the past, but I believe this morning, when you stole half of my second sticky bun, you made me promise that I was not to let you eat anything other than salad tonight.”
“I know what I said. But…but this looks so…”
“Healthy?” She nodded. I chuckled and waved to the waitress who immediately brought over the entrée I had ordered.
“What’s that?” she asked.
Grinning, I replied, “Dinner.”
