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“Perfect. I can’t wait to get home.”
I couldn’t wait either, and realized what I'd missed the most in Costa Rica: her company.
“I have an appointment at the IVF clinic.”
“Grace, I’m sorry, but you’ll remain under my supervision and on your property at all times.”
“What?” She stomped toward me, her hands set firm on her hips.
“The case with the Hartleys is pending.”
“And how long will that take? Because unless you say less than forty-eight hours, I don’t want to hear it. I’m going to that clinic.”
“Is a baby with a stranger more important than you? Because you know, if they kill you, the entire pregnancy plan will be ruined.”
“You want to know who really ruined me, dear Hunter?”
There it was. I knew she was holding something back. She might have forgiven me for that night, but not for everything else I’d taken from her.
“Don’t go there, Grace.”
“You stole everything I wanted, and now you want to take it away again. You…you…you ruined everything. If we’d had a baby, we could have formed a family. I will not let you turn my dreams into nightmares.”
“Fuck, Grace. Calm down.”
I guessed she hadn’t forgiven me for everything. This woman titillated my every nerve and tested my patience with her dreams. I got it; she wanted a baby. But sometimes we didn’t get the things we truly desired.
I went to the bar, poured myself a glass of guaro, took a long sip, and returned to her room. Grace turned around from the window, and her arms dropped to the sides. A gray shade instantly replaced the pink tone of her skin. Her lips turned white, and her body trembled.
“Grace?”
“You’re drinking.”
I looked at the glass in my hand and back to her.“It’s just one drink.”
“You used to say the same thing.” Her voice cracked, more with fear than disappointment.
I set down the drink and paced her way.
“No.” She pushed her arm out front.
I ignored the request, took her arms, wrapped them around myself, and closed my frame around her shaking body. I tightened my hold around her, smoothing back her flowing hair and kissing her temple.
“You don’t need to worry about the drinking, Grace. I’m not the same man.”
“That’s an alcoholic’s excuse.”
“I’m not an alcoholic, Grace. I was young and stupid. I had no clue how to deal with life and stress, and Costa Rica was the best thing that could have happened to me. I don’t know how to show you, but I will never hurt you that way again, my Queen. I promise.”
Her trembles settled, and she looked up, showing a crinkle of a smile. I swept a tear off her cheek with my thumb.
“And you can deal with all the stress now? Because as you can see, I attract stress like honey attracts bears.”
I allowed a crooked smile. “I wouldn’t be here with you if I had no self-control.”
She inhaled a settling breath and remained in my arms. It felt so good to hold her again, but I couldn’t take the road that would ruin her dreams. I couldn’t hurt her any further.
“Grace?” I pulled away. “I promise you won’t see me with a drink again.”
