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“Savannah tried to explain it all to me on the helicopter, but I’m still wondering how this all happens so quickly. You seemed to swoop in, rescue me, get me to safety, and know everything about me before I could even catch my breath.”
“And was it my rescuing you that took your breath away, sweet Harlow?” He brushed the hair from her face, his huge hand cupping her jaw. Closing her eyes, she leaned into the warmth of his hand.
“No. No, it was you that took my breath away, Nate. I’ve never met a man like you. You’re serious but sweet and tender. You’re obviously dangerous but gentle. I can’t figure it all out.”
“Maybe you’re not supposed to figure it all out,” he grinned. “Maybe it’s just supposed to be okay the way it is. I don’t have all the answers, Harlow. All I know is that I have feelings for you that run deep, and I know enough to not run from them. But I do have a question for you.”
“Okay. Anything,” she nodded, taking a bite of her food.
“Have you been intimate with a man before? I mean, I know that you were spared that with Quinn’s clients, but what about boyfriends?” Harlow looked at him and swallowed.
“The boyfriend who was stealing from me,” she said. “I’m not proud of myself, but I know that I probably used him. I was worried that my father was going to finally make me go with Garvin, and I didn’t want him to take my virginity. I didn’t want Seth to either, but I felt I had no choice.”
“Only one, sweet Harlow?” he smiled.
“Only one, Nate.”
“You may not understand this, but it makes me happy. I’m going to show you what it truly means to be loved by a man. To make love to a man. You and I will never be apart again, Harlow. Never.”
“Nate!” He turned to see his father and a few others waving him over.
“Go. I’ll be fine,” she smiled. “I’ve never felt safer in my entire life.” He kissed her and left to go with the others.
“How are you? Really,” grinned Katrina.
“Really? Terrified. Overwhelmed. Dizzy. And, I think I’m in love with your son,” she whispered.
“You don’t have to whisper it,” smiled Lauren. “We all knew that already. It’s a common occurrence around here. Love happens very quickly, and we try not to fight it.”
“Have you been married to Trak a long time?” she asked.
“A very long time, my dear. In fact, he and Nate have a lot in common. You see, Trak saved me as well. I was beaten and broken by my abusive boyfriend. He tried to rape me, and I hit him over the head. Fearing that I’d killed him, I ran. Turns out, I ran right into the arms of the man I was supposed to be with all along.”
“That’s awful and beautiful at the same time,” said Harlow.
“It sort of happens that way,” said Katrina. “A business associate of my father’s was trying to get to me, and Nathan wouldn’t allow it. He and all these people saved my father’s life and mine. It’s a common theme, Harlow. You said that Savannah spoke to you about love. Did she give you some advice?”
“She did,” smiled Harlow.
“Well, the new leadership wives have some additional advice.” Katrina waved over Kate and Ajei. “It’s time, ladies.”
“Oh, good! This is my favorite part,” smiled Ajei. “Here goes. Love is so very hard to find that when you do, recognize it as the gift it is. You should hold it gently. Don’t squeeze too hard, but don’t let it go. These men are different in every way. Their lives have been entirely about protecting others, with no thought as to who would protect them.
“Expect that they’ll be overbearing, alpha in every way. But recognize how unbelievably special that is and that they’ve chosen us to be by their sides. He will protect you, but you will protect him as well. He will drive you mad with his overprotection, but he will soothe you with his love and adoration of you. And there is nothing like the love of one of these men.”
“He is a confusing man,” smiled Harlow. “He’s fiercely protective and sure of himself but also tender and sweet. I’ve never seen that in a man before.”
“Well, you’ll see it all the time here,” said Kate. “Every man and woman here has a story, Harlow. This place is magical, and within that magic, there is healing. I’m not sure what Mama Irene and Matthew have done to the land, but it truly heals.”
“You know,” she nodded, “I believe you. I’ve felt better just since arriving. Happier. Safer. I thought it was all about Nate, but I think it’s more than that.”
“You finish your breakfast, and we’ll get you settled into Nate’s cottage. We’ll make sure you have plenty of clothing, makeup, anything you need. We’ve done this a time or two and have a routine down to order anything that’s needed. We even carry some things here on property and at the General Store that’s not far from here.
“Then we’ll all take a walk around the property and tell you about who we are and what we do. Sound good?” Harlow smiled at the beautiful mother of the man she was in love with.
“It sounds perfect. Absolutely perfect.”
CHAPTER TEN
