AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You do?”
“Yes.” But that doesn’t mean I like it. “I’ll stay in the penthouse today, but I won’t stop working at the gallery. Isaiah has a big show coming up and he needs my help.”
The softness leaves his expression. “Catarina—”
“No,” I cut him off. “Listen to me, please. Luis made his threats, and we can respond with caution but I refuse to be tucked away like a porcelain doll. There are things we can do to ensure my safety. Like extra bodyguards like we mentioned last night.”
I can see the desire to object sitting on the edge of his lips, but Declan holds the words back.
I use the opportunity to continue to make my point, “We can switch up my hours. I’ll arrive at the gallery at unexpected times, and I’ll leave earlier than I’m scheduled. We can take multiple cars. I can even use the back entrance to enter and exit the building.” I run through all the evasive tactics I’ve overheard my family members discuss over the years. “There are ways to ensure my safety while still allowing me to live my life. And it will show Luis that you aren’t that worried about him or his threats. It will take away his power. It’s a win-win.” I hold my breath and wait for his response.
I don’t have to wait long.
Declan releases a heavy sigh and shakes his head. I think he’s going to reject my idea, but he says, “You’re right.”
“I am?”
“Yes.” He clenches his jaw. “I don’t like it, but your idea is solid. You can leave the penthouse for work, but I ask that you refrain from any other outings. No coffee dates. No lunch runs. My family can’t guarantee those locations will be secure. At least for now.”
I purse my lips. “Fine, but only because you asked nicely.”
His lips tilt in a boyish smile. “Is that all it takes to win you over? Asking rather than telling?”
“Yes. That shouldn’t be a surprise.”
“No,” he muses, still staring at me like I’m a puzzle he’s slowly starting to figure out. “I don’t suppose it is.” Sparks fill the space between us. My chest grows heavy, and I realize I’m holding my breath as I stare at his lips.
Judge me all you want, but I want Declan MacKenzie to kiss me.
I’m a shitty sister and daughter. I know it. But I can’t change how much I want this man. He sees me. He listens to me. I know our engagement was the result of his grandfather’s ambitions, but Declan revealed the depth of his feelings in Newport. This isn’t a business arrangement for him. He cares about me. And while it will break my heart if I find real proof he played a role in Antony’s death, I have no desire to keep distance between us anymore. It’s exhausting.
Decision made, I lean forward slowly, intent on making my move.
Thank God I moved slowly.
It’s the only reason I don’t fall flat on my face when Declan takes a quick step back and pulls his cell phone from his sweatpants’ pocket.
Rejection hits me like a freight train, but I’m slightly mollified when I see the screen is illuminated. The device must be on vibrate.
“Apologies, Catarina, but I need to take this.”
All too used to being dismissed for business, it’s instinct to say, “Of course. No problem.” Even though it very much feels like a problem. These months of being treated like a semi-competent adult make it that much harder to go back to being handled with kid gloves.
But before I can do something embarrassing like complain like a petulant child, I turn on my heel and stride out of the living room, back to my luxury bedroom that will once again serve as my temporary prison.
Although, this time, it feels less like a prison and more like a place I might one day be able to consider my home.
Chapter10
Declan
I watch Catarina walk out of the living room, and it’s a fight not to follow her. I could tell my dismissal irritated her. I don’t blame her. And if this call was from anyone else, there’s no way in hell I would’ve missed the blatant invitation to kiss her. But this call is important for my plans.
So, I wait for her to disappear before bringing the phone to my ear. “Commissioner Gasso.”
“Mr. MacKenzie,” the police commissioner returns gruffly. “Two calls in one week. Should I be worried?”
“I would think you’d be intrigued.” I move to sit on the edge of the sofa, aware my housekeeper will have my head if my sweat soaks into the expensive fabric. It doesn’t matter that I’m her boss. She treats me like she would a grandson in need of redirection. It’s part of her charm.
