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Rome reaches for his phone on the table but can barely move. I grab it and ask, “What’s the code?”
After unlocking the phone, he goes to the photos and taps one of them. “Here. My father probably knows what went down last night, so I don’t know if he’s still there.” It’s a map of a Caribbean Island with a pin drop.
Beau tugs on my elbow. “Come on. None of the Lennox’s are worth your time or love.”
He places his strong hand on the small of my back and we find the limo parked outside.
He reads his texts then says, “Nessa, go home and take care of your employees. I’m sure they’re scared. Maverick has a plane to take Beckett and me to find your dad.”
“But…”
“No buts. One of Ben’s men is driving the limo. One will ride with you in the back, and there will be one car in front of you and one behind.” He kisses my lips letting it linger. “I love you. I’ll be back soon.”
As I put my legs inside, he shuts the door gently and the limo pulls away.
ChapterThirty-Four
BEAU
The Luxury Jet plane is waiting with the stairs down when Beckett and I arrive.
For the first half an hour, we ride with our eyes closed. Finally, I say, “I never meant to flaunt Vanessa in your face. I didn’t know. It feels like I caused all of your pain…and mine.”
We’re sitting in seats facing each other. He leans forward and grabs my hand. “What I did was my choice, not yours. None of this is your fault.”
“It feels like it.”
He inhales and then exhales. “We spent nearly every waking minute together before Vanessa. I did like her, but I saw the way she looked at you in the bleachers and when she passed us in the hall. It was always your smile that made her blush, not mine. Having years to think about it, I realized it was more about her taking you away from me. Stealing every moment that wasn’t spent studying or playing sports.”
He's right. I was and am completely under the spell of Vanessa Barron. “I’m so, so, sorry.”
“I’m just happy you’re back together. I can’t believe you used one of my drawings for your tattoo.”
Tears prick from my eyes. “I suppose it was my way of keeping you both close. Beckett, why didn’t you talk to me? Vanessa’s had to carry that burden alone since she was sixteen. She kept your secret until recently. I want to help you.”
He leans back and looks out the window. “I’m fine. Let’s just find her dad and bring him home.”
Beckett closes his eyes and drifts to sleep. He was shot less than twelve hours ago, so I save the rest of my questions for later. We need some rest before we land.
Two of Ben’s “friends” in the clandestine security business meet us on the tarmac. I sent Ben the picture so he could help me locate it quickly. There’s a gun safe in the back of the truck. Without wasting any time, we hop into the vehicle.
I can see why criminals would hide out here. Palm trees, a mild temperature in the low eighties, and a sun that makes all of the island flowers brighter.
The tires crunch over the gravel drive, leading us to a small blue house with white trim. There are island police cars on the scene. Ben’s guys must have called it in a favor.
When we walk in, Mr. Barron is in an embrace with a dark-haired woman. He utters, “Thank you,” over and over. He opens his eyes and focuses on my face. “Beau?”
“Yes, sir.”
“What are you doing here? Did Vanessa call you?” he asks as the woman’s fingers make circles on his back.
My face softens because Vanessa was never going to seek me out, and I don’t think I would have sought her out either. Neither of us wanted to have our hearts broken again. “No, sir. It’s a long story. One he can tell you when we get back to the states.” I motion to Beckett. “But right now, your daughter wants you home, and you know me, I like to give her what she wants.”
“Are you two back together?” he asks as his smile broadens.
“We are. We’ll tell you all about it on the plane.”
He strokes the lady’s hand on his shoulder. “Can Carlotta come with us? She’s taken care of me and kept me company.”
