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Cole pulled away and hurried to his dresser. “Pack your stuff. As soon as I can I’ll come get you. I swear.”
I shoved my belongings into my bag, then collected my toiletries. “That’s all. I didn’t have a lot here.”
Cole closed my bag, zipped it, and took my hand. “We have to go. Do you have your phone?”
Spotting it on the nightstand, I gathered it along with my charger that was plugged into the wall. I held it up, then we hurried to the living room where Cole packed my cell and cords in my bag. Cole spun on his heel and stared at me with an intensity I’d never seen. My pulse stuttered against my wrist.
“Remember, Shae. I love you.” He tipped my chin up and pressed his lips to mine. A sickening combination of fear and dread nudged me in the gut. I couldn’t help but think that Cole had just kissed me goodbye. For good.
ChapterTwenty-Three
Cole leaned his motorcycle into the curve, and I clung to his waist, terrified to let go. I’d never seen him drive this fast, and the wind whipped through my blonde hair as he sped up a hill at a breakneck speed. I needed to adjust my helmet, but I couldn’t take the chance. A part of me loved dancing on the edge of danger, but I also realized that whatever King had said to him, he was willing to risk our lives for it.
Forcing myself to relax, I focused on the feel of Cole’s muscled abs and the strength of his body as he guided the bike. For a moment, I refused to think about anything else except being next to him. I had no idea when I would see him again … or if I ever would. I knew that King, Taco, Snake, and the other guys would do their best to keep him safe, but none of them were bulletproof, and I couldn’t pretend they were.
Minutes later, Cole pulled into the driveway at Daddy’s. He cut the engine, and I crawled off, my legs wobbly from the thrill of the ride.
Cole hopped off the bike, removed his helmet, placed it on his seat, and then grabbed my duffle bag. “Keep your helmet, Shae. You’ll need it when I get back.”
He ran his knuckles down my cheek, and I leaned into his touch. “Promise that you’ll return to me.” Salty tears spilled from my eyes and down my face, stinging my wind-chapped lips.
“I’m not leaving yet. I’m going to take you inside and tell Mom and Samuel bye.” He kissed me, then dried the moisture from my skin with the pad of his thumb. “This is what held me back from admitting my feelings for you. My life isn’t what you’re used to. If I need to take off and help King or handle some business, I know that I would have to leave you behind for a while. The idea of you upset and worried fucks me up.”
I gave him a weak smile. “I understand. At least I have the girls, Daddy, and Julia. I’ll try to stay busy and out of trouble while you’re gone.”
He pressed his lips to mine again, then threaded his fingers through mine and led me inside the house. Cole halted mid-step, and his attention landed on Zayne, who was standing in the foyer. I squeezed his hand, reassuring him.
“Cole. Shae,” Zayne said, his deep voice as smooth as freshly churned butter. He ran his large palm down the front of his suit and nodded. His white shirt and jacket showcased his broad shoulders and rounded biceps. At first, I hadn’t noticed how big this guy was, but I’d just been assaulted when we were introduced. My brain was anything but attentive.
“Zayne.” To my surprise, Cole reached out and shook his hand. “Please take care of my family while I’m gone.”
Zayne’s green eyes landed on Cole’s. “It’s what I’m trained and paid to do. Rest assured, I’m damn good at my job.”
The front door opened, catching me off guard. A guy with short blonde hair stepped into the foyer, his clothes matching Zayne’s.
“This is Vaughn Reddington. Samuel decided that two bodyguards were needed.” Zayne nodded at his teammate.
“Shae. Cole. It’s nice to meet you.” He shook our hands, his palms warm and smooth.
I stood staring at him, my mouth slightly open. I’d never met anyone with one brown and one blue eye. Not only was he as good-looking as Zayne, but his mismatched gaze was so intense, I forgot my manners and hadn’t realized that I was holding another man’s hand.
Cole pulled me closer to him, snapping me out of my trance. My cheeks flushed as I slipped my arm around Cole’s waist and leaned into him.
“Glad Samuel hired two of you,” Cole mumbled, his tone sour.
I pursed my lips, realizing that Cole was jealous. Not to mention, I would be around the bodyguards until he returned for me. I placed my palm on Cole’s chest, his heart pounding beneath my touch.
“Let’s find Samuel and Mom.” He tugged on my arm a little harder than usual, scowling.
I was sure that Zayne and Vaughn were used to being glared at. If shit weren’t so serious, I would have laughed, then made it up to Cole later.
We found Daddy and Julia in the living room, sitting on the couch next to each other. My adrenaline kicked in and I vibrated with excitement. It had been too long.
“Hey, Daddy. I’ve missed you.” I released Cole’s hand and hugged my dad. He looked as handsome as ever in a burgundy polo shirt and khaki shorts. I turned my attention to Cole’s mom, smiling. “Julia.” I gave her a warm hug.
Cole embraced them as well.
I placed my bike helmet on the floor near my feet, and Cole set my bag down next to it. I settled onto my favorite black leather loveseat, and Cole sat next to me, our thighs touching. He threaded his fingers through mine, and I could feel the flush travel up my neck. This was the first time we’d shown any affection to each other in front of our family.
