Chapter 12
LUNA
The last few days have been a whirlwind.
Between making sure the shelter was covered, supervising renovations, and planning a wedding, everything blurred together.
Frank hired people to cover my shifts, insisting it was ridiculous for me to work my last two weeks, but I still made a point to see him every day.
And then there is Cole.
Leo and I have officially moved into his house. He’s encouraged me to make any changes, but I’ve got too much on my plate right now.
Cole joins me in the kitchen. “We have to interview drivers for you this week, too.” He shrugs. “Or we can wait until next week after the wedding.”
I scrunch my nose up. “Driver? I don’t need a driver. I can take the bus anywhere I need to go.”
He shakes his head and then pulls me to his lap as he sits down at the dining room table. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into, do you?”
I loop my arms around his neck. “I think we’ve been through this. I want this, Cole.”
He nods. “I know, but being the wife of a Kingston means that some of the things you normally do aren’t possible anymore.”
I tense. “Like what?”
He shrugs. “Well, ride the bus for one. Luna…” He searches for the words. “The Kingstons have adversaries. And you’re a Kingston now. You can’t go places without protection.”
I know what he’s saying is true, and maybe it should scare me a little bit, but it doesn’t. “Okay, a driver. What else?”
He shrugs. “You’re always going to have a shadow. I know it sucks, but you need to be aware that you’re not safe now. There is always someone that thinks they can take what belongs to the Kingstons. But the people we hire will protect you with their lives.”
I squirm in his lap. “Are you trying to scare me, Cole?”
He shakes his head. “No, of course not, but I do want you to know the reality of it all.”
I nod. “I get it.”
The front doorbell rings. “That must be your mom.”
He sighs and leans his head against mine. “I’m ready for this wedding, Luna. I need it done.”
I’m not sure what to make of his words. I know this week has been a lot. The doorbell rings again, and Cole groans. “Paul is my mom’s driver, and he is not patient at all.”
I kiss him on the mouth briefly and then stand up. “I’ll see you back here this afternoon.”
He looks almost reluctant to let me go but nods. “Yeah, have fun, Luna.”
He kisses me again, and then I grab my purse off the counter, and we walk toward the front door.
Cole opens the door and nods at the driver. “Paul.”
He gestures to the car. “Eleanor is waiting for you, ma’am.”
I smile at him. “Thanks, Paul. See you later, Cole.” It’s on the tip of my tongue to say “I love you,” but I don’t. I walk toward the car and slide in next to Eleanor.
She’s smiling and happy. “Well, are you ready for this? I have it all lined up. We’ve had to consolidate a little to get it all in. First, we’re going to get massages. Then hair and nails. Then this afternoon, we’re going to the Wedding Boutique for a dress.”
I nod. I’m a little uncomfortable with the amount of money that has been spent already on this wedding, but Cole has begged me not to worry about it.
Eleanor pulls out a check list. “I saw that you and Cole did the cake testing. Did you love it?”
I pat my belly. “Yes, I think I gained ten pounds.”
She laughs. “I loved your choices.”
She checks off some more on her list. “Tux is done, flowers, food is arranged, location is booked, music, reception.” She points at the one unchecked item on the list. “It looks like the dress is the only thing left for us to do.”
“Eleanor, thank you so much for doing this with me. You’ve been such a huge help. I would have been clueless.”
She shakes her head. “Nonsense, honey. You have no idea how much it means that you are letting me help. I should be thanking you.”
Eleanor is draped in diamonds, and every lock of hair is in place. She’s the epitome of style. But somehow she’s so down to earth and easy-going. I’m really looking forward to spending time with her today.
We start at the spa, and I’ve never been so relaxed and pampered in my life.
They bring us a light lunch between massages and nails, and by the time we leave the spa, it feels like every tense muscle has eased.
I can’t stop staring at my nails or looking at myself in the rearview mirror.
I look happy, and I haven’t seen that look on my face in a very long time.
My phone dings. “Miss you.”
I smile at Cole’s text. He’s sent me messages throughout the day, and even though he hasn’t said I love you, I’ve felt it in his messages. I mean, he has to care for me, right? Or something close to love at least.
I text Cole back. “I miss you too. I can’t wait to see you tonight.”
I send the message and then pocket my phone.
Eleanor points at me. “You’re smiling. You’re happy. I like seeing it, Luna.”
My cheeks heat. “Me too.”
We arrive at the Wedding Boutique, and instantly they put a glass of champagne in my hand and lead me to the sofa.
Eleanor seems accustomed to this kind of treatment, but it’s still a shock to me. The salesladies bring out dress after dress, lining them up for my approval before adding the ones I like to the dressing room. Once we have a few selected, they escort me back, and I slip into the first gown.
It’s breathtaking.
I love it instantly.
But surely I can’t choose the first one.
I glance at the tag. Three thousand dollars.
My stomach drops. That’s too much. Way too much. I check the others, hoping to find something more reasonable, but they’re all the same price…or more.
I’m stepping out of the dressing room to talk to Eleanor when something catches my eye through the open back door. A small cat sits in the alley beyond it, pawing at what looks like discarded food.
Without thinking, I lift the hem of the dress and step outside.
I crouch, speaking softly to the cat, hoping it won’t run, when someone shouts, “Grab her.”
I barely have time to lift my head before arms wrap around my waist. I scream as I’m dragged toward a parked car. Another man stands by the open trunk.
The world tilts.
I’m thrown inside.
Pain explodes through my ribs as I land on something and the lid slams shut, cutting off my scream. Seconds later, the engine roars to life. I’m tossed from side to side as the car speeds away, metal vibrating around me.
My hands fly to my pockets in search of my phone, but then I remember I’m in the wedding dress.
I left my phone in the bridal shop.
I force myself to breathe, but panic claws at my chest. Cole’s words from this morning echo in my head. He warned me. He told me I needed to be careful, and he was right.
Eventually the car slows and stops.
The trunk opens, light blinding me as rough hands yank me out. They march me toward a warehouse, my voice tumbling out in desperation.
“My name is Luna,” I say quickly. “Please… just tell me what you want. I don’t have much money, but I can get some.”
They exchange a look.
“You better hope you can,” one of them says. “Because you’re not worth anything to us if you can’t.”
They shove me into a chair. I stare down at the dress. It was once white, but now it’s smeared with oil and dirt. One man binds my wrists and ankles with zip ties while the other paces the room.
“When will he get the ransom note?” the pacing man asks.
“Should be getting it now,” the other replies, breathless.
“And if they don’t pay?”
He looks at me, slow and assessing. “Look at her. He’ll pay. He’s marrying her Saturday. Of course he’ll pay.”
My throat tightens. “Who are you?” I ask.
The pacing man stops. “Your biggest nightmare.”
He tears off a strip of duct tape and presses it over my mouth. I try to scream, but it’s useless.
I lean my head back, my eyes burning.
Somewhere, right now, Cole is receiving a ransom note.
And all I can think is what if he doesn’t pay?
What if this was never love to him… and he finds I’m not worth the cost?