Chapter 4 Nicole #2
“No, it wasn’t. I get it.” She pulled out some fluffy white towels and set them on the counter.
“Look, Nicole, when people come to Shadows, it’s usually under very difficult circumstances.
Some are guests—that’s what we call the victims who have been rescued—and some come because they’re in danger here in the US.
Sometimes they end up staying at the house because they’ve fallen in love with someone here, or they turn out to be a huge asset to the house and are asked to stay. ”
I leaned against the counter. “What am I?”
“You’re a hero,” she grinned, “and… the rest, only time will tell.”
I huffed at her comment. I felt nothing like a hero. “Can you tell that to Paul?” I didn’t mean for it to come out as a snicker, but it did.
She turned on the shower and pulled me farther into the bathroom. She said quietly, “I’m going to give you a little info on Paul so you can understand him better, because Lord knows he won’t share shit with you.”
I liked this woman. “I’m listening.”
“He had someone he really loved once. That’s,” she hesitated, “gone now, and he hasn’t dated since. He’s pretty closed off and can be a bit cold.”
“You can say that again.” I rolled my eyes.
“But he’s like a brother to me, and the fact that he blew up like that back at the hospital tells me that he can with you.”
“Lucky me.” I dripped with sarcasm, and she chuckled.
“My point to that comment is Paul doesn’t let his emotions get the best of him until he feels strongly about something or someone.
” She gave me a pointed look. “I’ve seen women hit on him, and he shuts them down fast. He doesn’t allow himself to feel anything, but with you he must have.
Did anything happen between you guys?” I looked away, and I could feel excitement radiating off her.
I hated that I let a tiny smile slip, but I pulled it back as the memory of his hurtful words pushed my walls back up.
“I knew it.” She did a little wiggle through her shoulders. “God, I knew I caught wind of something.”
I laughed. “Don’t get ahead of yourself.” I closed my eyes and blew out a breath. So much had happened, and there was still a lot that needed to be worked out in my head. The Cartels weren’t going anywhere, and I needed to think about me and what would come next.
“Hey, Nicole.” She patted my arm, and I looked into her kind eyes. “I know this is a lot, but sometimes having a normal moment is just what you need to help you get your head back on straight.”
She’d read my mind. “And Paul is a normal moment for me?” I couldn’t help but feel what she was saying. There was a lightness to my chest I hadn’t felt in, what, years? She grinned when she knew she had me. I waved her off. “What do you think you caught?”
“When Frank separated you after your spat, Paul watched you all the way down the hallway until you were out of view.”
“He could have been making sure I left.”
“Nope,” her eyes lit up, “not with these guys. They’re all the same.
They’re wonderfully protective. Shit, Cole knows I’m up here with you right now.
He knows where I am pretty much all the time.
Some might think its controlling, but it’s not.
It’s their love language.” She started to fan herself.
“Girl, don’t even get me started on their alpha qualities.
” She chef-kissed into the air and growled.
“Once he realizes you weren’t just trying to get a story off his mission, you’ll get the Paul back who made that smile push through your hurt. ”
I rubbed my sore arm from where Bruno had grabbed me. “Maybe, but I’m only here until I get cleared to go back. So, he can take all the time he wants, but I won’t ever be questioned on my motives again.”
Her expression turned serious. “Please give Paul a chance. Trust me when I say he’s been through more than you can imagine, and he really is a great guy.”
“I’m sure he is.” I tried to play nice.
“Okay,” she stepped back, “we can girl talk later, but right now have a shower. We’ll have dinner in the dining room in an hour.”
“Where is the dining room?”
“Main floor, just follow Mark’s voice. He’ll be the one gushing over how great the food is.” She chuckled and stepped out and closed the door.
I turned to look at myself in the mirror. The bags under my eyes were dark, I looked like I hadn’t had a good meal in days, and the bruises on my body were embarrassing. “Holy shit, you look like death, Nicole,” I cringed out loud.
“Left side of the closet,” Savannah called as she closed the bedroom door behind her.
Left side?
***
Apparently, the left side of the closet meant fancy.
As much as a tank and shorts and the plush mattress called my name, I wouldn’t be so rude as to not attend dinner.
Besides, I was hungry, and the soft gray dress with long sleeves and square neckline looked good.
It seemed to draw away from my cuts and bruises.
Plus, the fact that the dress stopped mid-thigh made me feel like I had long legs, even though I didn’t think I did.
There were only a few times a year that I felt this way, so it was nice to have the added boost to my self-esteem.
I slipped on a pair of heels, amazed that they fit, and pulled my hair into a low ponytail.
A few pieces fell out, but they framed my face, so I was all right with it.
I fiddled with the thin bracelet I’d chosen from the things on the dresser as I headed down the stairs.
With a job like mine, I was used to quietly finding my way in these situations.
I always tried hard not to look out of place, and I got my game face on.
Though I much preferred being in the field, I could enjoy myself anywhere, and I liked these people.
“Wow,” Mia blurted when I found my way to the kitchen. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “No, actually, I’m not. Wow, you look fantastic!”
I stopped at the island where she sat and laid a hand on the smooth stone counter. “Thanks, Mia. The hot shower and clean clothes certainly helped me feel more alive. Now I just need to eat and sleep for about six days, and I’ll finally be myself.”
“That, we can do.” She smiled and looked over her shoulder.
“How’s Chase doing?” I knew my voice told them how I missed the little guy. We’d been inseparable for what seemed like weeks, and it felt strange not to even know where he was.
“He’s asleep, poor kid. He’ll probably be out of it for the next few days. He is one sick little boy. Once the medication kicks in, we’ll get a better idea. He’s so lucky you got to him when you guys did, or I’m not sure what state he’d be in.” I felt my chest tighten at the thought.
“The whole thing is terrible. I hate that he had to go through any of it.” I cleared my throat of emotion and looked around the kitchen, as I needed to change the subject.
I admired the stunning kitchen. It had everything you could imagine to cook and bake.
The huge stoves and ovens, the walk-in pantry, the massive island to prep food, and a sparkling stainless commercial fridge that would make any chef giddy over such luxury. “This place is something else.”
“Sure is.” Mia beamed, and I was thankful she let the topic of Chase go. “When you get the chance, you can fill your boots. If you like to be in the kitchen.”
“I very much do. I’m a bit rusty, but I could get lost in here.” I grinned as I admired the red KitchenAid on the counter.
She laughed. “Don’t tell Savi that. She’ll have you in an apron so quick.”
“I would be fine with that.”
“Then I’ll pass along the idea.” I heard her tap her finger on the countertop. “Look, there’s a lot of people to meet, but something tells me you’re pretty good in a crowd.”
“I’ve had a little experience.” I smiled when I heard laughter from the next room. “However, Mark did send me a digital flipbook from his phone, so I have some idea of who is who.”
She laughed and grabbed two huge bowls filled with corn and bean salad. “That’s my husband. He’s always looking out for people. In that walk-in pantry right there,” she used the bowl to point, “are some extra napkins. Could you bring those for me?”
“Of course.” I watched her disappear into the dining room as I made my way across the kitchen to the frosted door.
It felt strange to dig around someone’s kitchen, but I figured that was what this place was here for.
“If I were napkins, where would I be?” Then I spotted a stack of napkins with bears printed on them in a cute basket.
“There you are.” I took a bunch, and as I stepped out of the little room, I ran straight into someone’s big chest. “Oh!” A set of broad hands clamped down on my arms to steady me.
My eyes followed them up to a handsome face. Paul.
His eyes raked down my front as he held me. I could feel the heat from where his gaze left a scorched path. The memory of his lips on mine while my legs were wrapped around his lean waist in the water back in Mexico surged through me, and my heart went wild in my chest.
The sound of footsteps had Paul drop his hands away, then he took a step back.
A sweet voice came from behind him. “You must be Nicole. I’m Abigail.” A warm smile instantly smoothed out the lines on her chin. “It’s lovely to meet you.”
“You too.” I forced a grin, but it was tricky, as Paul’s intense eyes pierced me from where he stood. “You have a sister named June, right?”
“I do.” She seemed pleased I knew that. “She’s in the other room. Why don’t you come and join us?”
“I’d love to. Thank you.” I held up the napkins. “Mia asked me to bring these.” I glanced at Paul but had no clue what his thoughts might be. He stayed quiet.