Chapter 11
Barun
If there were such a thing as heaven, I certainly experienced it in the last few moments. Worn out after her release, Katy looked stunning with her hair spread around the sheets. Her lips swollen and her center glistening, she was a vision I’d take to the grave.
Just when I thought the moment was too perfect, my phone rang loud and clear, breaking our little bubble. With a muffled curse, I walked to where my towel was lying and quickly wrapped it around my waist. Picking up my phone, I stiffened to see Noah’s name flash on my screen.
Fuck! How could I forget her brothers? And how the hell did I end up giving Katy an orgasm while I should have been protecting her? Before the guilt could kill me, I answered the call brusquely, deliberately walking away from the bed.
“Yeah, everything’s under control.” I answered, giving him a summary after our arrival at Tinselford. Of course, I didn’t mention his sister’s addictive body or her sweet scent. I’d like to live a little longer.
“The town is seeing some outsiders for the holidays. I don’t like it, Caruso. Are you keeping a check? And I don’t want the answer to be no.”
I frowned, hearing the first of it. My team would have informed me if there had been outsiders after our arrival. I have the incoming vehicles monitored, and for good reason.
“I have everything under control. She’s safe. Two of my men are staying at the inn. A couple of locals are also on our side. If I need more enforcement, you’ll be the first to know.”
“What about her emails? Nothing more, right? Why aren’t you able to trace the original IP?”
“Noah, masked IPs can be untraceable, and this fucker seems to know his shit with technology. Anyway, Ryker’s vigilant. He has found nothing suspicious so far.”
Noah grunted and disconnected the call after warning he expected daily updates. Locking my phone, I looked at the ground level of the cabin from above, not really seeing anything in particular.
“Was that my brother?”
Katy’s soft, hesitant voice made me turn around, noticing she was dressed in leggings and a thick sweatshirt. Thank God for that! The last thing I needed was the temptation of her bare, delectable body.
“Yes, that was Noah. He wanted to check if you were okay.”
Katy looked at me for a few seconds too long before sighing. “I’m really not an idiot, you know. And I’m certainly not fragile. I can handle the truth. I wish you could tell me everything.”
“I know, Princess.”
Unknowingly, my voice carried regret, nearly confirming there was more to this trip than Izzy getting shot. “I want to know I’m really proud of who you’ve become. You’re fearless, and your past experiences have only made you stronger. I cannot tell you how fucking amazing that is.”
Embarrassed at the emotions that threatened to spill along with my words, I stopped abruptly before looking away. “I’ll shower and join you for breakfast.”
Without waiting for her response, I walked to the closet and pulled out my clothes. Ten minutes later, dressed in denims and a black shirt, I went down to the kitchen to unpack the groceries I’d got from the local shop after my morning run.
Katy had already unpacked the eggs, and she was hunting for the saucepan. Opening one of the cupboards, I took the pan out and silently started the breakfast. We worked in silence until both plates were placed on the kitchen island. Sitting down, she addressed the elephant in the room.
“Are we going to pretend nothing happened?” Her voice was soft with a hint of steel underneath.
“Princes…”
“No, please, no excuses this time. What are we doing?”
I sighed. “To be honest, I don’t know. I want to protect you. I’d give my life for you, but to take your innocence? Break the trust your brothers have in me? I don’t know whether I’m capable of that.”
The moment those words slipped out, I knew I’d said the wrong thing.
I wanted to slap myself until my senses returned.
Looking at the devastated expression that was quickly replaced by anger, I also realized I was well and truly fucked.
For the first time since I knew her, Katy showed me she was a Falcone. Regal and proud.
“At least you’re honest with your intentions. Excuse me, I think we’re done here.”
The finality and chill in her voice killed me. Shit, shit, shit! “Princess…” I pleaded, ready to beg for her forgiveness.
“I’m going to be working for a while. Please don’t disturb me unless it is really necessary. Also, I’d like to go to the local inn this evening. We both can agree we’d do better with some company.”
With my heart in tatters, I watched Katy walk away from the kitchen, like a queen. Perhaps this was for the best, I told myself. I couldn’t afford to get too close or too emotional as her bodyguard. If only my fucking heart aligned with those thoughts!