12. CHAPTER 12
Alex stood staring at the message on Daniella’s phone. Her face was ashen, and her eyes wide with fear.
“I can’t do this, Alex,” Daniella told him, her voice hoarse with panic. “Ron Jackson had someone come into my home, my sanctuary, to terrorize me.” She shook her head, clutching the picture from the broken frame. “I thought I could do this, but I can’t.”
“You can’t do what?” Alex’s heart froze in his chest.
“This!” Daniella threw up her hands. “Make my stand and face down my enemy.”
“Yes, you can,” Alex encouraged, taking her hand in his. “You can do this because you’re not alone this time. You have me!”
“I had my uncle and cousins last time,” Daniella pointed out. “That man went after them, and the only friend Ron didn’t manage to isolate or turn against me. He nearly killed her.”
“Dani…” Alex’s voice dropped to a soothing tone. “Last time you were a single woman, which to a narcissist like Doctor Jackson, he sees as vulnerable and easier to manipulate.”
“That’s hogwash!” Daniella’s eyes sparked angrily. “But sadly true as I lived through his last round of torment and manipulation.” She paused as her eyes held his. “The thing that scared me was how easily Ron presented himself in a favorable light to others and how skillfully he was able to manipulate their perceptions of me in a not-so-favorable one.”
“That’s what narcissists do,” Alex pointed out, lowering his voice so only she could hear him. “You also have to remember that not only do you have someone in your life, but Doctor Jackson is now on the run from the law. So this time, there’s no charming his way into a favorable light.”
“I don’t know about that,” Daniella told him. “He managed to get someone to break into my house.”
“You said all you were able to see were the burglar’s eyes,” Alex’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Did you notice their build or height?”
“They had a slight build and were about Harriet’s height,” Daniella explained, and her eyes widened. “I don’t think it was a man.” Her eyes dropped to the warning written on her nightstand.
“Or a slender man?” Alex suggested, and alarm bells started to ring in his head.
“No.” Daniella shook her head. “They had a very distinct perfume, and that’s not a shade of lipstick I wear.” She examined it. “Nor would I wear it.”
“Would you be able to recognize the perfume again if you smelled it?” Alex asked her, and Daniella nodded. “And whoever it is may have to go to an emergency room to get a dog bite treated.”
“Or a tetanus shot,” Daniella added. “I could find out if any have been administered in the area.”
“Good idea,” Alex said. “We need to check with vets as well.”
“Would a woman go to a vet, though?” Daniella looked at him skeptically and shuddered. “Whoever she was, she hated me.” Her eyes met his. “The look in her eyes before she rammed me into the wall…”
“Maybe she’s in love with Doctor Jackson or a family member who thinks you’re hurting him,” Alex suggested.
“It wouldn’t surprise me,” Daniella told him. “While he’s a creep on the inside, he’s a handsome man on the outside and, like I said, very charming.”
“That’s another reason why he’ll get even madder and probably make his move sooner than he’d planned to,” Alex reasoned. “The man’s used to having his pick of women, but he couldn’t have you, so he had to try and manipulate you into having a relationship with him.”
“Just to feed his narcissistic ego.” Daniella’s eyes flashed angrily and signed. I hope the creep can hear this. There’s something else I didn’t tell you and Harley. I was called by a journalist, Meg Parks.
Alex’s brows shot up as he signed back that Meg had called him as well. Daniella told Alex about her conversation with Meg through sign language and the plan she’d formulated.
I think that’s a brilliant idea, Alex signed. “I think we’d better go find your cousin before he thinks we’ve deserted him.”
“I hope Jennifer has called him back, as I don’t want to delay our wedding now,” Daniella told him, and Alex smiled, seeing her courage and resolve to face Doctor Creepo’s return.
“I couldn’t agree more,” Alex told her, his heart pounding like a jackhammer. His soul ached for her words to be true and said out of love rather than necessity to escape a narcissistic stalker.
“Was anything taken?” Harley asked, pointing to the bugs he’d found in the lounge.
“No, but they broke my photo frame, which contained my favorite picture of Tom,” Daniella told him. “They also left a threatening note in lipstick on my nightstand.
“Daniella is sure the burglar is a woman,” Alex filled Harley in.
“So Doctor Creepo has once again recruited some lovestruck woman to do his dirty work.” Harley’s jaw clenched, and his eyes darkened with anger. “What a coward.”
Plans have changed.Alex signed to Harley. We’ll discuss it in the car.
“Are you ready to move into your new home?” Alex asked Daniella.
“Yes, I have most of my bags packed,” Daniella told him. “And I know Emily will finish packing when she’s home.”
“Do you want to show us what bags you are taking?” Alex asked. “Harley and I will load the car.”
The next twenty minutes had them packing the car, setting the alarm at Sam’s house, and making sure the security cameras, which had been knocked out, were turned back on. For added security, Harley set the motion detectors on the lawn back on. They had to turn them off because of Hicks.
As they drove towards their destination, Daniella updated Harley on their new plan. Alex messaged Harriet and Dawn to update the rest of their loved ones. When they got to his house, Harriet was waiting for them outside.
“Hi,” Harriet called as Alex, Harley, and Daniella climbed out of the Harley’s pickup. “Everything is set and ready.”
“Thank you, Harriet,” Daniella said, sighing in relief.
“Ethan messaged to let me know they were almost in Boston,” Harriet informed them and looked at Harley. “Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes.” Harley nodded. “I’ll just help Alex take Daniella and Emily’s stuff inside to their rooms.”
“I’ll fill some flasks with coffee,” Harriet told them. “I already have snacks for the road.”
“I’ll help you,” Daniella offered, following Harriet into the house.
“Alex, this is a nice thing you’re doing for my cousin,” Harley told him as he unpacked the bags. “I just hope it’s for the right reasons and you’re not expecting anything in return.”
“I would do anything for Daniella and Emily,” Alex admitted to Harley. “And I’m not doing this expecting anything in return other than their safety and to get that creep in jail.”
Harley hoisted two bags beneath his powerful arms and lifted another two before stopping and staring at Alex as if he were trying to see into Alex’s soul. Alex was starting to feel uncomfortable under Harley’s intense scrutiny. The man had a stare that could kill someone. It was so laser-sharp and foreboding.
“I believe you,” Harley finally said, making Alex sigh in relief. “Which rooms are Emily’s bags going in?”
He felt like he was being interrogated via mental telepathy, with Harley’s eyes, the burning lamps that made the interrogation room so bright—or at least that was how they were shown to be in the movies.
“The peach room,” Alex instructed. “It’s the fourth or fifth door on the left on the second floor.”
Alex grabbed a backpack and a suitcase. That’s all he could manage at the moment with his broken hand. It was probably all he could manage even without a fractured hand, unlike Harley the Incredible Hulk. The man was as strong as an ox, as fast as a striking snake, and could see through you with those laser eyes.
Harley Hulk!Alex snorted as he followed Harley up the stairs to the second floor.
“You’d think in this modern monstrosity of yours, you’d at least have an elevator!” Harley grunted as he lugged the four bags up the stairs.
Harley Hulk. Stairs are his kryptonite.Alex grinned, and an idea for a graphic novel took root. He made a mental note to let his graphic writing novel buddy, Connor, know. Alex frowned. Thinking about Connor made Alex think about Connor’s father, Brad. Since Brad’s wedding, Alex hadn’t seen much of the Danes family, and he missed his best friend and graphic novel writing buddy.
Everyone was pairing off into what appeared to be turning into long-term relationships. Even Harley now had Jennifer. One good thing that came of Brad and Ethan getting attached was that Alex and Harriet had started getting close again. While he loved all his friends equally, Alex and Harriet had always been a little closer than the rest. Maybe because they were always the daredevils out of the bunch and the ones leading the rest into mischief. Alex and Harriet always joked that they were male and female versions of each other and they were so much alike.
Alex’s heart tightened. What he wouldn’t give to go back to those days and warn himself not to be an idiot when it came to Harriet. Alex didn’t believe in having regrets. The things you did were done. You learned from them and moved on, and if something was important, you made sure you prioritized it. Like making sure you spoke to your parents as often as you could, and making sure that they knew you loved them—even if you were having a fight. Even if it was four times a year or just a quick Hi, I’m just checking in once a week or month. You kept in contact with your closest friends.
“Alex?” Harley’s voice snapped him out of his deep thoughts. “Is this the room?”
“Is it peach?” Alex asked.
“It’s a soft or off-pink,” Harley told him. “I don’t know what peach is? The fruit’s orange.”
“Let me see.” Alex hefted the heavy suitcase towards Harley and stuck his head in the room. “Yup. I think this is it.”
“You don’t know what color peach is either, do you?” Harley raised an eyebrow accusingly.
“Fine, it’s an orangy, pinky color.” Alex gestured with his hand. “Wait.”
He walked to the room on the left and opened the door. It was blue.
“What color is that room?” Sarcasm dripped from Harley’s voice. “Unicorn sparkles?”
“Funny.” Alex pulled a face. “It’s the blue room, so this is Harriet’s room, and the one on the other side will be lemon and is where Dawn is staying.”
“Awesome.” Harley lugged the bags into Emily’s new room. “Yeah, this is so Emily.”
“I asked Harriet to get a new mini fridge and latte machine for her room,” Alex told Harley.
“Is Emily going to have her own butler as well?” Harley stacked the bags neatly by the closet. “She’s a sweet kid who had a comfortable life that was ripped away from her. Even then, Emily has always been humble, so don’t turn her into a spoiled brat.”
“Oh, does that mean I have to cancel the Lamborghini and yacht I’ve ordered for her?” Alex retorted.
“Those you can divert to her oldest and favorite cousin.” Harley grinned. “I’m too old to turn into a spoiled brat.”
“I don’t know about that,” Alex exclaimed, laughing. “Let’s get the rest of the bags from the car, and I’ll show you where Daniella will be staying.”
Fifteen minutes later, Alex was standing in the room that was once a nursery for the house’s former owners. It wasn’t as big as most of the rooms in the house, but it had its own small walk-in dressing room and bathroom. Alex had also had a balcony added that joined his. Harley carried in the last of Daniella’s luggage while Daniella and Harriet were looking around the room.
“This is gorgeous, Alex,” Daniella told him. “That bathroom looks brand new.”
“It is,” Alex admitted. “It was put in when I bought it last year.” He explained that the room was once a nursery. “It only has a queen-sized bed due to space limitations, but I think you’ll like the mattress.”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” Daniella’s smile took Alex’s breath away when their eyes locked.
“Well, now that you’re settled,” Harriet broke the spell and their eye contact. “We’d best be going.” She looked at Harley. “Are you sure you’re up for this drive?”
“I’m good,” Harley assured her, glancing at his wristwatch. “I agree we’d best get on the road.” He looked at Alex and Daniella. “Be careful.” He kissed his cousin and hugged her. “I’m just a phone call away, and I’ve increased Alex’s security detail.”
“We’ll be fine,” Daniella assured him as she and Alex walked him and Harriet to Harley’s pickup. “We’ll see you tomorrow morning.”
They said goodbye and watched the car pull out of the driveway with Harley and Harriet. When Alex and Daniella were finally alone, they walked back into the house, and Alex locked the front door. He noticed Daniella wrapping her arms around her waist and shivering.
“I had to get used to that empty feeling as well,” Alex told her, leading her into the living room. “The house feels huge when there’s no one here.”
“What made you buy such a big house when you’re a bachelor?” Daniella asked.
“This house caught my eye the first time I came to Plum Island,” Alex explained. “When I saw it was up for sale last year, I had to have it.” He gave her a tight smile. “You may not believe this, but I do want a family and to settle down.”
“Why wouldn’t I believe you?” Daniella sat on the sofa, and Alex flopped down beside her, pulling out his phone. “I believe deep down most people want that.”
“Are you hungry?” Alex asked her, scrolling through his phone. “I want to order pizza for the men and something for us to eat.”
“That’s so sweet.” Daniella’s brows creased, and her eyes flashed with admiration. “I bet a lot of other people with security wouldn’t do that.”
“The men are out there risking their lives to make sure we’re okay,” Alex pointed out. “The least I can do is ensure they are fed and have hot coffee. I asked Harriet to set up a coffee station in what’s supposed to be the shed.”
“Oh, the little hut that faces the driveway?” Daniella asked. “I wondered what that was.” She frowned. “It’s a strange place for a shed.”
“I know.” Alex laughed. “I’m not sure what the previous owners used it for. When I came to view the house, the shed was empty and sparkling clean, as if it had never been used.”
“It didn’t smell like bleach, did it?” Daniella’s eyes glinted with a teasing light.
“Now that you say that…” Alex laughed, playing along and enjoying the conversation’s effortless flow. “So what’s it going to be?”
“Sorry?” Daniella looked at him, confused for a few seconds.
“For dinner.” Alex held up his phone.
“Whatever you’re having, I’m fine with it,” Daniella assured him. “Pizza sounds good.”
“Please don’t tell me you like pineapple on your pizza.” Alex’s eyes narrowed.
“Oh, gosh, no!” Daniella shuddered. “The only fruit I’ll have on pizza is an olive.”
“Great minds!” Alex sighed and called in the order. “It’s going to be forty minutes as they’re busy tonight.”
“Should we go for a walk on the beach?” Daniella glanced outside, and Alex followed her gaze. “Before it gets too dark?”
“A sunset walk?” Alex stood and offered her his hand. “That sounds good to me. Then we can eat and have an early night as we have a big day tomorrow with an early start.”
Daniella put her warm hand in his, sending an electric spark down his arm to zap his heart. Alex pulled her up and led her downstairs. When Alex opened the glass door, one of the security guards greeted them.
“Good evening, Mr. Blackwell, Doctor Thornton.” The man gave them a courteous nod.
“We’re going for a walk,” Alex informed the man. “I’ve let your officer in command know that we’re expecting a pizza delivery, so we won’t be long.”
“Of course,” the man said, stepping aside for them to exit. “And thank you, Mr. Blackwell, for the pizza and snacks. It’s appreciated.”
“Of course.” Alex nodded. “I don’t suppose you’d let us walk on our own?”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that, sir,” the man apologized. “I can keep my distance.”
“Thank you, that’s appreciated,” Daniella told the man, and Alex was surprised when she took his hand. “Let’s stretch our legs before feasting on pizza.”
Alex knew it was an act, but the simple gesture was doing crazy things to his emotions.
“After you’ve eaten and had a bath or shower,” Daniella looked at him as they walked hand in hand across the sand that sparkled from the low rays of the setting sun, “I’ll redress your hand.”
“Okay.” Alex nodded. “How’s your head?”
“I may take a headache pill before going to bed,” Daniella told him. “It has started to ache.”
Alex’s eyes widened with worry. “Are you sure you want to walk?”
“Walking is the best thing for me,” Daniella told him. “The fresh air and exercise is clearing away the remnants of the blackout.”
“You’re the doctor, so I’m not even going to try and argue with that.” Alex laughed.
They fell into a companionable silence as they continued their walk across the sandy section of the beach that fronted Alex’s property.
“Are we being crazy?” Daniella suddenly asked, turning her to look at Alex.
“Probably.” Alex nodded. “But these are crazy circumstances.” He looked at her earnestly. “If you’re having second thoughts…”
“No.” Daniella shook her head. “Not at all.” She frowned. “While a part of me is outraged that in the twenty-first century, the only way I get to keep my daughter and I safe is to marry someone.” She held up her hand before he could speak. “Please let me finish.” Alex nodded. “I feel like I’ve stepped into an eighteenth-century novel where my only choice is to get married or get sent to spend the rest of my life in isolation in a convent.”
“Or…” Alex held up his index finger. “A handsome young duke has offered you his hand in marriage, so you’re not forced to marry a lecherous old lord your father had picked out for you.”
Daniella’s face fell, and she stopped walking as she looked at him in amazement. Alex was about to apologize, thinking he’d offended her, and to his surprise, Daniella burst out laughing. The sound was warm and rich. It flowed through him like a fine whisky and made his heart thud. Alex’s lips turned up into a smile.
“I’m sorry,” Daniella said. “That was just such a romantic thing for you to say.”
Alex’s brow creased. “Oh?” He looked at her curiously. “You think I can’t be romantic.”
“No, it’s not that.” Daniella’s smile still brightened her face. “When you said the thing about the duke, a picture of you in a shiny blue foppish outfit, with a powdered wig and a cane, flashed through my mind.”
“I’d like to think I would’ve worn the more conservative and neutral colors if I lived back then,” Alex told her. “And rather than a wig, I’d prefer to keep my hair short or slightly long with a neat pigtail.”
“Or, a white billowing shirt and tight britches, with a captain’s jacket,” Daniella fantasized. “Like a privateer.”
“Ooh, a pirate!” Alex grinned. “I could see myself as a roguish pirate, stealing you away from your evil father and your lecherous betrothed.”
“Now there’s an image.” Daniella nodded as they continued to walk.
“Excuse me, Mr. Blackwell.” The man who was following them caught up. “Your food has arrived.”
“Alas, fair maiden,” Alex made a gallant, flamboyant bow. “I fear our walk must come to an end.”
Daniella laughed once again. They linked their hands and walked back toward the house with their shadow following them. Alex and Daniella sat around the dining table as they ate their pizza and talked about everything from their childhood, their favorite music, movies, and their dreams. Alex had even told Daniella that his second choice of a career behind being a marine vet would’ve been a graphic novelist.
After dinner, he showed her his sketchbook, and his heart expanded a little more when Daniella loved his drawings. The way Daniella listened to a person by being totally present and taking an interest in them made him fall for her even more. Alex hadn’t wanted the night to end, and he couldn’t remember a more enjoyable evening.
By the time Alex climbed into bed, it was nearly midnight. He closed his eyes as his head hit his cool pillow and drifted off to the image of Daniella laughing freely as they walked along the beach. Alex didn’t think he’d be able to fall asleep as quickly as he did, nor that he’d have the best night’s sleep he’d had in ages until his alarm went off at four-forty-five.
Alex reached out and hit it off, pulling the blanket over his head, wondering why he hadn’t reset it as he couldn’t run for another few days… Suddenly, his eyes flew open, and he pushed the blanket down.
“I’m getting married today!” Alex sat up and swung his legs off his bed, giving himself a minute to get fully awake before standing up and traipsing into the bathroom to brush his teeth.
Excitement shot through him at the thought of marrying Daniella. Even if it was a marriage of convenience, Alex was marrying the girl of his dreams. He didn’t know what the future would hold, but Alex was going to do whatever he could to help her and prove to her that he wasn’t the person she thought he was.
“But at the same time, you can’t be all creepy like Doctor Jackson,” Alex told his image in the bathroom mirror. His conscience twinged with a flash of guilt as he rinsed his mouth and toothbrush, and he leaned on the sink. “What am I doing?” Doubt spread through him. “I’m no better than Doctor douche bag.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Am I manipulating Daniella into a relationship with me?”
His heart raced as he opened his eyes, and the reality of marrying Daniella set in. Alex’s chest rose and fell as he felt pressure pushing on it. His mind raced as conversations with Harriet and Dawn rushed through it. They were right—Alex wasn’t thinking straight when he’d jumped feet first, wanting to be Daniella’s knight in shining armor. As he stared at himself, realization dawned on him, and Alex knew what he had to do—he had to tell Daniella the truth.
After showering and getting dressed, Alex walked onto his balcony to get a breath of fresh air. He was surprised to see Daniella sitting watching the sunrise, a mug of coffee clutched between her hands.
“Good morning.” Daniella smiled at him. “Would you like a cup of coffee? I’m using that brand-new coffee machine you have in my room.”
“Good morning,” Alex greeted her back, his heart lurching as he walked toward her. “I’d love a cup of coffee.”
“Take a seat, I’ll pour it,” Daniella was on her feet before he could stop her.
Alex sat and glanced out over the sea, which was being woken up by the sun’s golden orange rays as they stretched over the horizon. He drew in a few calming breaths as his nerves kicked in, and by the time Daniella returned with a mug of coffee for him, he’d nearly talked himself out of doing what he needed to do.
“You’re an early bird, too,” Alex commented, sipping the coffee.
“I don’t usually get a chance to just sit and appreciate the beauty of a sunrise,” Daniella told him. “This view is amazing.”
“This is my favorite time of day,” Alex admitted. “I usually go downstairs and sit on the balcony next to the dining room.”
“I bet that’s an even better place to watch the sunrise,” Daniella said.
“We can have breakfast out there soon,” Alex promised with a tight smile, taking another sip of coffee. “Daniella…” he began, but his throat went dry and felt tight. He swallowed. “I need to tell you something.”
“I need to tell you something too,” Daniella’s eyes widened, mirroring the doubt in his.
“You can start if you want to,” Alex told her.
“No…” Daniella shook her head. “You go ahead.”
Alex nodded. It’s best if I get this off my chest first. He scratched his head and glanced at the ocean, not quite sure how to start.
Alex looked at her. “I haven’t been completely honest with you.”
Daniella’s brow creased as she looked at him curiously. “About what?”
“Well, everything,” Alex blurted.
“You don’t want to go through with this?” Daniella’s frown deepened.
“Of course I want to go through with the wedding,” Alex’s voice deepened. He glanced around and whispered, “Do you think we could go for a walk and sit on the rocks?”
Daniella nodded. “I’ll get a sweater and meet you downstairs.”
Ten minutes later, they were perched on the rocks near where Emily had fallen.
“Daniella, I want you to know that I meant it when I said I wanted to help you and Emily in any way I could,” Alex assured her. “And trust me when I tell you I want to marry you. But even though this marriage is only of convenience, I don’t want to go into it with lies and secrets between us.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I don’t want you to ever look at me or think of me the way you do about Doctor Ron Jackson.”
“Alex, I would never see you in the same light as that man.” Daniella’s voice was filled with conviction. “I never felt comfortable in Ron Jackson’s presence from the get-go. I tried to be nice to him as I was tasked with getting him integrated into the hospital.” She reached out and covered his hand with hers. “I feel safe with you, and so does Emily.” She gave him a warm smile. “Even Hicks likes you, and he’s an excellent judge of character.”
“From where I’m sitting,” Alex confessed. “I don’t feel any different from Doctor Ron Jackson right now.”
“Let’s not call him doctor anymore,” Daniella interrupted Alex’s confession. “The man will have lost his medical license by now.”
Alex nodded and continued. “I feel like I’ve manipulated you into marrying me.”
“No, you didn’t.” Daniella shook her head. “Don’t feel like that. I wouldn’t have agreed if I thought you had.”
“Daniella, you don’t understand,” Alex said, hearing the silent plea echo through his tone like a man being strung up to hang. “Three years ago, when I thought Carly was leading my brother on and trying to become the next Mrs. Ethan Blackwell for her own gain…” He paused and cleared his throat. “I did a deep dive into her and her family, including you.” He closed his eyes and blew out a breath before looking at her again. “Especially you, as Carly had recommended you for my father’s heart condition.”
“Alex,” Daniella stopped him. Her voice was soft and compassionate. “I know all that.” She nodded. “I also had a suspicion that you knew about my predicament with Ron Jackson.”
“You knew?” Alex looked at her amazed, and she nodded. “But there’s more.” He took her hand in his. “Daniella, when I thought Carly was going to try to get back with Ethan despite me firing her and warning her away—“
“You threatened her with me,” Daniella finished for him. “Carly and I tell each other nearly everything.”
That made sense to Alex, and he nodded. “So she told you I had been investigating you?”
“No.” Daniella shook her head. “After you threatened Carly…” She cleared her throat and looked guiltily at him. “I started investigating you. I didn’t find out much other than what I probably already knew. For all your shenanigans and wide press coverage, you’re a hard person to dig dirt up on.”
Alex’s jaw dropped at Daniella’s confession, and he stared at her in disbelief for a few seconds before giving a laugh. “Well, aren’t we just the pair?”
“Yup!” Daniella grinned. “While we’re talking about investigating each other, I have to tell you that Meg Parks somehow came into possession of the file I had on you.” She raised her brows. “Did you hire Stanley Wells to investigate me?”
“No.” Alex shook his head. “Oz, our head of security, ran the investigation. Why?”
“Meg has an invoice in a file filled with my information from Stanley Wells with a bad forgery of your name on it,” Daniella told him.
“The file of the information I have on you, which I’ll give you, is in my safe on the boat. I know it’s still there because it’s the first thing I looked for after the break-in,” Alex assured her. “I’m sorry I investigated you and threatened Carly.”
“I’m sorry I investigated you, too,” Daniella told him. “But I’m glad we came clean about it.” She smiled. “Is this what you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Yes,” Alex said, nodding. “With all the information that keeps ending up in the wrong hands and the mind games people like Ron Jackson like to play, I didn’t want there to be anything they could use against us.”
“I agree,” Daniella told him and glanced at her wristwatch. “If we’re going to do this, we need to get moving.”
Alex nodded, stood, and helped Daniella up. As she came to her feet, she slipped, and Alex caught her in his arms. Their eyes met and locked. Alex’s heart rate accelerated, and he felt his lips being drawn to hers, but he held back as his conscience screamed at him—you haven’t told Daniella everything!