Chapter 24
Lily
Inever understood or could relate to the saying, You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.
Until now.
Because even though Brady had promised me that David wouldn’t have access to me at the Beverly Hills location of the Cole and Spade Hotel, where I had just moved, I still scanned the lobby every time I walked in. And I inventoried all the faces around me after I stepped inside the elevator, prior to pressing the button to my floor, doing it again before I opened the door to my room.
The same was true this morning when I walked down the tarmac toward the Daltons’ private plane, wondering if David would somehow pull up out of nowhere. Or when I climbed the steps and entered the cabin, I questioned if he would be sitting in one of the seats or couches. Or when I walked toward the galley, would he be there in the back, waiting for me?
When it came to David, I never knew what to expect.
So, I’d learned to anticipate him wherever I went.
Would that habit ever die? I couldn’t imagine it would. Nor could I fathom a day when I wouldn’t fear his capabilities.
But the past two days, since the flowers had been delivered to Brady’s house, my brain had taken a slight mental pause from David. Because, during those two days, I’d been completely wrapped up in Brady.
Spoiled.
Lavished.
And devoured.
That man was something special. Something perfect. Something I wanted and needed. And for as long as I’d fought this relationship, terrified that I was getting him involved in my mess, he’d assured me it was his choice.
And he chose me.
Before I left his house to move into his hotel, he promised I had nothing to worry about. That there was no reason to panic. The home I kept calling a palace had been built by him and he’d told me it was impenetrable. David had been able to reach the doorstep, where the flowers had been delivered, but he couldn’t get through the walls. That also applied to his hotels and anytime I traveled with the Daltons or on my own.
According to Brady, I would be completely protected from here on out.
I didn’t know how.
But I believed him, and I trusted him.
And as my guests boarded the jet and I greeted them in the cabin, Brady’s promise began to make sense, and I understood just how he was going to make that happen from afar.
That insurance came in the form of Diesel, Dominick’s passenger, the two going to Las Vegas, where we’d have a one-night layover and fly back to LA tomorrow. Although Dominick was tall and broad, like Brady, Diesel looked almost twice their size. He didn’t have the body of a linebacker. More like a pro wrestler with muscles protruding from every part of him, a neck that was thicker than a tree trunk with tight, veiny skin, and hands like a catcher’s mitt.
I hadn’t worked for the Daltons for that long. I didn’t know them as well as Aubrey. But my gut told me that Diesel wasn’t a business associate of Dominick’s, nor was he Dominick’s bodyguard since neither he nor his family ever traveled with one.
I made sure the men had everything they needed and went to my seat in the galley, prepping for takeoff before I pulled out my phone to send Brady a text.
Me
So … question. I’m not saying Dominick can’t have a bodyguard, but given that one suddenly appeared, very randomly, seems more than just a coincidence. Which then makes me wonder, are you the reason why the largest man I’ve ever seen in my life is flying with me today?
As I was strapping myself into the seat, the bubbles appeared under Brady’s name, telling me he was typing.
Brady
I might have had something to do with it.
Me
You got me a bodyguard?!
Brady
I told you, Lily, David isn’t going to touch you or come anywhere near you. I can’t guarantee that if I’m not there, but Diesel can. No one will fuck with that man—he’ll eat them.
Me
HA! No, really, he’s so large, I get the feeling he WOULD eat them.
But also, I love the way you protect me.
I really, really love it.
Brady
You’ll be safe at the Cole and Spade Hotel in Vegas. I’ve got zero concerns about that. I just need to know that while you’re out shopping and eating—things you’d better do, and do not fight me on that—that you’re safe then as well.
If I hear you’re only hanging out in your room …
Me
Your tongue will punish me? ;)
Brady
Don’t send those words to me … not when you’re that far away and not when all I can think about is eating your pussy.
Me
I die. 3
Brady
I also might have had something to do with the reservation you have for dinner tonight. It’s at my favorite restaurant. I booked you a seat at the bar. I don’t know how you feel about eating alone, but I thought the bar would be a good spot for that. Besides, Diesel is going to take you and be there with you, so you won’t exactly be by yourself.
Me
You’re so, so thoughtful. Thank you for taking care of me. I can’t wait to try your fave restaurant.
And thank you for Diesel. You’re amazing. I hope you know that, and I hope you know how much I appreciate you.
I peeked into the main cabin to check on my guests. Diesel was sitting on the couch, his frame far too wide to fit in one of the regular-sized seats. For the smallest of seconds, I envisioned David approaching us on the Strip in Vegas. Diesel wouldn’t just palm him; he’d toss David straight through one of the metal grates on Las Vegas Boulevard.
There was no question I’d be safe with him.
Brady
My family has known him for a long time, and all these years we’ve called him Diesel. I don’t think I even know his real name. But I assure you, you’re in good hands.
Me
When you told me nothing was going to happen to me, I believed you.
But were you going to tell me, at any point, that you got me a bodyguard? Or were you just going to let me figure it out when this massive man started shadowing me?
Brady
It was a bomb I planned to drop before you landed. I figured I had a good hour or two before I sent that text.
Me
LOL.
Brady
I don’t want to hide anything from you, so I want you to know that Dominick knows, which I’m sure you’ve figured out. I had to tell him to get Diesel on board. Your safety is also his number one concern.
Me
Is it strange that my boss knows I’m in danger-ish?
Brady
Your boss is the top entertainment lawyer in the country. He deals with celebrities and their protection for a living. Believe me, you’re anything but strange to him.
He’s also my best friend. A dude who has never seen me go wild for a woman until you. Even if David didn’t exist, he’d want you protected. You’re precious cargo, baby.
The phone above my seat rang, and I quickly held it to my ear, listening to the pilot tell me we were about to take off. I hung up and checked the back exit, making sure it was locked, along with each of the cabinets and the restroom door. I made one final sweep of the cabin, asking Dominick and Diesel if they needed anything, and then I returned to my seat.
Me
Don’t growl when I say this, but you’re quite possibly the sweetest man ever.
Brady
Sweet?
Me
Mmhmm. Extra sweet.
Brady
It’s not a side I reveal often.
Me
Well, I’m obsessed with it. But I’m equally obsessed with your other side too. In fact, I’ll take both—and lots of each.
Brady
Sounds like you’re calling me perfect.
Me
What I’m calling you is my dream come true.
Brady
Fuck me, Lily. That is so hot.
Me
And I miss you. How’s that for a topping?
Brady
Tell me how much.
I stared at his words, thinking of how I’d felt this morning when I moved my things into his resort, a room that had at least twice the space of the previous hotel I’d been staying at. Something told me it wasn’t a standard size either, that Brady had put me in an upgrade since it came with a walk-in closet, a seating area, a desk, and a full bar.
He was constantly taking care of me.
Thinking of me.
But it wasn’t just that. It was the thought that tonight, when I got into bed, his arms wouldn’t be around me. I wouldn’t feel the warmth of his body. He wouldn’t be the first thing I saw when I opened my eyes the next morning.
Things I’d grown to really love since sleeping at his house.
Things I was certainly going to miss during my trip to Vegas.
Me
Knowing I’m not going to wake up to you makes me ache so hard.
Honestly, the last two nights I spent at your house were everything I’d always wanted and never had. They were the best couple of days I’d had in years.
Yes. Years.
Brady
Nothing makes me happier—aside from knowing you’ll be back tomorrow.
Me
Does that mean I’ll get to see you?
Brady
Fuck yes.
Me
Good. I can’t wait.