Chapter 25 #2
“I’m going to drive you there myself, and we’ll spend the next few weeks exploring Edinburgh. We’ll do the ghost tour like you wanted.”
I smiled at the thought of a tour guide trying to spook William. “I want to see the Highlands too.”
“Of course. We should have done that as soon as you got here, but we’ll have plenty of time after you’re done with your next mural.”
***
A few days had passed since our meeting with William’s friends.
The plan was already set in motion, so I bided my time sketching a few ideas for Limitless Co.
’s next mural in Edinburgh. I wanted to lean into a mythical theme since the nation’s animal was, in fact, a unicorn.
I was still working out my aunt’s painting on the side too, but once this mural was done, I could dedicate my full attention to it.
William set up the spare bedroom as my workspace, and I enjoyed looking out at the view between sketching.
I could actually see a life here. It was hard not to fall in love with the idyllic city, cobblestone streets, and friendly faces.
My parents checked in every day, and it was becoming harder and harder to promise them I’d be back soon.
I didn’t know when I’d be back. William and I planned to visit my mural in Venice once it was done, but I was finally living the life I’d always envisioned.
The life that Aunt Lilit lived, free of restrictions and judgment.
Lilit was loving all my updates and pictures of the Scottish countryside.
She was planning to come visit us soon too.
I desperately needed some advice from Elspeth on how to handle the life-threatening situation that Angus now posed.
“Well, despite all that, you sound really happy there,” she said as she opened and closed drawers.
I cleaned up my brushes and riffled through my kit. “I am. I didn’t know being this happy was even possible. I’m a walking Tampax commercial. Deliriously happy.”
Elspeth laughed. “So, how’s Will handling this business with Angus?”
I cringed at what I was going to say next. “We all decided that the best course of action is to use me as bait.”
I heard glass crash onto the floor on the other end of the line. “What?!”
“Calm down. It’s going to be okay.”
“Angus is a fucking depraved, and Shannon made his intentions clear at the pub. I can’t believe William would agree to this!”
“He didn’t at first, but the team really thinks this is the best option.”
“Let me guess, Finn is part of this master plan?”
I was surprised to hear her mention him. “As a matter of fact, yes, and how come you never told me about him? He said you guys would hang out when you would visit Scotland in the winter.”
Elspeth huffed. “Don’t try to change the subject, missy. Finn has always been a wild card, he can’t be trusted.”
“Sounds like there’s some history there.”
“Shut up and put William on the phone. I’m putting an end to this idiotic plan right now.”
“No. It’s already set in motion, and I’m going to be okay, I promise. I have five guys from the special forces on my side, okay?”
Elspeth grumbled, and I could hear her tapping out what I assumed was a text to William as we spoke.
I rolled my eyes and got back to my illustration but couldn’t find one of my pens. “Damn.”
“What?”
“I thought I packed my whole art kit, but I’m missing some things.”
“They should have an art supply store somewhere nearby. Don’t forget to take your five bodyguards with you.”
I said my goodbyes to Elspeth and threw on a coat and scarf to make the trek to the inn.
I felt so at home here, even though it was cold and rainy ninety-five percent of the time.
It was the opposite of life in California, and there was something invigorating about that.
I passed by the horse corral next to the barn and saw William holding the reins of a pony as a small child rode on top.
The little boy’s parents waved to him from the gate, and William talked to him with so much enthusiasm.
I’d never seen him interact with kids before, and it was such a stark contrast to his usual stoic demeanor that it took me by surprise.
His serious features were warm, and he made a goofy expression that made the boy giggle.
I didn’t want to be caught watching, so I hid behind a nearby tree.
William started a slow jog, and the little boy’s laughter peaked to new heights.
William’s handsome face broke out in a grin, and he let out a masculine chuckle.
My ovaries were near to bursting, and I leaned my cheek against the tree for support.
I didn’t know I could fall more in love with the man, but he continued to surpass my expectations every day.
I could picture him with our future children, and it gave me butterflies.
Sharing something with William that would forever bind us together.
Proof of our love taking shape in a living, breathing soul. It gave me shivers in the best way.
Not wanting to interrupt, I slowly made my way toward the road to town.
The art supply store was close enough to walk based on Google maps, and I’d only need a second to find what I was looking for.
I pondered the thought of kids the whole way to the store, absentmindedly waving to people I passed, and I entered the store with a tinkling of the entrance bell.
The cashier smiled at me, and I grabbed a basket. I was kneeling in one aisle to get a better look at the brushes when I heard a man’s voice address me.
Caleb was a slight man in his fifties.
What he lacked in stature, he made up for in fashion, wearing a fedora, a brightly colored ascot, and a pinky ring with his initials. “Oh, my dear, funny running into you here.”
I rose to my full height and adjusted the basket so I could shake his hand. “So nice seeing you again.”
It didn’t look like he was shopping since his hands were free of merchandise. “I looked up your portfolio, and everything is to die for. Your stuff would be perfect for a showing. There are some openings if you’re interested in selling some pieces.”
“Oh, wow. That would be great. I’ll be in town for a while, so it wouldn’t hurt to meet some potential clients.”
Caleb’s small blue eyes shone with excitement. “Let’s grab a pint at the pub next door, and we can go over the details.”
William never got back to me on whether or not to trust Caleb, but we were going to a public place in broad daylight. Plus, I didn’t want to pass up a work opportunity.
“Sure, let me just pay for this stuff.”
Caleb was easy enough to talk to. His husband owned the gallery, but he ran it. It felt like I was talking to an old friend, but maybe it was the pint making me more relaxed than usual.
“So, you came here for a boy. How romantic.”
I laughed. “Well, a man. Very big man, actually. We’ve known each other since we were kids though.”
“Oh?”
“He has a half sister from America. I’m her best friend. You know that old trope.”
My grip on my glass loosened involuntarily, and my hand slipped, causing my drink to slosh onto the bar top. I didn’t even have that much to drink, but it was hitting me harder than usual. Getting drunk with a potential business partner wasn’t a good look.
He looked at me with concern. “Are you alright?”
“Yes, sorry. I don’t usually drink.”
“No worries. So tell me more about this man.”
“Oh, I shouldn’t. Not professional.”
My head was feeling heavy, and it was hard to keep my eyes open. What the hell was happening to me?
I must have said that last part out loud because Caleb gathered me off the stool and led me toward the door. “I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about, dear. Just lean into me, that’s it.”
He easily guided me toward the door, and I had little control over my limbs.
This motherfucker drugged me!
“Where are you taking me?”
He hauled me outside, and it was like I was having an out-of-body experience. To an outsider, we looked like friends who’d had too many mimosas at brunch.
We reached a BMW, and a tall bald man opened the backseat as Caleb pulled me across the sidewalk.
The last thing I remembered was his once warm and welcoming voice turning to stone. “It’s done. Now I want my money.”