CHAPTER 24
TAYLOR
Victor draped his arm over Taylor’s shoulders as they walked the massive grounds of his parents’ compound. It was sunny and warm, the perfect day to appreciate his mother’s extensive rose garden.
“You think Vicky is up yet?” Victor asked.
Taylor laughed. It was his third time asking after complaining that she was always asleep during his very limited free time. “I’m sure she is, honey. Let’s head back.”
Victor looked down at her with boyishly raised brows. “For real? You’re ready to go back?”
Taylor pivoted on her foot and made an about-face. “Come on.”
Victor caught up, lifted her off the ground, and threw her over his shoulder.
“You're gonna throw your back out, Governor. I ain’t light as a feather and you ain’t no spring chicken.” ?
“Whaaat?” Victor protested with a smack to her ass. “I’ll have you know that my opponent often refers to me as spry and inexperienced.”
“Spry?” Taylor giggled. “Okay, young fellow.”
“Damn right,” Victor quipped while rubbing the sting from her butt cheek.
“Governor?” Andrew called from the patio. “The senator would like to see you.”
“Thank you. I’ll be right in.” Victor leaned forward, allowing Taylor to slide down his body. Before stepping away, she took a second to look him in the eye. “How are you holding up?” she asked.
When Victor cupped her jaw, Taylor could see the anxiety clouding his beautiful green eyes. “I cannot lie. I am worried about the safety of our family. We have an enemy that we don’t know. We’re fighters, only we have no clue who to fight.”
“Yeah,” Taylor said, sighing. “But, between Linc, Bella, and Donna, they’ll uncover our enemy’s identity. “And the doctor is on the case too.”
“Let’s hope they come up with something soon. With all the Secret Service, we’re safe. Unfortunately, the rest of our family is charged with fending for themselves.”
Taylor looked up at him with a smirk. “Honey, I pity the fool that runs up on Lincoln, Donna, or anyone else in this family in a dark alley.”
“Yeah,” Victor agreed with a chuckle. “Meanwhile, you know my dad’s about to tell me that I need to get back on the campaign trail.”
Taylor raised a brow. “He’s right.”
Victor nodded. “I know,” he admitted with a sigh.
They entered the house and parted ways. While Victor met with his father, Taylor planned to check on Bella. She took the stairs and walked several hallways until she reached her bedroom. The strong aroma of weed smacked her in the face as she knocked on the door.
“Come in,” Bella called from the other side.
Taylor entered and smiled because Bella looked much better. But that wasn’t hard to do since she’d looked dead right after her attack. “I see you’re in here smoking the devil’s weed again.”
Bella giggled and took a pull from one of the pre-rolled blunts Victoria had left her.
“This shit right here, friend, is better than any painkiller they could have given me in the hospital. I feel like a new woman.” Bella stretched her neck and twisted so that Taylor could see the side of her face. “Did my face grow back yet?”
Taylor laughed and plopped down in a chair by her bed. “Shut up, stupid!”
Bella laughed and rubbed her jaw. “Feel like it’s growing back.”
Taylor leaned forward and caught her hand. “No, seriously, how do you feel?”
Bella sat up. Her expression turned serious. “I feel well... well enough to get out of this bed and hunt down the motherfuckahs the shot my man.”
“Well, shi-id, let’s get to it,” Taylor muttered. ?