Chapter 20
That was an unexpected reaction. I moved to take her in my arms, setting the items down on the nearest display table. Other shoppers noted her breakdown, and I ushered her out of the store.
“Oh, God. I’m sorry I embarrassed you,” she stammered, panic filling her eyes. “Please don’t be angry. It won’t happen again.”
“Hey, calm down. You’re not in trouble, and you didn’t embarrass me. I wanted to give you some privacy to process whatever it is that’s going on. I’m guessing you miss your son.”
She nodded and burst into tears again. Today was our last full day and night together. I debated asking the guys to push up our timeline and get Declan from camp today. We could have them reunited at the safehouse by evening.
But part of her healing would be confronting Cameron and letting him know she was done. And I wanted more time with her. That was my truth. Marcus opened the car door, and I helped her in, but didn’t join her.
I went back inside the bookstore, grabbed the items I’d put down, placing them in a basket. I then grabbed the two journals she’d looked at. As I was standing in line, I had a bit of inspiration. I whipped out my phone and texted Alek.
COUNSELOR:
You know that safe you bought Isabella. Think you could find me a smaller-sized one? It would be for journals, notebooks, that kind of thing.
REAPER:
I can. How many are we talking and am I delivering it or bringing it back here?
COUNSELOR:
Delivered if you can, and the current number will be five journals, but maybe with room to grow.
REAPER:
I’m on it. How did last night go?
I typed, then backspaced, imagining him with a huge grin at my lack of a quick response. After two minutes his text came in. I erased the book I’d typed and read his.
REAPER:
So Ivan’s late-night musings might have some merit. All I ask is that you’re sure before you bring her home. Kinsley gets attached easily. I won’t have her heartbroken if you have a falling out.
Fucker, of course, he would tease me, and duh, I’m pretty sure I was the one who told him about Kinsley’s attachment issues way before he realized it.
COUNSELOR:
Fuck off. I know the rules. I’m not bringing her home…yet. What do we think about installing her and the boy in the cottage?
REAPER:
Sounds brilliant. We have some time before Christmas anyway. Better use it while you can.
The cashier waved me forward, and I slid my phone into my pocket as I approached the register. On impulse, I added a few things that were already within reach. There were some cute bookmarks, some highlighters, and flair pens.
After she bagged the items, I thanked her and walked out. As I climbed into the car, Victoria lifted sad eyes to mine. I got situated, and Marcus pulled out into traffic.
“You’ll have Declan in your arms soon. I promise. One more day, that’s it. Think you can do it?”
“Yes, Sir,” she whispered, laying her head against my shoulder and looping her arm in mine.
I loved that she felt comfortable enough to touch me. Kissing the top of her head, I sighed. We drove the two blocks that we could have easily walked, but sitting in the car had given her a minute to calm down. Before we got out, I dug in the bag.
“I picked this out for you.” I handed her the teal journal I’d seen.
On the cover were a pair of trainers and the words “Escape Plans” scrawled across the top. She burst out laughing, and the magical sound filled the car. She threw her arms around me and held on tight.
“It’s perfect.”
I pulled back from her. “Oh, and these were at the front of the store. I wasn’t sure which kind you might like. Dark, milk or white, so I got one of each.”
Her laughter once more turned to loud sobs. Marcus’ head whipped around so fast it must have hurt. I scratched my head while she cried into her hands. Marcus’ eyes met mine. I shrugged.
She pulled her hands away and snatched the milk chocolate bar from the bag and ripped it open. With tears running down her face, she took a bite. Her eyes closed as she savored it. I brushed her tears away and waited for her to speak.
“I haven’t had chocolate in six years. Six long years. I swear you must be a mind-reader. I was thinking about when I was young. I used to soothe my tough days with chocolate, and how it would be nice to have a piece right now. How did you know?” she asked, dumbfounded.
I relaxed back in the seat, relieved that I had made a judgment call and that it had paid off. If she loved chocolate that much, I would make sure she had a year’s supply.
“Most women I know love chocolate on some level. I honestly guessed,” I told her as she actively dug into the bag for one of the other pieces.
“Well, you guessed right,” she mumbled around another bite, causing both Marcus and me to smile. “I promise I don’t cry this much…regularly.”
“Crying is perfectly acceptable. We’re used to it, aren’t we, Marcus?”
“Not only are we used to it, but we’ve become experts in finding ways to handle it. Now that I know yours is chocolate, I’ll try to keep some on hand,” he answered, causing Victoria to blush.
“Angel, I need to go into that shop,” I said, pointing to the jewelry store. “You can stay in the car if you’d like. I won’t be but a minute. I’m picking up something.”
“Could I come in?” she asked shyly.
“Of course,” I answered.
Once more, Marcus and I made eye contact. He knew exactly what I was picking up.
Elysian Chains was in the heart of London’s upscale district, nestled between luxury boutiques and high-end galleries. I actually wanted to take Victoria a few blocks down to Noir I’m curious.” Her gaze shifted to my lips, and her breathing hitched.
“If you say so,” I said.
“So the collar. What’s with the charms? They must have significance.”
“See, I knew there was a hint of a brat inside you. The charms hold tremendous significance.”
“Going to tell me what they stand for?”
“Going to tell me why you don’t play piano anymore?”
“Nope.” She huffed as I put the box with Kinsley’s collar in the middle console.
“Brat.”
“Am not,” she exclaimed.
“Don’t worry, we like brats, don’t we, Marcus?”
“Everyone but Sebastian, Boss. He’s still adamant that he can’t stand them. The exception would be Kinsley.”
“She seems like a unicorn,” Victoria mumbled under her breath as she looked out the window.
“How about we call a truce? We’re at Elena’s.”