“It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s in the past now.” I feel myself tense. I know I’m gripping her hand too hard, but I can’t help the anger that flows through me at the thought of someone placing their hands on her.
“Who?” I ground out. I need a name.
“That’s a question I can’t answer,” she whispers. She puts her other hand on top of mine and gently rubs her thumb over my wrist. Even when she’s hurting, she still wants to soothe me. Christ, this girl is fucking amazing. “Just please let it go.”
“Just answer one question, and then I’ll let it go.” There is no way I’m letting this go, but I will for now as long as I know one thing.
“What?”
“Is he still a threat to you? Does he know where you are?”
“That’s two questions.”
“They go together.” Her eyes find mine, and I see the hesitation in them. “Please. I need to know you’re safe. I’m barely hanging on here.”
“He doesn’t know where I’m at,” she says, sounding tired. I notice she doesn’t answer the first one.
I have a million other questions running through my head right now, but I know she’s given me all she’s going to. I squeeze her hand and attempt a smile for her.
“You’re safe with me. Best friends always have each other’s back.”
I see a hint of a smile trying to emerge, and I grin at her, causing her to break out into a beautiful one. God, I love seeing her be free.
“Welcome to Blue Haven, Lyla,” I point at the sign welcoming us to our small town. She sits up and peers out the window as we drive into the downtown area. I point out some of my favorite places to eat on the water and show her my tattoo business when we pass by.
“It’s right by Blue Haven Cafe,” she says excitedly when she sees the sign.
“I know,” I laugh. “I keep Laura in business, which is exactly why I need you. There are only so many times I can rotate through her menu,” I grin.
We come uponRyder’s Restores, and I point out my brother’s business. “Eve works there too. You will have to stop by and say hi when you do your deliveries. You two seemed to have hit itoff.”
“I did really like her. Maybe I will,” she smiles.
It will be good for her to have some girlfriends around her, especially when I can’t be there with her. At least I know she’ll be safe with my brother nearby.
We drive out of town along the coastal road leading to my house. I pull into the driveway of our blue two-story beach house a few minutes later, and I see her jaw drop.
“You live here? Right on the beach?” I grin at her excitement. I’m glad she loves it because it will make my second plan all that much easier.
CHAPTER NINE
LYLA
Istare at the beautiful beach house as I get out of the truck. The sea air immediately fills my lungs, and I breathe deeply.
“You live here…by yourself… in this big house?” I ask, following him up the white front porch steps.
“I share it with my brothers and sisters. Our parents wanted a place for us all to be able to get together for the holidays and summer vacations. Travis and Ryder moved out with their families, and Savi is at college, so it’s just me and Miles taking care of the place now. My parents stay when they are home from traveling. After selling our childhood home, they bought a few properties to rent out as part of their retirement, so they bounce from place to place, taking care of them and just enjoying life.”
We reach the front door and walk inside. “Wow,” I breathe. It’s like walking into a magazine. The wide planked floors are throughout the main level, with an open floor plan. He leads us to the kitchen as we pass by a pool table and a huge sectional couch by a big stone fireplace.
It’s bright and airy, with white cabinets and marble countertops. An oversized island with stools sits in the middle, and ahuge farm-style table with benches for family dinners is off to the side.
It’s the view, though, that catches your eye the most. Windows line the whole back wall, giving you a glimpse of the vast ocean.
“It’s beautiful. I can’t imagine waking up to this view every morning.”
“It’s definitely something I look forward to.” I feel his gaze pierce me, and I make the mistake of meeting his eyes. I get the feeling his little comment wasn’t about the view. The heat creeps up my cheeks, and I quickly turn away. He scares me with how he can make me feel. I forget all about my problems when I’m with him, and I’m not used to letting my guard down.
