A flicker of something crosses Peter’s face. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
I blink, surprised by his response. This is not the reaction I was expecting from the man who had threatened to destroy me just days ago.
“I had an interesting conversation with my daughter,” he continues, his eyes softening as he looks at Cora. “She reminded me of the value of love. I won’t stand in your way,but I will give you a warning. If you hurt her, the Valeur family, or pull any underhanded tricks, my lawyers will destroy you.”
I smile despite the threat. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.”
We shake hands again, and he turns to leave. But something nags at me, and before I can stop myself, I call out to him.
“Mr. Valeur, there’s something else I’d like to discuss with you.”
He pauses, turning back to face me. “Oh?”
I take a deep breath and Cora tenses beside me. “The robbery you and your wife experienced years ago. I can’t help but wonder if there might be a connection to what’s happening now.”
The change is instantaneous. Peter’s face pales, his composure cracking for a split second before he wrestles it back under control. But that momentary lapse tells me everything.
“That’s ancient history,” he says, his voice tight. “It’s unrelated.”
“Are you certain?” I press, even as Cora’s grip on my hand tightens in warning. “The coincidence seems?—”
“I said it’s not related,” Peter snaps, his calm facade shattering. His eyes blaze with a mixture of anger and...fear? “Drop it. Now.”
Without another word, he strides from the room; the door slamming behind him.
“What the hell was that about?” Cora whispers, her eyes wide.
I shake my head, my mind racing. “I don’t know.”
I sink onto the sofa with a sigh, leaning my head back against the cushions. The confrontation with Peter has left me drained. I hate being so weak.
“Are you okay?” Cora asks, her voice laced with concern.She perches next to me on the sofa, her hand resting on my thigh.
I take her hand, intertwining our fingers. “I’m okay. Better than okay, now that you’re with me.” I pause, knowing thatwhat comes next won’t be easy. “But Cora, I can’t be your bodyguard anymore. I almost failed you. Mixing emotions with work almost got you killed. You need proper security. Not a lovesick idiot with a gun.”
To my surprise, Cora grins. “Good, because you’re fired.”
“I’m...what?”
“Fired. Canned. Given the boot. I don’t want you as my bodyguard anymore.” Her eyes sparkle. “I want you as my boyfriend. In fact, I want you to take me on a date.”
I blink. “A date?”
“You know, that thing where two people who like each other go out and do fun stuff together? I hear it’s all the rage these days.”
I pull her close, kissing her. “Oh, Little Trouble, I’ll take you on a million dates. Hell, I’ll take you to the moon if you ask.” I run my thumb over her ring finger. “And one day, if you’ll let me, I’m putting a ring right here.”
She gasps, her eyes widening. “Ryder...”
“You’re it for me, Cora. I love you. Even if you did just fire me.”
She laughs, the sound like music. “I love you too, you big dork.”
I wrap my arms around her, breathing in her scent. “You’re fucking mine, Little Trouble. All mine.”
She pushes me back onto the plush sofa, arranging pillows behind me. I smile at her fussing. “I’m not made of glass.”
“Hush,” she scolds. “Let me take care of you for once. God knows you’ve done enough of that for me lately.”
