The boys go back to arguing as I whisper to Rowan, “You dirty rotten lying liar. We both know Rhett said Kieran was his favorite, but he loved them all the same just last night.”
He lets out a loud laugh, “Lying liar? Really? We need to work on your insults if you’re going to survive in a house with six men and a little boy.”
Unable to stop myself, my eyes roll, “My insults are just fine.Thank you for your concern.” I try to hide my smile from him so he thinks I’m serious, but I fail. He pulls me tighter in his arms and we watch his brothers continue to bicker. He may be a drama king for starting this, but watching him so carefree makes me happy regardless.
* * *
.
I’ve got to get out of here. Scanning the room I’m currently in for a window or somewhere to hide my heart is beating out of my chest. The door is locked but that won’t hold him off for long. Shit, this was so stupid of me. I should have just stayed home, but no, I was driving myself crazy and needed to get out. Thankfully Rhett is doing “man stuff” with Rowan today, I don’t know what that entails and honestly I don’t really care. The important part is that he isn’t here.
I was looking for a new dress for mine and Rowan’s upcoming date night when he caught my attention. Preston stood just out of sight from Killian. Locking eyes with him he gave me the most sinister look I’ve ever seen. He smirked at me while bringing his index finger up to his neck, making a slicing motion. Fear paralyzed my body until Killian snapped his fingers in front of my face. “Ms. Sanders? Are you okay?” I didn’t know how to respond, so I didn’t. I just turned and ran into the closest dressing room with a lock. I don’t understand why he’s following us, he doesn’t even like us. He never has, so why won’t he just let us go? Why did I leave my phone in the car? Ineed to call Rowan.
I’m huddled in the corner of the small room for what seems like forever when there’s a knock at the door, I don’t dare say a word. A voice finally breaks through.
“Ms. Sanders, are you in there?” It’s Killian, it’s not Preston.
Creeping to the door I call out, “Are you alone?”
His response is immediate, “Yes ma’am.” Knowing he’s not a danger I peek the door open to see his tall intimidating frame standing in front of me. His arms are crossed over his chest, eyes narrowed, and a stoic expression, “What was that?”
Surveying the area one more time before answering my eyes catch on two white roses right outside of the door. “Preston was here. He was following me.”
Killian scans the area, “Ma’am I didn’t see anyone.”
No, I know what I saw, WHO I saw. There’s no way I made that up, and the white roses, he’s fucking with me. “I’m telling you Killian, he was here. Why else would I have ran across the store and hid in here? Then there’s the white roses. It’s him.”
He softens his voice, “Okay, okay, I believe you. You lock the door, and let me sweep the area. Do not unlock or open this door unless I knock and say turtle. Okay? Wait for the code word.”
“Um, okay. Can I call Rowan?” He’s shaking his head before I’m even done with my sentence.
“Let’s get you out of here first. We’ll go to the next store and you can call Boss. I’ll get Mac on the footage. I know they’re trying to lighten the Bosses’ load right now. So it’s probably best we give Mac a heads up before you call Boss.”
I nod in agreement. “Yeah, okay. Wait for the safe word.”
Killian’s brow lifts, “No ma’am, the code word. Whatever you do, do NOT tell the Boss I gave you a safe word.”
I’ve been in the closet sized room for a few minutes whenI hear the knock and “turtle”. He’s standing all stoic and no nonsense when I open the door. “We’re all clear, but we need to move. I think it’s best that we head home.” My adrenaline begins to crash, a headache starts right behind my eyes as I follow him out to the car without protest. I think the stress of the past few weeks is catching up with me. I allow him to lead me to the car as the nausea takes over. Please let me just make it home before I throw up.
Running through the house to the half bath off the living room I thank God that the guys are outside. Barely making it to the toilet in time, I empty the contents of my stomach. I decide to stay there because I know I’m not done. My head rolls to the side and rests on the wall. I can’t help but think what I did so wrong to be cursed with stress induced migraines. A rush of nausea hits me again, and yet again my head is in the toilet. It seems like hours pass, but it’s probably only ten minutes, before I hear Flynn and Sully walking by laughing and talking amongst themselves. I must make a noise because I hear them get quiet then slowly push open the half bath.
“Oh shit. Go get Roe.” Footsteps echo down the hall. If I could open my eyes right now I’d confirm that it was Flynn who stayed, but it hurts too bad so I just lay here quietly. Whispering Flynn puts his hand on my forehead, “Clara, what’s wrong? You’re sweaty, and as white as the paint on the walls.” Taking deep breaths I’m barely able to choke out the word migraine before I’m getting sick again.
I hear running footsteps and a yelled, “Clara!” before I hear his feet slide across the tile then his warm body pressing into my back.
Flynn continues to whisper as he chastises his oldest brother, “Shut up, idiot. She has a migraine.” I feel him tense behindme. He gently pulls me from resting against the wall and into his arms. I groan because every movement makes my head feel like it’s going to explode. As soon as I’m cradled against his chest his hand tenderly runs through my hair.
“Baby, I’ve got to move you to our bed.” I’m too worn out to argue, if I puke on him I guess I puke on him. With as much ease and finesse as he can manage I feel myself being lifted. My eyes are shut tightly but I know the house well enough to know we’re headed up the stairs and to our bed. When he lays me down he kisses my head and whispers, “I’ll be right back baby, rest.”
As soon as Rowan leaves I feel myself starting to finally drift off. I’m almost asleep when I hear the door open and shut then footsteps approaching. A warm compress is gently placed over my eyes, I hear shoes being removed and a zipper being pulled down. It only takes a few seconds before I feel Rowan pull my back tight to his front, and he’s playing with my hair, “Sleep Pretty Girl. I’ve got everything handled.”
* * *
Waking up, I open my eyes slowly. Noticing immediately it’s dark outside and I’m cold. Wait, why am I cold? I reach behind me and find nothing. The bed is empty, where is he? Deciding to go find him I slowly stand up. The dizziness hits as soon as I’m right side up. Shit, I hate a migraine hangover almost as much as the actual migraine. Taking a minute to get my bearings and take a few deep breaths, I decide to go check on Rhett then go to the bathroom and try to sleep the rest of this off. I make it to Rhett’s door by nothing short of a miracle.
Deciding to just peek inside because he should be way past asleep, I’m stopped in my tracks when I hear Kieran, “Hey, how are you feeling?” He’s talking quietly. I’m unsure if it’s because it’s late or because he’s being considerate. Knowing him it’s probably both.
“Dizzy, but I needed to check on Rhett.” I give him a kind smile.
