A chill runs through me, causing me to feel ice cold. I allowed that man to manipulate me into being his fiancée. If Bentley didn’t show up when he did, there’s no telling what Gilbert would have done to me or my son.
I feel so stupid and violated. I thought he was my friend. I was trying to be a good friend to him.
I did care about his grandmother. She was always so nice to me. She loved Aaron.
I always felt so guilty for lying to her. I never did get to say sorry. Anger begins to boil up inside.
So many red flags are going off in my head now. Spain was never a coincidence. Gilbert knew I was there.
He had people watching me. Yes, Bentley had a PI looking for me too, but that was totally different. Gilbert had been doing some next-level stalker shit.
Erica and I were in danger from the time he conveniently ran into her in Spain. What kind of person comes up with anelaborate scheme like this? All because his jaw was broken in a high school fight.
“So I’m just supposed to live in fear while he’s out there somewhere lurking like some psycho. All because Bent kicked his ass. Well, I have next.
“He was around my son with his crazy ass. I’m not about to allow him to hurt Aaron with his craziness,” I growl.
“Baby, you don’t have to live in fear. He’s never going to get near you.”
“After that call I received, I don’t think either of you has anything to worry about. The feds are closing in, and his other problem knows that. They need to find him before he’s in custody.
“I doubt they’re going to fail. They happened to be highly motivated. Manning will be lucky to make it past the next forty-eight hours,” Fred says.
“Then what do we do now?” I ask.
“We’re staying in for the rest of the day. I want to give all the new security time to get in place and secure the property. Once they all coordinate, I’ll feel better about you leaving the house, although I don’t want you going anywhere without me,” Bentley says.
“My head hurts. I’m going upstairs to lie down,” I murmur.
Bentley pulls me into his arms and hugs me tightly. I try not to break down into tears. This is all so crazy and unsettling.
This morning, I was out getting a massage and relaxing, thinking about how great my life is and how happy I am. Now to come home to all of this.
I was being watched while in different countries. No telling if he was having me watched while I was in other states. I’m so creeped out right now.
Bentley gives me a squeeze and kisses the top of my head. I melt into him and take from the strength he’s giving to me. I’mnot going to allow Gilbert to take everything we’ve worked so hard for.
This isn’t going to be the straw that breaks us. I get so mad as I think of someone trying to undo all the work we’ve done to get to this place of trust and love.
“It’s going to be all right, Zah. I’ve got you and Aaron. Don’t worry about that asshole.
“I’m here. I’m going to keep you safe. I love you,” Bent says into my hair.
“I love you too.”
“Go on upstairs. I’ll be up in a minute. You want me to bring you something to eat?”
“No, I don’t think I can stomach anything yet,” I say as I shake my head.
CHAPTER 42
Best Revenge
Gilbert
I lienaked with only a sheet covering my waist as I stare up at the ceiling, plotting my next move. Robin might be useful for more than her money. Now that I’m thinking more clearly, I see all she has to offer in this situation.
As if reading my thoughts, she gets up from the bed, puts on a silk robe, and grabs her laptop. She comes to sit back on the bed with her back to the headboard. Reaching for one of her legs, I then run my fingertips up and down her soft skin.
