“Because she has endured enough,” Austin said quietly. “She deserves peace. She deserves joy. She deserves to feel safe in her new home.”
Dominic exhaled slowly. “She will not be safe until this person is caught.”
“I know,” Austin said. “Which is why I will try not leave her alone. Not for a moment.”
Dominic studied him for a long time, then nodded. “Very well. We will handle this together.”
Austin felt a weight lift from his chest. “Thank you.”
Dominic’s voice softened, rare and sincere. “You are family now. And I protect my family.”
Austin’s throat tightened. “As do I.”
Dominic tucked the note into his coat. “We will find this blackmailer. And when we do?—”
Austin finished quietly, “They will never threaten her again.”
They drank in companionable silence for a moment. Austin felt a heavy weight lift off his shoulders. He no longer had to lie to his friend.
“Look after her, Austin. Really look after her. She’s tougher than she looks, but she’s been carrying too much for too long.” Dominic was staring at his glass as he spoke.
Austin watched him and understood the love he had for Deena. “I know. And I will.”
“Good.” He lifted his glass. “To Deena. And to you, for finally doing something sensible with your life.”
Austin clinked his glass against Dominic’s. “To Deena. And to never having to lie to you again.”
Dominic grinned. “I’ll drink to that.”
Deena gasped as she woke up to three sharp knocks on her bedroom door. The sound pulled her from her dreams, and her heart raced before she was fully conscious. Her chamber was dark. The sun was just beginning to appear on the horizon outside her window. She stared at the door as her pulse beat loudly in her ears.
Who could it be at this hour?
Deena wasn’t sure if or when Austin returned. She was so tired from spending time with Selina and the children that as soon as her head touched the pillow, she fell into a deep sleep. Fear gripped her as she wondered if she should call for Austin or find a weapon.
“Deena? It’s me.” Austin’s voice drifted through the wooden door.
And memories crashed in without permission.
Had he come to tempt her? If he did, Deena might allow it just to ease her own cravings. All she could think about was the taste of his hot and unhurried lips on hers. And how his fingers felt inside of her. Or the way he groaned about how she was such a good girl.
She shook her head, and her curls cascaded around her face.
Control yourself, Deena.
Her cheeks flamed. Her thighs pressed together involuntarily.
“Deena?”
Austin’s voice came again, more urgently this time, and sent a fresh wave of heat through her. She scrambled out of bed, snatched her wrapper from the chair, and belted it tightly around her waist as though the silk could shield her against whatever expression he would be wearing when she opened the door.
She cracked it open just enough to see him.
Austin leaned one shoulder against the jamb, arms crossed, dark hair damp from the morning dew. He wore a charcoal morning coat, waistcoat unbuttoned at the top, and an untied cravat. The faint scent of his shaving soap drifted into the room and made her lightheaded.
“Took you long enough,” he said, eyes dancing with humor. “Did you sleep well?”
Deena’s grip tightened on the door. “Iwassleeping well.”
