With that singular insight, I realize the issue. She’s back sliding. Spiraling.
Taking a sip of cognac, I set the glass on a side table. “You can’t hide in here forever.”
She glances away, staring at the floor. “I know. And I don’twantto—not really.”
“Good. The best way to overcome fear is to confront it.” I stand up, firm in my decision that this is what’s best for her. “Get dressed, we’re going out for dinner.”
Her horrified gaze snaps to mine. “N-no. I-I can’t. It’s not safe out there.”
I give her a slow, wolfish grin. “What makes you think it’s any safer in here with me?” Of course I’m only teasing her. She’s safer with me than any other person on this planet. Even so, I drive my point home. “Though I relish the idea of you and mespending all of our time together.Justyou and me. If you won’t go out, then neither will I. We could stay here, together, foryears. Wouldn’t that be nice?”
Her lips part in shock before her nose wrinkles with disgust. It’s the cutest little expression.
“You’re the worst, you know that?” She complains as she gets up and disappears into her bedroom.
I should be offended that she’d rather face her fears and risk assassins than spend time cooped up alone with me in our penthouse. But I can’t let her regress to that scared little girl I met in Italy. That girl wasted away, afraid of everything—including life—before she finally managed to get herself unstuck. Therapists came and went, but it was her willpower to overcome that finally allowed her to move forward with her life. We’re not going back to the hollowed out shell version of Elena. I won’t allow it.
An hour later she meets me in the foyer, looking like a princess in a cream and pink cocktail dress. Thick, pink framed glasses perched on her nose. A matching clutch.
I take her hand in mine, noting the tremors as we step into the elevator. My chest pinches. I have to remind myself that I’m making her extremely uncomfortable for her own good. I’m not punishing her for anything. She needs to leave this apartment and face the world, even if she does it scared.
“You’re safe with me,cara mia. I protected you last night, and I’ll do so again without hesitation. You do know that, right?”
She nods, avoiding my searching gaze.
“I’ve doubled the number of soldiers guarding us tonight. We won’t be taken by surprise like that ever again. I swear it.”
She bobs her head, but continues to stare at the floor. I wish she knew that I’d lay down my life for hers. I’ve spent a good deal of time today berating myself for what happened last night. Theevening was going too smoothly, too perfectly, that I relaxed and got sloppy. Then everything went to hell.
It won’t happen again.
“Who were they?” she suddenly asks. “The men who tried to kill us.”
“I don’t know. Professionals. By the time my men went back to find the dead bodies, they had already been removed. Every trace of them was wiped clean. But we’ll find them,” I confidently add.
She remains silent. I’d give a million dollars for her thoughts right now.
In the garage we slide into the back seat of a town car, this time accompanied by two other vehicles, one in front of us and the other trailing behind. I also have two soldiers on motorcycles to parallel us on our route to the restaurant.
I dare those fuckers to try to kill us again. If I knew who they were, who sent them, I’d crush them in a second just for frightening my girl. They have no idea what kind of damage they’ve done. But mark my words, once I find them, they’ll pay for it.
Elena spends the drive glancing in every direction, her hand crushing my palm—which I don’t mind at all—as she remains vigilant. My greatest desire is for her to take comfort in me. To draw strength from my presence.
We hit a pothole and she releases a startled scream.
I can’t help myself as I drag her into my chest. I need to have her close, especially when she’s feeling afraid. The best part is she lets me hold her, lets me whisper Italian sweet nothings in her ear until she gradually relaxes against my body.
Heaven.
While I hold her close, my senses are on high alert for any possible danger. From this day forth, they always will be. I can’tentertain thoughts of pleasuring her in the back of the car. Not until this is over.
We arrive atSpadesand park in their secure garage where a host escorts us into the restaurant. We’re immediately seated at a private table for two. Away from prying eyes and potential dangers, Elena seems to settle. Her shoulders relax, as does the tightness around her eyes and mouth.
“We’ll have a bottle of your finest Chianti,” I tell the server, who quickly goes to fill my order. Leaning back in my chair, I study my fiancée. She’s no longer visibly shaking and her gaze rests on the view high above the city. “Feeling better?”
Her eyes flick over to me. “I suppose.”
I chuckle. “You can admit when I’m right. Facing your fear is much better than wallowing in it. Don’t you agree?”
