While we’d had very limited conversations, I’d enjoyed every one of them, hungering to learn more about his life. Hisworld. How many times had he used the word as if it was owned by him and his family? A huge part of me wanted to google the Prince name especially after what Tilly had said about Montgomery’s father. However, another part of me preferred the mystery.
The dark aura created delicious shadows around the mystery. One big, bad alpha man.
Every touch had awakened me, every kiss enthralling. Even wearing his jersey had created such a sense of desire that I’d wanted to steal it.
The only reason I’d dragged myself away, retreating to my kitchen, then staring out the back window at my snow-covered yard had been because of how unnerving Danny’s text had been.
I need to see you.
As if life or death.
Not only was there an urgency to the message, but his words had also suggested he wasn’t taking no for an answer. He was determined to see me. As usual, the message had come from an unknown source. This time he hadn’t bothered to sign his name. What in the hell was he into? Whatever it was, I wanted no part of him interrupting my life, bringing his brand of crazy into my world.
I’d never offered him my address. In fact, I’d tried to keep it locked down not only because I was fearful my brother would break in and steal whatever he could find, but also because of my ex. Both the business and the house were technically owned by the corporation I’d developed, but it wouldn’t take either man long given their connections to hunt me down. Even with the restraining order and with as much time had passed, I still feared an attempt from either one at destroying my new little life.
What a terrible situation to be placed in. I adored Danny, but I couldn’t handle his antics again. I just couldn’t.
After several minutes of contemplation, I knew what had to be done for my sanity if nothing else. I grabbed my phone, returning the text. Who knew if my harsh but appropriate words would get to him. For all I knew, he’d tossed the phone, grabbing another.
Danny. Let me be clear with you. Do not come to my home. While I will always love you, I can’t handle the baggage and destruction you always bring to my life. If you come here, you will not be welcome.
After tossing the phone on the counter, I reached for my necklace. The piece of jewelry had always grounded me. Maybe it would do so again.
Only it was missing.
Panic tore through me. As much as Danny irritated the hell out of me, the necklace meant more than everything I owned combined. He’d purchased it for me after landing his first job. At sixteen. He’d saved his money to get me something for Christmas.
Now it was missing.
A single tear slipped down my cheek. The last time my fingers had brushed across the necklace had been inside Montgomery’s SUV. It could have fallen off anywhere.
In his vehicle. In his house. Outside in the snow.
While I wasn’t typically prone to bouts of anger, I slammed my fist against the counter, jarring the coffee cup so liquid splashed everywhere.
Maybe losing the piece of jewelry was an omen.
No. I couldn’t think that way. Danny had avoided going out with friends to save money. He’d tried so hard to prove to me that my decision to take him under my roof hadn’t been a bad idea. We’d argued constantly since I’d accused him of everything horrible under the sun when he came home late. When the entire timehe’d picked up extra shifts at the fast-food joint that had hired him only a few months before.
Even though he’d been party to the arguments, I’d seen the hurt in his eyes. My God. I’d accused him of everything from using drugs to much worse. After everything we’d been through, I’d challenged his honesty. A wedge had been driven into our relationship that had never healed.
To this day I felt guilty, believing in my heart that because I hadn’t trusted him, he’d adapted to the criminal life I’d accused him of being in. Look where that had taken him.
As soon as I closed my eyes, visions of my kid brother’s face on Christmas morning popped into my mind.
“Merry Christmas,” Danny said, appearing from the shadows.
“Jesus. You scared me half to death.” I walked past, still angry from the argument we’d had the night before.
“Can’t you at least say Merry Christmas?”
Goddamn, his voice was imploring. “Fine. Merry Christmas. You got in as late as usual.” I didn’t bother looking at him, yanking a mug from the cabinet, eager for coffee.
“I told you. I was working.”
“Sure you were. On a Christmas Eve. I’ve seen your paychecks, remember? I know how much you make and there’s been no boost in income. I don’t know what you’re into, Danny, but I’ve tried very hard to give you a good home. You know how difficult it was for that to happen. Maybe I’m not a good influence for you. God knows I’m a terrible surrogate parent. But I’ve tried and every time I ask you to stay on the straightand narrow, you defy me. Why? Do you want to be forced out of my care?”
When he didn’t say anything, I spun around, ready to continue my tirade. The look on his face switched from sadness to anger. He dropped a colorfully wrapped box onto the kitchen table, shaking his head as he folded his arms across his chest.
