She and Bella shared a laugh, but truthfully, Taylor wasn’t excited about uprooting her life and moving to Washington. Of course, she planned to support her husband’s ambitions. She believed he would do the same for her. So, she did her best to keep the complaining at a minimum.
Victor stood and placed his napkin on the table. "Happy Birthday, little brother. Bella, thank you for dinner, but we have an early flight.”
Bella stood and hugged Taylor and then Victor. “Thank you for coming.”
One by one, the Creed family and friends bid them farewell. When they finished their goodbyes, they were led out, surrounded by the Secret Service, and ushered into an SUV. As soon as they were secured inside, Victor’s cellular phonevibrated. He pulled it from his breast pocket and looked down at the screen. His face twisted into a scowl, prompting Taylor to asked, “What is it?”
Victor stuffed the phone back into his pocket and shook his head.” Nothing important.”
He slid his arm behind her and slid her closer. “I know this is a lot. And I couldn’t do it without you, sweetheart. Thank you.”
Taylor rested her head on his shoulder. “You don’t have to thank me. My purpose for living is to be by your side.”
Victor kissed the top of her head. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Taylor confirmed. “I love you, Victor, more than I can express with words.”
“I love you too, sweetness.”
The driver took off, and they rode in silence for the seven minutes it took to get to Storm Tower. Once the secret service gave the go ahead, the door was opened. After climbing out, they were ushered into the lobby, secured in the elevator, and on their way up to their apartment. When she and Victor stepped off the elevator, the door to their penthouse was already open. Taylor stepped inside and exhaled when Victor closed the door, shutting them away from all the eyes and ears that deprived them of any semblance of privacy.
Victor stepped behind her and hugged her waist. Taylor smiled and melted against his strong chest. It amazed her that regardless of the time that had passed, she still got goose bumps whenever he was near, that her skin still tingled from his touch. At no point in her life had Taylor ever expected to love a man as much as she loved her husband.
Victor kissed her ear and whispered, “I have to make some calls.”
Taylor turned to face him and cupped his jaw. “Take your time. I’ma check on Vicky and then sink into a hot bubble bath.”
“All right, sweetheart.” Victor kissed her lips. “Enjoy.”
“I shall.” Taylor raised a brow flirtatiously. “Feel free to join me.”
Victor frowned. “Oh, babe, I might be a minute. Don’t wait up for me.”
Taylor pouted, poking out her bottom lip.
Victor chuckled. “If you fall asleep, I’ll wake you up.”
Taylor rolled her eyes. He knew that she didn’t like to be awakened once she fell asleep. “Naw, I’m good. Don’t wake me up. I’ll catch you another time.”
Victor laughed and walked toward the hall. “I thought so. I’ll try not to take too long.”
Taylor stepped out of her shoes and dropped her purse on the cocktail table. She moaned from the soothing feeling of her bare feet on the cool floor as she made her way to the nursery to check on her baby girl.
VICTOR
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” Gregor confirmed.
Victor smiled and powered down his desktop. “Thanks. By the way, I spoke with the director and got you detailed to the Secret Service.”
“Thanks, boss.”
“No problem. I feel safer with you watching my six.”
“I appreciate your confidence in me, sir.”
Victor laughed. “Okay, big guy. I’ll see you in the morning.”
