“Yes, sir.”
“Cassie is getting stronger. There’s a big pot of money available to any taker to see her dead. As much as I want to, I realize I can’t keep her locked up. I never felt like this about a woman before. I would like you to become her permanent security chief, Martin. Losing her is not an idea I can live with. I’m too close to see the big picture.”
Martin closed his eyes and nodded. “Thank you for trusting me like this. You are my family. I promise I’ll protect her with my life.”
“You already have. Once you finish your preliminary plan, make an appointment with Hunt. I want him to check you out. You can’t hide that limp.”
Martin laughed. “For someone off his game, you see quite fit.”
* * *
After a trial feeding, Hunter returned to check on Cassie. “Good afternoon to my favorite ladies.”
Lillian laughed. “Flattery will get you nowhere, Dr. Montgomery.”
“Cassie, how does your stomach feel?”
“It wasn’t bad this time.”
“Very good. Big doings today. You’re going to try a nice slow walk on the treadmill. We’ll see how winded you get.”
“How about three steps—and I cut my losses?”
“Not a chance.”
Hunter and Lillian walked her outside to a wheelchair, then whisked her up the path to the main house. Cassie was captivated by the estate’s beauty. She felt her first urge to sketch in six years.
Pete met them at the door and helped Cassie down to the basement gym. With assistance, she was able to walk down—one careful step at a time. She surveyed the state-of-the-art equipment and the far wall covered with Leroy Neiman art. Her chest fluttered at the stunning colors of the sports paintings.
She blinked rapidly as glimpses of another painting dueled with them in her head. Her eyes darted around the room, expecting to see it. More memories weighed her down as doubts clouded her mind.How can I let myself love him?Cassie covered her mouth to muffle the thoughts she feared would escape.
When Lillian said, “My son is in love with you,” Hunter and Pete froze.
Cassie moved toward the mats to stretch, pretending not to hear.I know I didn’t say that aloud.
“You heard me, Cassie. No ulterior motives—other than you hold his heart in your hands. He has a lot to lose too. He’s petrified to lose you.” Lillian’s stare pinned her in place.
Pete sat across from her. “Ready?” Cassie reached for him with shaky hands. His grasp was secure as he helped her stretch. “Believe in yourself.”
Noah joined the workout to support her and encouraged her on the treadmill. “Keep going, Cass.”
“I’m gonna beat you, No-no!” She laughed at the childhood nickname she called him.
Cassie sipped from a bottle of water. Her first try on the treadmill winded her, but she dug in. She managed a quarter mile on flat terrain.
* * *
Ian focused on one of the camera feeds running on his desktop monitor. Pride and worry washed over him witnessing the pain and determination etched across Cassie’s brow. He loved her and wanted to take her pain away forever. But could he help her?
Ian joined the group with a massive bouquet of bright yellow sunflowers. Cassie pulled away when he tried to kiss her. “Ew. I’m icky.”
Dressed in a handsome gray silk suit, he scooped up her sweaty body and kissed her. “You’re never icky to me.” He nuzzled her hair.
“Get a room,” Noah called, and Cassie pushed out of Ian’s arms.
“Sweetheart, I have a meeting, but I’d like to have your company for a meal and a movie tonight.”
Cassie placed the bouquet on the floor, flattened her hands on his chest, and adjusted his tie. “I’d like that.”
