With Vincent gone and Declan’s mission fulfilled, I knew it would be the first step to Declan’s true healing. He would finally be able to move on.
Closing my eyes, I squeezed him as hard as I could. “I love you, too. Now let’s get away from here. I don’t ever want to see this place again.”
Declan kissed the top of my head. “I’m good with that.”
Chapter 25
Ayla
Apparently, I had been suffering from a severe summer flu. At least, that’s what Linda had told my office yesterday morning when I didn’t show up for work. Under normal circumstances, most people would find it strange that a neighbor was calling your place of work to let them know you weren’t feeling well. Magnolia Grove was the exception. Everyone in my office trusted Linda, and it turned out my front desk ladies called my father to see if he’d come in to work on my patients. If only they knew what was really going on. The wonderful thing was that all our patients loved my dad. They were in good hands, even if I wasn’t there.
“Do you feel bad that you’re not at work today?” Declan asked, his hand intertwining with mine.
It was ten o’clock in the morning, and I would’ve already seen a dozen patients if I had been at work. Instead, Declan and I were out by my pool, sitting on my two-person chaise lounge, soaking up the sun. But my office thought I had a really bad flu, so I decided to stay at my house for the next few days. Did I feel guilty? Definitely. Then again, after being abducted with the possibility of death hanging over my head, I needed a couple of days to gather my thoughts.
Releasing a heavy sigh, I lifted my face to the sun, thankful we both came out of the ordeal unscathed.
“I do feel bad,” I admitted. “But . . .” I glanced over at him and smiled. His hair was wet from the pool and I loved how chiseled his tanned chest was; I could stare at him all day. “I will never complain about spending time with you. Although, it is kind of strange going on with life as if nothing happened.”
Declan’s smile faded slightly and he nodded. “I know. That’s how I’ve lived my life the past few years.”
Turning on my side, I lifted on my elbow and rested my face in my hand so I could look at him. “What happens now? Did the house get cleaned up?”
He turned to me, mirroring my position. “Ian had the cleaning crew wipe down the entire house. Vincent’s body was hauled away and disposed of. He’ll never be found.”
“Is that how it worked with all of the targets you killed?” I asked, honestly curious to know more about his job. There was a hint of hesitation in his eyes, but he nodded again. “Do you think Vincent’s disappearance will ever reach the news? I mean, he owned a lot of businesses in New York. Surely, someone will report him missing, right?”
“Oh yeah, eventually, but nothing will ever come of it. There will literally be no trace of Vincent Deluca anywhere. Reed Chandler, who’s Ian’s brother, is an expert on making people disappear.” A laugh escaped his lips. “He’s an expert at anything pertaining to computers. If you wanted a whole new identity, he’d get you one in a matter of minutes.”
That got me thinking about Declan and all his undercover missions.
“How many aliases haveyouhad?” I asked him.
His eyes widened and he chuckled. “Oh wow, I’ve had several.” Then he smiled back at me. “I’vebeen a Jason, Maverick, Kevin, Dean, Ethan, and many others.”
It was all very fascinating.
I reached out and traced a finger down his chest. “Are you sure you don’t want to go back that life?”
He snagged my hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. “No. I’ve decided I am going to pursue working at the police department. I’m going to give them a visit later this week.”
It warmed my heart to know he wanted to stay in Magnolia Grove. I was about to lean in and kiss him when my phone rang. I rolled over and grabbed my cell off the patio table. A picture of my mom was on the screen.
“Good morning, Mom,” I answered.
“Hey, sweetheart. Are you feeling any better?”
I rolled back over to face Declan again. “Much better,” I replied. “I should be good to be at the office the day after tomorrow.”
She sighed. “I wish you would’ve called us and told us you weren’t feeling well. We had to hear it from your ladies at the front desk.”
“I know and I’m sorry,” I apologized. “It’s just my throat was hurting so bad I could barely talk.”
“Okay, you’re forgiven.” She laughed lightly. “Do you want me to bring over some soup?”
“No, that’s okay. I don’t want you catching what I have.”
“I’m your mother, Ayla. That doesn’t bother me at all.”
