Page 73 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

Truly.

Can I?

Despite what they’re doing to me?

God, I wish Declan were here. I miss him with every bone in my body. I need him.

But I’m on my own.

It’s not just his protection I lost when he walked out the door, he took a piece of my heart.

I’ll never get to tell him.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

DECLAN

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I’m draining my cup of coffee, hoping Stella would either message or knock on my door, when the latter happens.

Smiling, I drop my cup on the table and stride over.

“Delivery for Mr. Sloan.” A courier stands holding a large flat parcel.

I blink for a moment, confused.

“Are you Mr. Sloan?” The courier frowns. “No offense, man, but I have to get going.”

I glance at the package.

“Sign here.” He props it against the wall and holds out a device.

I sign.

“Thanks.” I tug out a five-dollar bill, and he waves it in the air gratefully, then jogs down the hall.

Closing the door, I stare at the package.

It’s obvious what it is.

I have an inkling I know exactly what it is, as I rub the back of my neck and curse.

A farewell gift.

I don’t fucking want it.

I want her.

My curiosity gets the better of me—I’m not one hundred percent sure after all—and I rip off the paper. It’s impeccably wrapped, of course. The gallery would have done it.

When I get the last sheet off, I stare at the Belinda Cohen painting, and emotion floods me.

Stella knew I wouldn’t be in her life forever.

She’s been saying goodbye for the entire time. While I was falling deeply in love with her.

When I first admired this piece of art, the rough seas reminded me of my mother’s grief. Now it tells a whole new story.