Page 66 of Cowboy's Healing Heart

His arms tighten around me. "Never," he says fiercely. "I won't let that happen."

I nod, burying my face in Shane's chest, choosing to believe him.

But there's this nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach that I can't shake off. It's like I'm already fading away, becoming less of myself and more of what he needs me to be.

FOURTEEN

BROKEN BRIDGES

SHANE

I stepout of the limo, the familiar weight of my tailored suit settling on my shoulders like armor. The sprawling estate looms before us, a monument to wealth and power that I once called home. Now, it feels like a stranger's house.

"Holy shit," Krystal whispers beside me, her eyes wide as she takes in the mansion's imposing facade. "This is where you live?"

I nod, forcing a smile. "Welcome home."

Ashanti bounces on her toes, her excitement palpable. "It's like a castle, Mom!"

I watch as the staff lines up to greet us, their faces a mask of polite deference. It's a far cry from the easy camaraderie of the ranch, and I feel my jaw tighten. This isn't the life I want for us, but it's the one we have to navigate for now.

"Mr. Kennedy," the head butler steps forward, his voice crisp and formal. "Welcome back. We've prepared the east wing for your... guests."

I catch the slight hesitation, the unspoken judgment in his tone. My hand finds the small of Krystal's back, a silent show ofsupport. "Thank you, Gaston. Ms. Duncan and her daughter will stay with me in the main suite."

Gaston blinks, surprise flickering across his face before he schools his features. "Of course, sir. Shall I have their belongings moved?"

"Yes, please." I turn to Krystal, who's watching the exchange with a guarded expression. "Let's head inside. I'll give you the grand tour."

As we walk through the opulent foyer, I can't help but notice how out of place Krystal looks in her jeans and work boots. She holds her head high, but I see the tension in her shoulders, the way her eyes dart around, taking in every detail.

"This place is huge," she murmurs, her voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.

I squeeze her hand. "It's just a house."

She shoots me a look that says she doesn't believe me for a second. I don't blame her.

We make our way through room after room, each more lavish than the last. Ashanti's eyes grow wider with each new discovery, but Krystal's expression becomes more closed off. By the time we reach the main suite, she's practically vibrating with tension.

"And this is where we'll be staying," I say, pushing open the double doors to reveal a space larger than her entire cabin at the ranch.

Krystal steps inside, her gaze sweeping over the king-sized bed, the sitting area, and the massive windows overlooking the manicured grounds. She turns to me, her eyes unreadable. "Shane, this is..."

Before she can finish, my phone buzzes. I pull it out, grimacing at the name on the screen. "I have to take this. Make yourselves comfortable. I'll be right back."

I step into the hallway, bringing the phone to my ear. "Father."

"Shane, you should be here." his voice is sharp, brooking no argument. "The DoD representatives are here early.

I close my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. "I just got here. I need to get Krystal and Ashanti settled?—"

"They have the staff for that," he cuts me off. "This is more important. I expect you here in an hour."

The line goes dead before I can respond. I take a deep breath, steeling myself before heading back into the suite.

Krystal's standing by the window, her arms wrapped around herself. She turns as I enter, and I see the question in her eyes before she even speaks.

"You have to go, don't you?"

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