Page 20 of Mind

“So, you work fast,” she says with a snarl.

I’m not standing for this any longer. “What is your problem with me?”

She huffs and then puts a red tipped nail to her lip. “I’m just trying to figure out your angle. I’ve looked into you.”

“And what did you find that would make you dislike me, without even getting to know me?”

“It doesn’t take a background check to see you’re broken.”

I cringe. Heat swirls in my chest making my skin feel tight and clammy. Chase has promised me he wouldn’t say anything to anyone about my past. Thinking she could be playing into my insecurities, I take a deep breath. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”

“I know you have a jaded past. The restraining order you have on file against a man a few years ago says enough to tell me you’ve been hurt by a man.” I clench my jaw as she grins. “You’re poor, but educated. And you likely do your best work on your back, seeing as you work at my son’s foundation.”

“All true,” she smiles wide for the first time at my admission. “Aside from sleeping my way to the top. I don’t want Chase’s money. Never have. I’ll happily sign a prenup if he asks.”

“I’ll make sure he does,” her lips twist into a snarl again. “You are not getting a red cent if you hurt my son, Missy.” Hurt her son. Is that what she thinks I’m going to do? Is this her sick, jacked up idea of a maternal warning?

“Good luck with that. Chase has already decided no prenup, but again, if you can convince him otherwise I’ll sign it. And I have no desire to hurt Chase. I love him Ms. Davis. Very much.”

“Yeah, the last pretty little red-head who said that was unfaithful to him. He was crushed for years. Only recently have I seen my boy’s light again.” She attempts to continue, but I cut her off.

“Who do you think put that light there?” Her eyes are cold and assessing as she holds my gaze. “Me.” I point to my chest. “Our love. It’s been a hard road the last few months, but we’ve found something in one another that can’t be denied.” Tears pool in my eyes, and one slips down my cheek. “It’s real, and I promise you on my mother’s grave that I will do anything I can to make him happy.” I swipe at the tears and try to calm down.

“We’ll see. Just be warned missy, I’ll be watching you very closely. There’s no woman on this earth that’s good enough for my son,” she looks me up and down then scowls. “Especially not a broken little thing, from the wrong side of the tracks.” Her tone is contemptuous and cuts deep. I realize I’m never going to win her over.

“It’s a good thing I’m not marrying you then. This conversation is over. I’ll see myself out, seeing as you’re unable to.” My eyes settle on the wheelchair next to her. Her gaze sharpens, assessing me once more. “It’s too bad Chase’s father damaged you. Maybe you wouldn’t be such a horrible, miserable woman. At least I survived my beatings. You, on the other hand, came out alive but more twisted and broken than I’ll ever be, because Chase is healing my hurts. Who’s taking that knife out of your back and healing your wounds? Oh that’s right, no one.”

Her eyes are as round as serving platters and just as cold. “He told you…” she chokes unable to finish what she plans to say.

I nod and move to the door. “You know, we’re more alike than you think. I spent years letting a man beat me into submission and almost take my life, before I got out.” Her mouth opens in shock, losing every bit of her coiffed socialite good manners. “I’m still healing, but with Chase, each day is easier than the next. What’s your excuse? You have everything life could ever offer. Money, the undying love of your son, a beautiful family…” I shake my head completely exasperated with this vile woman. “You know what? Never mind. I don’t care.”

Opening the door, I leave her there alone, with her miserable thoughts to keep her company. There’s nothing I can do or say that is going to make her like me. And Chase is bat-shit crazy if he thinks I’ll be planning the most important day of my life with that old crone.

Once I get outside, I see Austin standing with Jack next to the limo. Jack pulls his phone out and immediately starts speaking. “She’s outside with us.” I scowl and open the limo door with barely contained rage.

“You okay, ma’am?” Austin’s southern drawl reaches me and tears pour down my face. His hand is warm against my shoulder, and right now, I need a friend, someone to care about me. I shake my head and he pulls me into a hug. He is so large, his arms seem to wrap around me twice.

“Mr. Davis won’t like that.” Jack’s voice holds a warning. A choked sob escapes, and I hold Austin tighter, needing the closeness, wishing it was Chase instead.

“He won’t like that his woman is hurting and we’re not tending to her,” Austin grits out.

“You’re right, he won’t.” I hear Chase’s clipped words from somewhere behind us.

Before I can react, I’m being turned and placed into the most welcoming arms in the entire world. My haven. Chase’s arms encircle me and the entire world goes away. My breath hitches and I can’t say anything. Shivers wrack my form as he holds me tight, protecting me, giving me peace.

“It’s okay, baby, I’m here. Let’s go home,” he whispers into my hairline.

I nod and let him shuffle me into the limo. Before he closes the door, I hear him address Austin. “You’re a good man, but let’s not make a habit of putting your arms around my woman, unless it’s to protect her.”

“That’s what I was doing, sir,” Austin says, and I can feel Chase’s body still momentarily, then he nods once.

Long moments pass before Chase grips me tighter and replies, “I believe you.”

The door shuts and the engine roars. Time seems to pass in a blur of tears and hiccups.

I love this man. I love this man. I love this man.I chant internally.

Just when I think he’s going to go all caveman, he surprises me with how very kind and understanding he can be.

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