Page 21 of Beastly Boss

Aurelio does just that.

9

AURELIO

She’s safe. She’s with me. She’s safe. Thank fuck, she’s safe.

I repeat the words over and over in my head as I pull into the Caparelli compound. Jesus, I’ve never known fear like that. Even worse, it’s all my fault. Her father didn’t help the situation, but I made it worse. I sent my precious girl straight into the arms of our enemies, all under the stupid notion that I was protecting her.

I put the car in park and leap out of the vehicle, rushing over to Kimbra. Opening the door, I quickly unbuckle her seatbelt and give her my hand to help her out. Her soft fingers wrap around my hand, squeezing gently. I don’t deserve her kindness, but I’m desperate for it all the same.

We step inside my house, and I guide her to the same couch from yesterday, in front of the fireplace. I have a whole new perspective on life and love since we were last here. In under twenty-four hours, my world has turned upside down, right side up, and fallen off a goddamn cliff. As long as Kimbra is here with me, however, I know everything will be okay.

Kimbra curls up on the couch, tucking her feet underneath her as she leans against the armrest. I have too much energy tosit. The guilt alone propels me, and I pace back and forth, back and forth in front of the fire.

My hands are shaking. Hell, all of me is shaking as I run through a list of all the things that could have happened to Kimbra.

“I fucked up,” I finally say. “I’m so sorry, Kimbra. I thought…” I let out a frustrated sigh, wanting to smash my head against the mantle. For someone cunning enough to run a criminal enterprise, I’m a damn fool when it comes to relationships. I’m even worse when it comes to talking about my feelings.

“Come here. I want to show you something,” Kimbra whispers.

I pause my manic pacing and focus my entire being on my sweet girl. Every second she allows me to be in her presence is a gift.

She pats the seat next to her on the couch, making the corner of my lips curl up. She’s so damn cute. I sit and wait for whatever she wants to show me. Is it the back of her hand when she slaps me? I deserve it.

Instead of resorting to violence, Kimbra reaches into her backpack and retrieves a cardboard box. I watch as she opens it and pulls out a plant—one I’ve never seen before. Which, I suppose, isn’t saying much. Vegas isn’t exactly known for its rich vegetation.

“Is this your final project?” I ask, remembering what she told me the first night I met her.

Kimbra nods in confirmation. “Isn’t it amazing? It turned out better than I dreamed.” Her hazel eyes shine with pride at her accomplishment.

I’m so proud of her, and I feel honored to be included in this moment. I have no idea why she wants to share it with me, but I’ll be here for as long as she lets me.

“I didn’t even know something like this was possible,” I whisper in awe. “You can do anything, can’t you?” I say more to myself than to Kimbra.

“I don’t know about all that, but this little plant taught me something pretty insightful. I was on my way here to show you when…”

She trails off as a shadow passes over her eyes. My heart has already been through the wringer today, but hearing her confession makes me hate myself even more. She was coming see me even after I sent her away? Can she really care about us, aboutmethat much?

“What did you want to show me?” I murmur. My hand reaches toward her face, the tension in my shoulders subsiding when she lets me cradle her cheek.

Kimbra leans into my touch, her eyelids fluttering closed as if she’s missed me. I sure as hell have missed her, even though we’ve only been apart for a handful of hours. I notice she’s still wearing the emerald necklace I gave her, which gives me hope.

When she opens her eyes again, she’s focused on the plant. I reluctantly remove my hand so she can talk.

“See how the attributes of the thistle plant make the stem strong and durable?” Kimbra points to the rough texture and spikes coming out of the bottom half of the plant. “This little guy can survive some of the toughest environments by attaching itself firmly to soil, rocks, and even sand. When I introduced plant DNA from the dahlia, the thistle plant started growing buds. These started blooming yesterday. Aren’t the petals gorgeous?”

She momentarily moves her attention from the plant to me, a soft smile tugging at her lips. I nod, an unfamiliar lump of emotion stuck in my throat. Are thesetearsstinging the backs of my eyes? I can’t remember the last time I cried.

“The blossoms aren’t just there for decoration,” Kimbra continues. “They may look…delicate, but they serve an important purpose.”

I make a note of the word she used. It’s the same one I threw at her this morning. She’stoo delicate for my world.If I could take those words back… “Kimbra, I’m so sorry–”

“I’m not finished,” she says, lifting an eyebrow in my direction. She’s the sexy school teacher I never had… which unlocks a new dirty fantasy. I nod and she continues. “The flowers help absorb sunlight more efficiently. They also attract the kinds of insects that will pollinate and nourish the plant.”

I blink a few times, trying to figure out what she’s telling me.

“Don’t you see? The tough, prickly thistle plant is madestrongerby the dahlia blossoms. And the dahlia, in return, is more resilient and has more protection than when it’s on its own.”

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