Page 19 of Objection

Chuckling, I shook my head and wrapped my arm around her waist. “Not twisted at all. I take pride in who I am and what I’ve done. You won’t ever have to worry about me allowing anyone to hurt you. John Wick will look like a saint compared to what I’d do if anyone ever hurt you.”

Serenity giggled and snuggled closer to me. For some reason, her not rejecting me, getting scared of me, or judging me made me want her more. It was time for me to officially make her mine.

“Is my heart just as safe with you?” she asked. “Will you protect that too?”

“I’ll protect it as long as mine is beating. Every part of you will be safe with me, princess. I will protect your honor, your image, your softness as a woman, your mind, your peace—all of you. You’re safe with me.”

With a soft smile, she brushed her nose against mine before kissing me. I held her close by her neck. When she tossed her leg around me, the weight grounded me instantly. Relaxed me instantly. Not long after our lips disconnected, I fell asleep.

Serenity

One Month Later

Life had gone by in a blur for the past month. Kaos won both of his cases and we’d started looking at buildings for my staffing company. I still couldn’t believe he’d offered to not only buy me a building but help with whatever else I needed. When I made the choice to come to Rose Valley Hills, I had hope that the perfect life for me would be started here.

Two years later, I was doing what I loved, dating an amazing man, and close to having my own business. That thought had me reaching out to my sister again. I’d called her when we made it back from Greece but she didn’t answer. She texted me the next morning and told me she was working and we’d been playing phone tag ever since. A part of me felt like she was intentionally avoiding my calls, but what I wanted to say to her couldn’t be said through text.

Before I could call her, I noticed a text from Kaos.

The Best: Couldn’t risk staying and not being able to pull myself away from you. There’s something for you at the door.

An excited squeal escaped me as I scurried to the front door. Kaos had been a bit distant this past week and I wasn’t sure why. My overthinking and anxiety had me thinking he was up to no good or changing his mind about me—about us. I knew that was a me thing, so I didn’t want to bother him about it. Plus, I felt a little spoiled. When I mentioned it to Nessa, she told me to tell him how I felt so I wouldn’t have to wonder what was going on. I said I’d bring it up to him the next time we saw each other, but this random pop up was making me feel better already.

My eyes widened when I realized he’d gotten me something from Saks Fifth Avenue. He was the only man I knew that would go to Saks and literally spend thousands of dollars on T-shirts. Kaos had immaculate style. The only time he dressed down was over the weekend, and even then, he really knew how to put that shit on. We were kind of the same with our style. I’d wear a white tee with jeans, yet my heels, purse, and jewelry would be fancy or designer. Being with Kaos hadn’t changed my style but it definitely elevated the brands I wore, and I loved that for me.

I carried everything inside and oozed with happiness and excitement after I opened one bag and box after the next. Kaos had gotten me three bottles of perfume—Bond No. 9 Greenwich Village, Cassili by Parfums de Marly, and Baccarat Rouge 540. My mouth literally salivated at the sight of the cherry blossom sequined mini dress by Oscar de la Renta. It was absolutely stunning, and so were the heels and purse to match. The last box had a platinum and natural diamond tennis bracelet with matching diamond studs. I plopped down on the bench in front of my bed with watery eyes. This man had easily spent almostsixty thousand dollars on me in one day, and he probably didn’t even give it a second thought. Once I was sure I wouldn’t cry over his generosity, I called him.

“Princess,” he answered, with the wind blowing and music playing in the background.

“Babe,” I whined, causing him to chuckle.

“Do you like it all?”

“I absolutely love it. That dress is gorgeous.”

“Good. I want you to wear that tonight for our date.”

“I will. Thank you, baby.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Um . . . I feel kind of silly saying this now but . . . I was a little worried you were starting to get bored with me. You’ve been kind of distant this week and I was hoping it wasn’t because you’ve changed your mind about us.”

“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”

“I felt spoiled and like I was overreacting. We saw each other at work but we talked less, and I haven’t seen you afterhours all week.”

“First, I want you to always come to me any time you have an issue—big or small. Overthinking has an easy fix . . . communication, validation, and clarity. With that being said, it wasn’t my intention to be distant this past week. I thought it was just me, and since you didn’t say anything, I didn’t mention it. That’s why I planned this date for us tonight because I was missing you more than I usually do after work.” He chuckled. “Ihavebeen working more than usual this past week but that’s because of what I have planned for us this weekend and next week. I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but I’ll say what happens tonight determines how the rest of our weekend will flow.”

“Ooh. Okay. I’m excited.”

He laughed. “Just know I’ve been busy working on something special for you this weekend. I put a lot into thisand came up with everything myself. I’m quite proud of myself actually.”

“Mhm, I bet. Well can I at least get a little hint?”

“Nope. Just know it will make my distance worth it.” My phone dinged, signaling I had a text. “That’s your itinerary for the rest of the day. Please make sure you follow it and don’t be late, Serenity.”

“I won’t. I promise.”

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