Page 45 of Vow to Protect
“Alex—what’s with the early morning wakeup call?” I fist my dick once to ease the throb.
His chuckles rasps down the line. “It’s well after midday. Since when do you sleep in?” I’ve lost track of time. I can’t remember the last time that happened without alcohol in my bloodstream. “I have good news. As you know, I’m the best guy around for acquiring particular goods. You asked, and I’ve over delivered. The woman’s documents are in my hand this very second.” My back locks. “They will transport her out of Dublin completely under the radar. It’s all arranged for later tonight.”
I glance back at Raen’s lithe body and sultry position on top of the bed. “What time?” I grit out over the lump swelling in my throat.
It’s time to let her go.
“After midnight. I’ll have the papers couriered to you now. All you need to do is drop her at the compound, and she’ll be taken care off.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and turn away from her hungry eyes. “Don’t use the courier. I’ll come to you,” I reply.
“Is everything okay, Brett?” he quizzes.
“Of course. I’m a little preoccupied right now. Thanks for your help. Good job, Alex.” I hold back unsettled discontent. Separation was unavoidable. This news shouldn’t be a surprise, or a low blow.
I rake the wet hair on my thumping skull and draw back my shoulders, mentally sinking deeper into myself. The self-preservation skill I’ve mastered, or been cursed with, shields my resentment of Alexander’s efficiency.
When I reach for my track pants, the bed creaks behind me. I glance back to find delicious nipples, wide eyes and mocha rich skin. My cock jerks.
“Wait. What are you doing? Are you leaving?” Her voice is small behind the thumb nail she’s chewing.
“Yeah. My guy has your travel documents ready.” The words I need to say out loud hammer in my throat. “You’ll be free after tonight.” I squeeze them out, simultaneously wrestling with the monstrous desire to lie. “I’ve a few things to sort out.” I can’t fuck her now. It would be too meaningful. Too powerful.
Raen scurries over the mattress, swaddling her torso with a crumpled sheet. “Really?” A shaky palm covers the scar tissue. “So soon—I’m leaving Dublin tonight? Omigod, Brett, is this true?” She almost squeals with joy. I detest the bounce in her step and how she’s vibrating with relief. Fucking me really was a distraction tactic, nothing more. “You really came through for me. I owe you my life,” she whispers the last word, contemplating the magnitude of that statement.
From the first time she stole my breath, to the last time she screamed my name—I have to forget it all. I’m used to shuttering my emotions. This will be old school, simple.
Her lashes lower like the news has suddenly dive bombed in her eyes. Fresh bruises ache over the lies I’m spinning. A landslide of anger threatens to break free until I swallow hard, resisting the urge to punch the wall. This city holds her captive, and I’m about to send her far away. “You’ll be a free woman again by morning.”
Raen fiddles with damp tips while her mouth creeps upward a little. “What if I wanted to stay for a while longer? You know…” Her lower lip draws in like she’s thinking. “No one knows I’m here, right?”
A speeding car of hope crashes into the room. “No,” I snap with a vicious tug, yanking my head through the hole in my tee. “Blaine is out there.” I nod to the window. “He’s waiting for the second you step into the daylight. That’s not an option.”
The sheet bellows when she spins around and storms to the window. “It was only a suggestion,” she mutters. “I’d love to meet Tilly before I disappear for good. That’s all.”
Dublin’s landscape surrounds her elegant silhouette. Tendrils cascade down her back, covering the freckles scattered in disarray like constellations mapping an uncertain destiny. She's not free yet.
“That’s not possible. She’s in school, and then she’ll be at home with the nanny. You need to leave this city and never look back. You’re leaving tonight, and it’s not up for discussion.” I willingly chose this pain over her safety.
Glancing back, rosy red lips contort and for a fleeting second her eyes mist. I watch the sharp rise of her shoulders and marvel at her slender neck lengthening with regality. “What time do I leave?” she asks softly.
She’s remarkable. I’m over my head, edging into the rabbit hole of loss all over again. Shoving one foot after the other into my track shoes, the silence of my physical withdrawal chokes the atmosphere. I dare to glance over, meeting the forest ablaze in her eyes. “Midnight,” I reply with a sigh.
She nods once. “I’ll be ready.” The fabric cloaking her breasts tightens.
“Raen,” I say her name cold and quick. Lashes lower, blocking out my intense gaze. “You’ll be free.”
“I know.” She smiles tightly. “That’s all I want.”
“That’s what we both want.” I step closer. “You can’t stay here. It will never be safe for you in this city while he's still breathing.”
I want to circle her waist. Press a reassuring kiss to her lips. Agree to let her stay a bit longer. Have more time together. However, that won’t help either of us. “I’ll make sure you have clothes for your journey. Right now, I have to make sure everything is in order. I’ll be back later with food.”
And just like that, I walk away, pretending it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.
I wanderaround the apartment without purpose after Brett leaves under a dark cloud. He’s gone from cold stranger, to caring lover, to distant stranger again in one conversation.
A cool shower drenches my confliction. The person I thought I was has all but disappeared. I’m supposed to be the independent gypsy soul, without bonds or personal sacrifice. That carefree woman is a myth. Instead, I’m daydreaming about a man whose heart is betrothed to the past, with a life’s purpose singularly focused on his daughter. He’s held out to his promise. And I’ve somehow traded my physical freedom for my wandering soul––unbeknown to us both, I’ve shackled myself to the idea of belonging.
