Page 19 of Desperate Vows

I controlled myself long enough to get a few words out. “Why are you being nice to me?”

He didn’t answer right away. Just as I wondered if he would, he exhaled. “I don’t know. I just… like you.”

“Can we just stay here for a little while?”

“Yeah, we can. We can stay as long as you like.”

If I wasn’t careful, I was going to fall in love with him. I didn’t want to, but I wasn’t sure I could stop it now.

Chapter Eight

LUCAS

Damn.

Claire had blown in like a tornado and twisted my world upside down.

I’d been home for hours, and I was still staring at the ceiling, thinking about her and wishing I’d brought her to my place instead. At least then, I’d know she was safe.

I had planned to carry her to her room, but she woke up before I could get halfway to the door. When she realized she’d fallen asleep, she’d practically thrown herself out of my arms and sprinted into her home. It wasn’t like I could storm in after her, so I’d come home.

No matter how hard I tried, I was failing to get her out of my head.

I’d thrown at her what Franklin told me to see what sort of reaction I’d get. I didn’t know what I expected, but her coming undone wasn’t it. I expected a confession that she wasn’t as innocent as she presented herself. It wasn’t a big deal. I didn’t like that another man had touched what was now mine, but all I could do was control the future.

Something wasn’t adding up. I seriously didn’t get Claire and Franklin. He presented her one way, but it was the opposite of what I saw when I was around her. She said she hated him but called him Daddy in public. That said they were close. So, how could I tell who was being truthful? I wouldn’t be able to protect my family properly if I couldn’t figure them out and soon.

I’d held her while she cried so hard her body trembled. Watched her sleep with her puffy red eyes and nose. She’d made a mess of my shirt, but nothing a little detergent couldn’t fix. I’d tossed the suit with the other stuff that needed to go to the dry cleaner the moment I walked into my condo.

I heard my phone chime on the nightstand and immediately reached for it. Claire.

Thank you.

At least I wasn’t the only one who couldn’t sleep.

Any time. Are you okay?

Three dots popped up and disappeared enough times that I lost count. It made me wonder if she would answer me.

I haven’t been okay for a long time.

Man, I wanted to ask her why, but I’d told her I wouldn’t.

Is there anything I can do for you?

No, but tonight helped a lot.

I rolled to my side as I smiled.

I don’t mind making it a habit.

What I wanted was for her to be curled up next to me so I could make sure no one else ever hurt her again.

Me either.

A long minute passed before her next text chimed.

I have to get up early for wedding stuff tomorrow. I’m going to be so bleary-eyed that I might accidentally send out baby shower invitations. Talk about a shock.

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