Page 55 of Off Limits (Alpha Billionaire)

DYLAN

If I thought the wait for the pizza delivery had taken forever, the drive to Soledad took even longer. It was a minor miracle that I did not get pulled over. Why the hell had Ryan taken her out there? It made no sense. I did curb my speeding as I got closer to the police department. I’m not that dumb.

My insides had been clenching the entire drive to get to her, but when I saw Jessica’s feet, it felt like a gut punch.

“Oh, baby, what happened?” I slid to my knees as I got to her side. I took her hand in mine.

“Are you the boss or the boyfriend?” a cop asked.

“What? I’m both, I guess. I’ve been worried sick, running around like an idiot trying to find her. It never occurred to me that he would bring her all the way down here.” I stood to face him. “How did you find her?”

“Some kids saw her and let us know. She doesn’t know how long she was out there, but her feet are pretty messed up. You should take her to a hospital to get her cleaned up.”

“Why didn’t you take her to the hospital?”

“In case you haven’t noticed, this is a small town, and she’s not critical. We can’t really afford the manpower.”

I nodded. “Okay, I got it. I can take her.”

“Can we get out of here?” Jessica asked. “I want to go home.”

“Of course.” I stopped and forced myself to stare at her feet. They looked really bad. “Let’s get you taken care of, and then home.”

One of the officers helped to get Jessica outside with the wheelchair. I pulled the car around.

“What are you doing?” Jessica giggled as I scooped her up to put her in the car.

“You really want to walk?” I asked as I slid her into the passenger seat.

I stayed there with her. She was safe in my arms where she belonged. Her breath tickled my cheek. I turned and leaned in to close the distance between our lips. The kiss was soft and meaningful. She was safe. She was here. “I love you,” I said. It was barely a whisper.

“Did you just say what I think you said?” she asked.

I stayed close. “Yes, you heard me right. I’ve had a lot of time worrying about you tonight. It took a lot of effort and cost me a pricey bottle of wine just to have Ryan blow me off, and I couldn’t do anything about it. I was so desperate to get you back. I would have given up so much more just to know you were safe. When I saw you again, I knew. I knew what it all meant.”

She blinked, and I saw tears form in her eyes. I kissed her forehead.

“I know, it’s a lot right now. Let's get you taken care of.” I started to stand op, but Jessica grabbed my shirt and pulled me back in close.

“I love you, Dylan. I’m sorry I was so stupid.”

I ended up sitting on the floor board so I could lean into the car. I couldn’t stop touching her, stroking her arms, her hair. Jessica cried and hiccupped and just kept looking at me. Every time she tried to say something, she started crying again. The most she seemed to be able to say before she lost control was ‘I’m sorry.’

“Shh,” I tried to soothe her. “I’m here and you’re safe. That’s all that matters.”

“But… but I…”

“You thought you were doing the right thing. And maybe it was. Fighting in front of Max was not my finest moment. But damn, it felt good. I never realized how much that guy has bothered me for years. I think I’ve always wanted to smash the smirk off his face from time to time.”

“I ruined your business deal.” She sniffled.

I squeezed her hand and ran my fingers down the side of her face.

“No, his actions did. I mean, if his proposal is as strong and as good of an idea as he was telling me, then why would he have to resort to threats? No, if anything, this proves this isn’t a good deal. I’m sorry you got caught in the middle of it.”

We sat there just looking at each other, touching, being at peace that we were close and in each other’s company.

I started to get up, and she tugged on my hand, keeping me in place. “We need to get your feet looked at, and it’s a long drive home.”

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