Page 49 of Second Chance Serenity

“I’m a prideful man. It’s something I’ve always struggled with. And I realized today that I haven’t given you a straight apology. I’ve told you that it was a mistake, and I explained—poorly—why I left, but I want you to know, Reyna, I am truly sorry for what I did to you. I hurt you, beyond repair, and I see that now.”

Her eyes fill, but she doesn’t say anything.

“I’m going to talk to Lance. As soon as we catch whoever is after you, I’m going to make the move to Boston. Likely not permanently, since my sister needs me here, but I’ll be spending most of my time there, aiding our larger clients and running the field office we’ve been talking about for quite some time.”

“You don’t have to do that,” she says, uncrossing her arms. Her gaze widens.

“I do. Because you’re right. I shouldn’t have come back into your life the way I did. You deserve happiness. A family. A life. Even if it can’t be with me.”

“Thank you.”

“Anyway. I just wanted to tell you that. I’m here if you need me, Reyna.” I level my gaze on hers. “For forever and a day.”

CHAPTER 16

Reyna

Forever and a day.

I haven’t been able to get Michael out of my head. Especially since that evening on my porch. And being in Boston with him hasn’t been any easier. We’ve been here for two days now, setting everything up, and he’s been more quiet than normal but still stepping up and helping as needed.

All of them have truly been great, but Michael has gone above and beyond in helping me pull this thing off. Which I’m more appreciative of than I can even admit given how hesitant he was to let me come in the first place.

I’ve been trying to find a way to tell him that I read his letters. That seeing the words on the page did make me connect with the mindset he’d been in when he left. But I’m not sure how to do it without bringing up the pain of our past.

He’s in the living room of the hotel suite right now, alongside Elijah, Jaxson, and Lance as they prepare for the banquet. Then, tomorrow morning, we get to go home. There’s been no contact from my attacker, no action on my house since I’ve been gone, and I’m truly starting to wonder if he hasn’t simply moved on.

Maybe he left town because he realized he was going to get caught sooner or later. I apply a smooth line of lipstick over my mouth then stand back and study myself in the mirror. I’ve never been one for makeup, so I opted for a bit of color on my cheeks and some pale lipstick rather than a full face.

The gown I’m wearing fits perfectly, and I’m beyond grateful Margot came over and helped me pick it out before we left Hope Springs. Even if she’d given me trouble over calling this banquet evening a date with her brother.

Especially since I’d had him in mind when I’d chosen this particular color. Green is his favorite.

Someone knocks on the door. “Come in.” I don’t bother to turn because chances are it’s Lance checking in on me once again, letting me know the security team has swept the event area, and ensuring no one is in and out who isn’t supposed to be there.

It’s the tightest security we’ve ever run. I can only hope no one else notices and suspects that something is wrong.

“You look?—”

I turn now, my heart hammering as I face off with Michael. He looks absolutely gorgeous in a tuxedo, his dark hair styled. And I suddenly feel very, very vulnerable in my dress. Though based on the way he’s looking at me, it was a good choice.

“Are we leaving?” I ask, not letting him finish his sentence.

Boundaries.

That’s what we need.

“Yes,” he replies. “Lance, Elijah, and Jaxson already headed out. So we’ll be a bit behind them. Which Lance felt was better for optics. Given that I’m technically supposed to look like your date tonight.” He’s uncomfortable, which I can appreciate, because so am I.

Mainly because even though I know it’s not good, I want this to be an actual date. Not just look like one.

Gathering the skirt of my gown, I head toward the door, then follow him out of the room and down the hall to the elevators. He presses the button and we stand in silence as we wait for the doors to open.

The drive over to the event is short, maybe five minutes, but we do it in complete silence. In fact, it’s not until he’s opening the door for me at the valet that Michael even begins to look like he’s having a good time.

Even though I know it’s a mistake, I link my arm through his, smiling widely at everyone as we pass. I wave with my free hand, offer greetings, and head into the ballroom with Michael at my side. Even with my heels on, he towers over me, drawing more than a few curious glances.

Which, of course, sparks irrational jealousy.

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