Page 28 of Dauntless

He ran his hand through his hair. “I never thought I’d wanted a child until Melinda. She pulled me right in. And you—she seems quite taken with you too.”

“I don’t know,” I said shyly. “I’m not usually all that great with kids. My friend Astrid’s son, Jacob used to cry every time I picked him up, but he’s grown on me.”

“Have you ever thought about having children?” he asked.

“I did. Patrick and I had talked about it, but we fought too much,” I said candidly. “I didn’t want to bring a child into our unhappiness.”

“I agree. Angel and I weren’t getting along, but I do care for her and would have supported Melinda had I known. I love her already. She, like you, is easy to love.”

I grinned. He was besotted with her and charming me again. “I agree loving Melinda is easy, as for me, I don’t know. Anyway, she’s lucky to have you. I know you will do anything to fill her life with love and care.”

His eyes bore into mine. “I hope I can.”

We continued to eat lunch and talk, but in the back of my mind I felt let down, more so with myself. I was still too afraid of any feelings. With all that was going on, I had no room to fully explore how I felt about Dane or Elliott. I was sure I liked them both. A lot. Our friendships were cemented. My life had been ripped open, and they never wavered. I cared deeply for them. But Nella was right. Dane and Melinda needed more, and if I wasn’t willing to open myself to be a part of their lives, it would be better if I stood aside and let someone else step in.

“You’re looking ill now,” Dane said frowning. “Was it something you ate?”

I lowered my head to hide my face. “No, probably stress… Do you know when Angel will be returning?”

“Elliott told me sometime in the next two weeks,” he answered. “Once all her old friends heard she was coming back, they have been calling. They want to give her a welcome.”

I bit my lip. “Do you think that’s a good idea? I mean, Loren said Angel’s friends were mostly the problem.”

“Some of them were,” Dane affirmed. “And I know that and won’t include them, but she did have genuine friends and people that cared about her too. She needs to be reminded of that, and maybe it would help bring her back to herself. We all want her to remember who she was and that we love and care for her.”

I nodded. “I understand. What did you have in mind?”

“A private party,” Dane answered with a lift in his voice. “It will be a private fashion gathering next week at one of the designers that mentored her, Justus, and his show in Bryant Park. He agreed to include some clothing from her rare collections. The dinner already planned there will have a sponsorship added to fight human trafficking.”

My mind started to fill up with ideas. I wanted to help too. “You know Perfetto could be involved. Our makeup can be used, and we can sponsor if you need someone to. Astrid and I can make calls,” I stopped myself. “Sorry. I don’t know what I’m saying.”

“No, keep going,” Dane encouraged. “This is what I hoped you’d say. It would be great to have you involved.”

“No,” I turned my head. “I could before, not now.”

He clasped my hand. “Yes, you can. I insist.”

I blinked at him. “At one time, I would but with the video, I’d be a distraction.”

“Nonsense,” he argued. “The designers here will love it. There’s a different community here. Some of my friends have already called. They want to meet you and help you.”

“I’m not ready for that,” I said and moved out of his grasp. “I need time.”

“I understand that,” Dane empathized. “But you hide now, it’ll make it harder to go out. You’re stronger than that. Angel and all those out there like you need to know they can stand up for themselves against the men.”

“I’m not some symbol or martyr,” I dissented. “The things people are saying about me. No… I just want to be anonymous.”

Dane didn’t push it, but from the tension in his face, I could see he disagreed, but then he softened. “Enough of that for now,” he said and helped me stand. He placed his arms around my waist, holding me close. “Bed for you too,” he whispered against my ear.

I inhaled deeply imbibing the enticing scent of his aftershave.

“But it’s the middle of the day,” I half-heartedly protested. The burden of all that happened had left me drained. Undistracted, I would return right back to brooding, and it didn’t seem such a bad idea to sleep and escape into a dream. But then I looked at Dane. His eyes darkened with passion. Of course, I was pretending I didn’t know. There was nothing in his look or manner that led me to believe I was going to sleep.

Away from Dane, I thought there was no way we should be together, but when he was right in front of me, I couldn’t think of a good reason to be apart. Under his attention, I was pinned to the spot awaiting his next move. He made it by capturing my face in his large hands and studying me. “I want you, Gia. I know you want to be with me right now. Tell me what I can do to put you at ease with us together.”

Dane was being kind, but he wanted my consent. Whatever we did was my choice. I’d have to own it. This time more than just the two of us were involved.

“I don’t know if we should have sex,” I broached. “Angel is back now and—”

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