Page 53 of Three Hearts Hideaway

“You’re sure you have everything, love?”

“I went through my bags four times while waiting for you. I double checked the apartment—everything’s turned off orunplugged.” She inhaled a deep breath as if to steady herself. “I’m ready.”

Roman took her hand and led them out of her apartment.

She locked the door behind her and tucked the keys inside her purse. “Sebastian has a key to my place. I was going to change the locks.”

“Is there anything left in the apartment that you don’t want him to get his hands on?”

She shook her head. “Everything important is packed in those bags.”

Roman ran his thumb in circles on the back of her hand. “Then we’ll add the locks to our to-do list. But it’s not something we need to concern ourselves with right now.”

“And what about my car? I didn’t think about that.”

“Your building has parking?” Logan asked.

“Yeah. Heated and underground.”

“Then it’s fine. As soon as you want it in Little Greenfield, Roman and I will drive here and get it for you.”

Ava’s mouth fell open slightly, and she stared at Logan. “You would, wouldn’t you?”

Both he and Logan nodded their agreement.

A new resolve seemed to fill her. She stood with her shoulders back and raised her chin.

There she was. A glimpse of his Ava.

“Okay, then. Let’s do this.” Her hold on him tightened.

They descended in the elevator to the lobby, Logan standing protectively in front. A smile tugged the corner of Ava’s lips. Roman’s heart fluttered at the sight of her spirit returning, even in small amounts.

“I bet Jerry wasn’t too pleased about having to fly to Ottawa again today,” Ava mused, glancing at Roman as they stepped into the lobby.

“Once I offered him free drinks at the pub for the next month?—”

“Year,” Logan corrected.

Roman laughed. “Year,” he continued, “he was more than willing to fly us out here.”

Ava squeezed his hand and smiled at him. A bright, beautiful smile. He could stare at that smile and never want for anything more.

And then it vanished.

In its place, fear.

Roman followed Ava’s gaze to a tall man heading toward them. The stranger’s nostrils were flared, and his fingers kept flexing, but his face was a picture of calm. He wore a fancy navy suit, cut perfectly to fit, and his eyes were trained on Ava

There was no doubt in Roman’s mind. This was Sebastian.

He stopped a few feet from them, clearly sizing them up. “What’s going on, babe?” Sebastian’s stare jumped from her, to Roman, to Logan.

Ava didn’t answer.

She huddled against Roman, her eyes downcast. Stepping to her other side, Logan set down her bags and placed his palm in hers.

If Sebastian was at all intimidated, he didn’t show it.

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