Page 86 of The Marriage Auction 2: Part 3

“Will you ever forgive me?” His voice was a low, deep rumble that reminded me of a cat purring.

“Your heart was in the proper place. And you did right by Celine,” was all I could offer.

“That’s not an answer, Alana. Do. You. Forgive. Me?”

I let all that had happened roll around in my mind, none of it making any sense after the day I’d had.

“I don’t know.”

His hold tightened. “I’ll earn your forgiveness. Just promise to give me a chance.”

“I want to forgive you, Christo. I do, I really do…but I’m so hurt.”

“That’s fair, and I understand. Just don’t shut me out. Talk to me. Let me earn your trust again.”

I had no doubt that Christo and I would work through this…eventually.

“I need some time,” I whispered and closed my eyes, snuggling closer to the man I loved.

“You have my entire life, Alana. Take as much time as you need.”

Episode 83

Never Come Home

MAIA

After Alana and Christophe shared their history with Angus Sokolov and why they believed he was after them, we were all a little taken aback. Alana was very clearly exhausted and emotionally drained and likely traumatized. Who wouldn’t be? Rhodes hadn’t said much when they went over the story, calmly listening and taking it all in. I wondered what he thought about everything. I knew he was grateful to Alana for taking care of Emily during their terrifying experience, but when he had Emily within the safety of his arms, he’d turned into stoic, serious Dad, taking charge and keeping an eye on his girl.

Once Christophe and Alana were done talking, the four of us headed upstairs, Rhodes and I to check on Emily, Alana and Christophe to get some much-needed rest. Just as we made it to Emily’s room, Aurelie exited.

“Emily’s asking for her dad and Maia,” she said to our group.

“Merci, Aurelie. We’ve got it from here.” Rhodes smiled weakly.

The cook or housekeeper, I wasn’t really sure what her role was, seemed to manage just about everything inside the house, silently left and went back downstairs. Before we entered Emily’s room, Rhodes turned to Alana.

“You good?” Rhodes asked her.

“Not even close, but I will be.”

He leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “We’ll figure this out.”

“I hope so,” she whispered, her eyes becoming shimmery with tears. Alana crying was something I didn’t like seeing. It was unsettling. Mostly because in the years I’d known her, she was always so put together and reserved in her emotional responses. Seeing this side made my heart hurt, and I rubbed my chest.

Rhodes opened the door to Emily’s room and entered with me in tow.

“Hey, baby girl, you need us?”

Emily had the blankets up to her chin, her eyes wide and terrified. I could see her shaking even from a good fifteen feet away.

“Will you both lay down with me?I’m scared,” Emily shared in a low, frightened tone.

“Of course we will. Anything to make you feel safe,” Rhodes murmured as he sat on one side of the bed.

Taking his lead, I kicked off the slippers Alana had loaned me and went to the opposite side. I pulled back the covers and got right into bed with Emily.

Rhodes smiled when I pushed next to Emily and looped my arm over her waist. He stayed on top of the covers but faced his girl.

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