Page 30 of Absolution

There was some solace in his vow. If they had to keep the thing, then she’d prefer it was secure and out of the way.

“Why don’t you grab us drinks, and I’ll take it to the safe.” He signaled for her to go ahead.

“Okay.”

She peered back at him as they started along the corridor, disconcerted by his suggestion. Tucker hardly let her out of her sight, so his abrupt desire for her to fetch refreshments alone was noteworthy.

“Is there a problem?” His tone was sardonic.

“No, sir. I’m just a little surprised that you’ve asked me to get the drinks, but I’m happy to help. What would you like?”

“Mineral water, please.” The dark twinkle in his eyes might have been unnerving had the look not excited her so much. “There should be fresh bottles in the refrigerator by now.”

“Sounds good.” Ella felt dehydrated from all that champagne at Osbourne’s, so the idea of water was alluring. “I’ll join you.”

“Good.” He nodded toward the kitchen. “I’ll meet you in there once this is stashed away.” He glanced back at the hideous-looking weapon trapped under his arm.

“Great.” She backed away reflexively, grateful to put distance between her and the gun. The sooner it was locked away, the more at ease she’d be. “See you in the kitchen.”

She paused in the doorway, watching Tucker disappear into his study at the end of the hall. After days of living in the luxury of his city home, she’d come to know the layout of the place well, and while it wasn’t her home, she was comfortable there.

Tucker had seemed happier since they’d arrived in the city as well. He was still the same dominant, older man she’d grown to love spending time with, but he seemed more relaxed now that someone else was providing their food and energy needs. He didn’t need to play the vigilant benefactor in the apartment’s sleek and sophisticated setup, so he’d been able to drop the punitive Neanderthal act.

She suspected they’d both been able to reveal more of themselves in the confines of his exclusive penthouse. It was as though they’d been able to shake off the shadows that had spread over them in the forest and find a new sense of freedom.

Freedom to really know one another.

That must be why I’m falling for him.The excited butterflies in her belly stretched their wings as the realization settled over her.

Shewasfalling for him, and even though she knew he’d done horrendous things, she also trusted he’d never cause herany real harm. She pushed the memories of the guy he’d slain in the woods from her mind as she wandered into the kitchen. Tucker had done what he had to do to protect them both. He’d—

Her swirling thoughts were punctured by the unexpected scene that met her eyes. There, on the edge of the enormous, marbled island, was a vase of the largest bouquet of red roses she’d ever seen.

“Wow!” Her jaw fell open as she moved closer, her heart beating faster as she took in the sweet aroma of the fresh blooms. There must have been at least fifty of the flowers, each petal drenched in the deepest scarlet hue. “These are incredible.”

Her attention fell to the small white envelope perched at the bottom of the vase. Running her fingertips over the expensive paper, she noticed her name written on the front.

Ella.

Were the roses for her?

When did he have time to buy these?

Ripping open the envelope, her gaze planted firmly on the garland, she tugged out the tiny card and read the accompanying lines.

Little girl.

Her heart skipped a beat as the name he’d given her resounded in her head.

Thank you for being mine.

Her gaze ran repeatedly over the last line.

Thank you for being mine.

Thank you for being mine.

Men with money had bought Ella floral sprays many times, but she couldn’t ever remember a gesture as grand or as beautiful as this one. Or maybe she just couldn’t remember any meaning so much to her before.

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