Page 57 of Unleash You

A smile tugged at my lips. “I promise, I’m not as fragile as you think.”

“I know that now.” He spanked my butt playfully and pushed me toward the shower. “Go before I change my mind about letting you out of this room.”

I giggled and darted toward the bathroom, where I got cleaned up and dressed in record time. When I went downstairs, Valentina waited for me on the piano bench. The sunlight slanting through the tall windows played with the highlights in her dark hair. How did Lilly ever think that Derek would even look my way with her standing next to him? Luckily for me, I never had any interest in Derek, and Wesley wanted no one but me.

“Hi, sorry about the wait.” I walked into the room.

“It’s fine. You got ready fast.” She stood and kissed my cheek hello. “I came over to say goodbye. And to apologize for not answering your text.”

“You had your reasons.” I offered her a seat on the sofa. “I feel terrible for putting you in harm’s way like that.”

A few days ago, Valentina’s ex had tricked her into meeting him outside the compound. I’d helped her, thinking it was the best for her and her son.

“I asked for your help and you gave it. Please, no apologies needed.” She smiled. “We’re going home tomorrow. I just wanted to say how grateful I am to have met you. I hope I get to see you soon.”

“Me too.” I hugged her. “You’ll definitely see me for the wedding next month.”

“Yes.” She nodded firmly. “So. Wesley?” She stifled a giggle as her gaze shifted toward the staircase. “When did that happen?”

“The night of your engagement party. He loves me.” I stuffed a hand in my hair, still not believing my own words.

“I’m so happy for you. I told you he’d come around.”

“So everyone knew but me.” Wesley’s voice echoed in the vestibule just outside the great hall.

“Pretty much.” Valentina turned to face him. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Thanks.” Wesley met my gaze for a beat. “Derek texted. He says you’re leaving?”

“Yeah. It’s time to go home.” She hugged herself, and my heart twisted a little. She’d gone through hell and back the last few days.

“I’m going to miss having someone to talk to.” I took her hand in mine.

“Come back soon.” Wesley gave her a tight squeeze.

We ushered Valentina down the corridor that led to the kitchen and the backdoor. When I first came back over a month ago, this house no longer felt like home. But between Valentina, Wesley, and the Coles, I finally felt as though I belonged somewhere. Walking Valentina back to her house with Wesley holding my hand was my new normal. He was my home. The rest of the afternoon, we spent saying goodbye to Valentina and Derek. I was sad to see them go, but they had a wedding and the rest of their lives to plan.

“You’re not mad at me anymore?” Wesley asked on our way back to Fox’s Bank. He hadn’t even asked if he could spend the night. I was so okay with that.

“I was never mad. Just flustered.” I shot him a glance.

He wrapped his arm around my waist and ushered me into our room. “We’re all packed for tomorrow. I left an outfit out for you to wear in the morning.”

“Thank you.” I didn’t recognize the clothes on the sofa. These were clothes made for a special ops kind of mission.

“I told you. This trip isn’t what you think. You’ll have the clothes on your back and one extra pair of socks, underwear, pants, T-shirt, and rain jacket. That’s it. I threw all your stuff in with mine, so we only have one duffle bag.”

I doubted he’d thought to include makeup, body wash, or shampoo in with his luggage. I stared at him with my mouth slightly open. He was giving me exactly what I’d asked for. Though I had to admit, I hadn’t quite comprehended what this trip would specifically entail until now. “Right. That makes sense.”

“You look a little a pale.”

“No, I’m good. What…what you packed is great.”

“You don’t have to do this.” He brushed the back of his hand over my cheek.

“Don’t ask me again.”

“Fine. Plane leaves at oh-three hundred. That will get us there by oh-nine-hundred.”

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