Page 10 of Under The Greek's Protection

“I’m always down for some retail therapy,” Janae sings, clapping her hands.

Mike rolls his eyes, chuckling, “My poor credit cards.”

Janae pinches his cheek, then throws back, “You mean our credit cards. Fifty-fifty baby.” She holds up her sparkling wedding ring, making me realize I need to get Hailey one.

“I need to run some errands while we’re out,” I add.

“What errands,” Zar quizzes, putting me in the hot seat.

“Errands,” I smirk, not wanting to reveal what I was going to do. “Don’t worry big brother, I’ll be a good boy while we’re out.” Balthazar raises his brow as I laugh, leading Hailey out of the dining room.

I took her to the opening of the shrubbery maze and sat on the wrought iron bench under the Sycamore tree.

Hailey places her feet on the edge of the bench, bending her knees, and pulling them to her chest. She lays her head on them as she looks over at me.

“I thought you said we didn’t need to talk?”

I nudge her shoulder with mine before replying, “We didn’t after you slapped and kissed me.”

“You kissed me first, and you deserved that slap. You can’t go around putting your lips on just anybody without their permission.”

“But it wasn’t just anybody, it was my wife,” I counter with a low laugh. Hailey rolls her eyes, smiling. It was time for me to come clean about a few things. “Look Hailey, I know I went about things in a selfish manner, but at the time, I was only thinking about your and Devyn’s safety. I figured if I had Tech produce the marriage certificate and documents stating that we have legal custody of Devyn, it would be harder for Andre to find you two. In hindsight, I should’ve talked it over with you, but at the moment, I only wanted to do what was necessary to keep the both of you safe. Do I regret what I have done...hell no! I would do it all over again. I don’t know what it is about you Hailey, but my conscience screams out for me to protect you...and Devyn.” I chuckle. “Devyn, that little girl has stolen my heart. She has been through a lot, but she still smiles. She is full of resilience and strength. I never want her to be put back in the heartache she was once in, nor do I want you to think you have to keep running to protect her. That is my job, and if you will willingly have me as your husband, I promise, nothing foul will ever come to either one of you. I am a man of my word. You are the first and the last woman I will ever vow this to, because you are my wife. All I ask is that you give me a chance to prove what I have said.”

Hailey stares deeply into my eyes. “But Alistair, you don’t even know me.”

“I know enough to say I want you by my side. Do you know it took Balthazar six years to get Nina? Not because she didn’t want to be with him, but because of our lifestyle. I’m not going to do that with you, Hailey. I’m showing you who I am, and my lifestyle upfront. I don’t want there to be any secrets between us. So, what do you say? Give a guy a chance, and I promise you will never regret it.”

She contemplates a decision for a few seconds before answering, “Fine, I will continue to be your wife...” I grin wide, but Hailey holds up her finger. “But, you have to give me some time to get used to being married to you. I want us to get to know each other better. You never gave me a chance at that. I will admit that you are a handsome man, but handsome doesn’t mean we’re compatible. I don’t want this to be some kind of Stockholm Syndrome situation. I want my feelings to be genuine, and not because you saved us.”

I tilt my head to the side, admiring her beauty. “You think I’m handsome.”

Hailey drops her head to her knees. “After all I just said, the only thing you heard was that I think you’re handsome?”

Laughing deeply, I assure her, “Oh, I heard everything you said and I totally agree with you. I want your feelings for me to be genuine as well. I know mine are for you. Anyway, I think we both know where the other stands on our marriage. From my standpoint, I think we make the perfect married couple...beauty and brawn.”

That last remark causes Hailey to snicker. Her laughter was infectious. Leaning over, I kiss her forehead. Hailey closes her eyes with a tremble.

“I have one last thing to tell you,” I say against her skin.

“Hmmm,” she hums.

“I sort of shot your step-father in the knee.”

Hailey jerks her head up. “What does “sort of” mean, Alistair? Either you shot him or you didn’t.”

“Okay, well I shot him and he’s going to have one hell of a pimp walk when he heals.” I stand, demonstrating a walk with a limp.

Hailey tries to hold in her laughter but fails. “Oh my God, Alistair stop!” She slaps her hand over her mouth, cracking up as I continue to limp. As she gathers her composure, I cease my demonstration and retake my seat. Hailey brings her legs down, placing her feet on the grass. “Okay, let’s get serious for a second. So, you shot him and now what? Don’t you think by doing that you’ve put a target on your back now? Not only will he be looking for me and Devyn, but he’ll also start looking for you too.”

I take her hand in mine, caressing her soft skin. “I’m not worried about him looking for me, you, or Devyn. I made my intentions known, what would happen to him if he didn’t take his ass back to Atlanta.”

Hailey sighs, “I hope you're right. I want Devyn to be safe and secure. I want her to have a stable life and just be a kid, you know?”

“And she will be, you too,” I promise. “Since I know everything about you from the background check, is there anything you want to know about me? I’m an open book, so ask me whatever.”

Hailey bites her bottom lip, then asks, “How old are you?”

“Thirty”

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