Page 29 of Something Borrowed

Me: I won’t let that happen. I want to see you. Can you get out this afternoon?

Verity: Sure, but it’s going to be harder to lose the guards.

We decide that the best place to meet is the broad walk along the waterfront. It’s a busy place and we can blend in to the crowds or slip away if we can manage it.

After talking to Verity for a while I open some news sites, just to get an idea of what we are dealing with. Our photo is everywhere. Not just the first one I saw, but others too. Us in a club, walking down the street, at the yacht club. There is zero chance of being able to call it a once off mistake.

Not that I wanted to.

I’m still enjoying the fact that the truth is out.

I haven’t figure out how yet, but I am going to be with her.

Warm wind stirs against my shirt. Glancing over at the water I clench my jaw, trying to figure out the best way that her and I can be together.

I sense her and turn in her direction.

Verity walks nervously towards me, glancing over her shoulder to check if anyone is following, then looking back my way and grinning.

“I can’t believe I lost them.” She laughs, jumping into my arms.

“Are you alright?” I ask, hugging her against me and burying my nose against her hair to soak smell her.

“Ugh, yes, my dad lectured me last night and then it started all over again his morning. He went on for hours. I thought my ears were going to fall off. Honestly, it’s a little over the top to threaten to send me away. I don’t think he will. He would miss me too much.” She giggles.

“Don’t worry - I got the same bullshit lectures from my brothers. Fuck them. It’s you and me against the world. I meant what I said last night, Verity.”

Her big green eyes pierce into me. Her lashes lowered and her gaze intense.

“That I love you.” I smirk.

“You do? Are you serious?” She says, feigning surprise.

“Watch yourself.” I laugh, holding her even tighter. She giggles and snuggles against me, her body curved into mine.

When she looks at me this time, her eyes are softer. “I love you too, Red. I don’t care what my father says. I won’t give this up.”

“We just need to be a little more careful until we can figure out a way around this.” As I say it I see the reporter taking a photograph of us. His long camera lens looks heavy.

“Hey.” I shout, making a move towards him, but the guy takes off running full speed away from us.

“Was that a reporter?” She asks, not sounding as concerned as I thought she would.

“Yes. So much for being more careful. I don’t think it matters where we go at this point. It’s not your security guards we have to avoid, it’severyone.”

“Ugh. I can already sense another lecture coming from my father.” She rolls her eyes. “Well, we may as well just enjoy the afternoon then. Do you want to get something to eat?”

I can’t help the smile that steals its way onto my face. She really doesn’t give a fuck about anything. Her attitude is fucking sexy.

“Come on, little vixen, I could do with a beer and a steak right now.” Taking her hand we walk together towards one of the popular restaurants this side of town. Neither of us is looking around at who might be watching. We’re too lost in each other.

For a moment I wonder if Masaccio was right.

Am I just in this for the thrill of it? I am addicted to the danger of being with Verity?

No.

It’s more than that. Our connection is something unique that I’ve never felt before. I’ve never met anyone like her.

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