Page 93 of Stone Promises

“And everythingIhave isyours,” she says. Then she winces, forming a wrinkle in her elegant nose. “Sorry. I know you’re getting the short end of the stick.”

I shake my head looking at the incredible woman lying next to me. “No. I’m definitely the winner here. I promise you that.”

My phone vibrates on the nightstand for the third time, so I roll over to check it.

Richard: I didn’t want to alarm Mallory. When I got home last night, there was something for her at the front door. I can’t even explain it, so I sent a picture.

I tap on the attached picture to expand it and my heart stops. There on the front steps of her house is a life-sized teddy bear with its insides ripped out and spilling down the front porch steps. It looks like it has blood all over it and it’s holding a sign that reads, “Die, bitch.”

The news of our engagement has spread quickly what with the cast and crew all witnessing it. It was never my intention to keep a lid on it. I’m glad it’s out there. I want the world to know I’m with her. And I did expect some backlash, but I sure as hell didn’t think it would come in the form of an eviscerated teddy bear on Mal’s front porch.

I read his other text.

Richard: There were also a dozen or so cards stuffed in the front door and several photographers out front. I know she comes home tomorrow. I know you’ll do whatever is needed to keep her safe. Let me know what I can do to help.

I quickly scroll through the rest of my missed messages. They are mostly from Paul, who is pissed at me that I didn’t clear things with him first. As if I need his permission to propose to my girl. And my lawyer, Ron, is already bugging me about a prenup that will never see the light of day.

“What is it?” Mal asks, sitting up in bed when she reads my body language.

“Nothing,” I say.You have to tell her.“Well, not nothing, but I don’t want you to worry. We pretty much expected this with the news of our engagement.”

“What happened?” she asks. “Are women protesting in the streets? Are they mourning the loss of the world’s most eligible bachelor?” She giggles and I feel terrible that I’m going to ruin her good mood.

“Funny, but no. It seems you’ve gotten some, um . . . hate mail back at your house.”

She laughs. “Already? Wow, that was fast.” Her face falls. “Wait, how do you know about this?”

“Your dad texted me.”

“Why did he text you and not me?” she asks. “They didn’t egg his house or anything, did they?”

I shake my head. “No. They didn’t egg his house.” I reluctantly hand my phone over and show her the picture Richard sent.

Her hand comes up to cover her mouth as I watch horror cross her face. “Oh, God, Chad. How can people be so cruel?”

“I’ll have the police look into it. But I’m going to send Cole home with you.”

“What?” She gives me a crazy-eyed look. “That’s ridiculous. Cole is needed here, with you.”

“I need to keep you safe, Mal.”

“I needyouto be safe, Chad.”

I blow out a sigh. “I’ll hire you your own bodyguard then.”

“I don’t need a bodyguard,” she says. “It’s just a jealous fan.”

“A jealous fan who could be psychotic for all we know. I’m not taking the chance. Either move out of your dad’s house to someplace more secure, or I’m getting you a bodyguard. Take your pick, Mal.”

I’ve never been so stern with her before. I hold my breath to see just how hard she’s going to push back. I watch as she processes what I’ve told her. I can read her eyes. She doesn’t know whether to be pissed at me for being an over-protective prick or relieved because I’ll do anything to take care of her.

“But what about my dad? If I leave, he will be left to deal with things. I want him safe, too. And where would I go?”

“First off, your dad is a big guy. Nobody is going to mess with him. And it won’t take long for word to get out that you aren’t living there anymore. I was thinking that maybe you could stay with Ethan or Kyle until we can find a place. I don’t think Melissa or Julian would have enough space for you to comfortably stay with them longer than a day or two.”

She shakes her head. “I’m not staying with Ethan and Charlie. They have a baby and don’t need me hanging around.”

“What about Kyle?” I ask. “He’s never home. He’s at the hospital pretty much all the time now that he’s an intern. His apartment is close to Melissa’s, so you and she could ride to work together.”

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