Page 35 of The Reluctant Wife

"A safe house." He steps on the accelerator. "Sleep. I’ll wake you when we get there."

17

Ryot

It’s my fault this happened. I never should have let my guard down. How could I have taken her out of the hotel when I know the level of danger she faces? How could I have indulged my attraction for her and arranged for that date when I know the threat comes from a credible source? How could I have given in to her needing a change, knowing it was breaking protocol?

After the shooter fired at her, James and I exchanged one glance and agreed, without speaking, that the situation had turned even more serious. It was best to get her out of there and to a place no one knows about. Not even my team.

No one, but me and my brother, Tyler, who I messaged and informed of my plans.

Cole updated me earlier. Neither he nor Brian found any evidence of the shooter. Which confirms to me that whoever we’re dealing with is better than I originally gave them credit for.

Since the princess’ team was vetted by me, I saw no harm in sharing our whereabouts, so they could reach her, if needed. I curse myself. I shouldn’t have done that.

On the other hand, the list of suspects has been narrowed to the inner circle. One of them must have leaked details of the princess’ movements.

Until I figure out what's happening, I’m not going to trust anyone other than, Tyler.

I drive through the night and arrive at my safe house in the early hours of the morning. She’s sleeping so peacefully, and the shadows beneath her eyes are so pronounced, I decide to carry her into the house. This place is off the books.

I paid for it through a company that cannot be traced back to me. This is the one time I dipped into my inheritance. Instinct had warned me that, at some time in the future, I might need to get out here.

I place her on the bed, unlace and remove her Doc Martens, and cover her up. For a few seconds, I watch her chest rise and fall. Her eyelashes curl over her cheekbone; her cheeks are flushed. At least, she’s no longer pale. She’ll likely be exhausted when she wakes up, though. I place a glass of water, along with a bottle of Tylenol next to her on the nightstand. Then I tuck the duvet around her and walk out.

I head down into the kitchen, fill a glass of water from the tap and drink from it, then place the glass down on the counter. I step out onto the patio, pull out my phone, and video call my brother.

Tyler picks up in two rings. "Are you okay?"

There’s worry in his voice.

"I’m good."

"Assume this is a secure line?"

"Don’t insult me," I scoff.

"No harm covering all bases. When you’re in the middle of a tricky operation, it’s surprising how much detail can slip."

I stiffen. "If this is about what happened to Jane?—"

"It’s not." His voice softens. "Don’t get all worked up about it. I’m simply watching out for you and your principal."

It’s strange how I’m no longer as disturbed about hearing her name emerge from my lips as I was even a few weeks ago. Is it because of… Aura? Because the princess is occupying my thoughts, and has clawed her way under my skin and into my heart? If I had any doubts about what she means to me—that assassin's bullet put them to rest.

The moment I spotted the telltale crimson pinpoint of the laser sight quivering over her heart, my entire being went into overdrive. My pulse sped up, my heartbeat spiked, adrenaline flushed my blood stream, and I moved without conscious thought.

Thank God, I managed to take her down and shield her body from the worst of the impact. I heard the bullet break the glass of the window and shatter the water jug before it punched through the overturned chair where she’d been seated and embedded itself in the floor.

I felt the vibrations from the hit deep in my bones. Every cell in my body snapped to attention, every instinct ringing out in alarm. I managed to roll her away, against the wall, until we were out of sight of whoever might be out there. And I covered her body with mine. She was silent under me, but for the hammering of her heart, which confirmed to me she was alive. And despite the danger of the situation, my body was drawn to hers. I was painfully hard, and my cock insisted on nestling happily between her thighs.

I cursed myself and wanted to pull away, but then she squirmed under me. She pushed herself up and into me, flattening her gorgeous curves against my much harder body,and I almost came in my pants. I was so conscious about her and hated that I couldn’t turn off my response to her. I enjoyed it too, and berated myself for it, and?—

"Ryot, you there?" My brother’s voice interrupts my thoughts.

I bring myself back to the present. "Sorry, you were saying?"

He scrutinizes my face with a worried expression. "You holding up okay?”

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