Page 56 of Devour

Miss Bowman better be grateful that I was already in trouble or she might’ve been next. As soon as Maeve left the garage to go home that day, I went inside to inform Miss Bowman personally that I was no longer a client there. Along with the phone calls Imade, I’d wager a bet that her company will be forced to close its door permanently by the end of the year.

My phone dings and I look down to read the text.

MAEVE: Do you still want me to handle the grand opening? Were you being serious?

Since Maeve left me that day in the garage, I’ve been reassessing my life. The one thing I’m more certain than anything is Maeve being involved in it as much as humanely possible. There’s also no doubt in my mind that she’s more than capable of handing the grand opening.

ME: Is that even a serious question?

MAEVE: Then I accept.

ME: Do you also accept me?

Silence.

ME: Will you accept me back into your life?

ME: I won’t apologize for what I did. They threatened you. I won’t allow a second time. I’ll never stand by and allow you to be harmed.

I hold my phone tightly in my hand. My behavior might not be considered normal. I more than likely do need help. But I’ve stood by before and heard threats. I watched as those threats were followed through. I know how ugly and cruel people can be. If I lost her by protecting her, it’ll hurt me, but as long as she’s alive, I’ll live with the pain of her rejection. I wouldn’t be able to survive if I did nothing and lost her forever.

I have to return to Las Vegas. It’s frustrating to leave town right now, and I can’t just leave without telling Maeve. Not knowing where I stand with her is maddening. We haven’t made a commitment to one another. Correction, I am fully committedto her. Nothing will change that. I’ll never be with anyone else, again. I fell for Maeve the first moment she yelled at me, “Hey Jack.” Which now I know it was more, “Hey, Jack?” Such a silly misunderstanding. Her jumping in my car that day was the best thing to ever happen to me. For the first time in my life, I’m not sure how to control or handle a situation. My gut tells me that I’ve found this amazing woman, probably the only person I’ll ever love, and not to let her go. However, from our past experiences, she doesn’t appreciate those kinds of efforts. She wants space and for me to respect her boundaries. I have to go against what I want to do, because I’m wanting forever with her. I want her to want me as much as I need her.

I can be patient and wait for her.

ME: I’m going back to Las Vegas. I’ll be back in time for the opening. Please continue to reach out if you need me. For anything.

MAEVE: Will do. Safe travels.

It’s been months since I’d heard from Maeve, and I can’t help the crushing anxiety and hopelessness I feel. I might have ruined everything. I’ve replayed everything that happened. I can’t make sense of why she’s so angry with me. How was she not furious at her bully and ex? I was furious with the audacity those two possessed. They wanted to hurt her. She didn’t react as upset by that revelation as she did as to how I responded. Worse, is that it seems she was afraid of me. That scares me to death. Being the man who the woman he loves fears. Yes, I have no issue with doing terrible things, but never to her.Never.

Old habits do die hard. I removed the cameras in her house, but still have two of my people keeping an eye out for her at all times. They’re not intrusive. It’s simply to ensure that nobody harms her. They tell me that Maeve has opened her ownbusiness and there’s going to be a ribbon cutting in front of the little business space she’s renting.

Before I do anything drastic, like fly there immediately, I check the local newspapers. Thank God it’s mentioned. I also check social media outlets. Yup. It’s mentioned. If I show up, it was public knowledge. However, Maeve didn’t invite me. Pain lances through my hurt. I’d wish for physical pain any day rather than this. Instead of attending the event personally, I call the florist and schedule to have delivered a single red rose with a card telling hercongratulations.

Twenty-Nine

Maeve

I’ve done it. I started my own business with every last cent from my savings. It was a gamble, but I finally decided to put all my trust in myself. I trusted I could do it, and I did it. The risk was terrifying, but it’s been paying off. And tonight, I’ve successfully launched my first huge event. I can’t even begin to describe the pride and satisfaction swelling in my chest.

Tristan, Vincent, and Mark all three came with their wives to show support. Also, they want to personally thank Nick for dealing with Leo and Trina. Tristan is still extremely disappointed that I didn’t tell him about Leo. However, he’s fully team Nicholas Deschamps now. Leo and Trina have completely vanished, and my mind keeps replaying Tristan’s phone call whenever I think about it. I’m sure the two aren’t related.Denial. Denial. Denial.

Lani and Cleric are here as well. Lani and I have become close friends after our trip to Texas together. We message one another almost every day about new authors, books, and our unhinged love interests – on and off the page.

Speaking of mine, I haven’t had a chance to see Nick, yet. This is his grand opening, after all, so I know he’ll be here. I wore this red fitted dress for him. I keep scanning the room. I’m trembling with the anticipation. He’s usually early to everything. Maybe his flight got delayed.

It’s been excruciating being apart from him. However, I had to cut myself off from him. Nick is a force unlike anyone I’ve ever met. Which is saying something considering who my cousins are.

But Nick.

He terrifies me. Especially how much I love him. How excited he makes me. How addictive he is – I crave his touch and attention. The man consumes me. He devours me. And I love it. Every minute of it.

Which is why I needed space to clear my head. I also wanted to take this next step on my own. It was time I fought my own battles. I also needed to be sure about my feelings for Nicholas. He’s not the type of man you casually allow into your life.

I turn around just in time to see him enter the room. He’s dressed in a black suit, with a deep red button-up. My favorite combination on him. His beautiful eyes capture mine and hold me in a stare as he approaches me. With each step, his strong muscles ripple under the expensive material. The man is captivating. There isn’t another man alive as gorgeous as him.Sorry, Henry Cavill.I think Nicholas Deschamps has stolen the top spot as my ultimate fantasy. Only he isn’t, is he? He’s real. And he’s walking straight toward me.

I swallow the ball of nerves that’s lodged in my throat. I wait for him to speak first. His deep voice sends shivers down my spine. “Miss Goodman.”

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