Page 29 of Challenging Her Protector

Bill stared at her, gray brows furrowed together. “He’s not usually forthcoming, but you seem to know a great deal about him.”

“I suppose we bonded because of the intense situation.”

Lilly’s expression changed and the woman’s loud gasp startled her. “My God. You’re the famous model. I saw your story on the news. You’ve been through so much. First the terrible things your sister did and now your parents being investigated by the FBI. So much to cope with.”

Her heart started hammering in her chest. She hadn’t watched the television since leaving Texas, but now, it made sense that a city official’s wife being held on bail for attempted murder would cause a stir. A shiver snaked through her, raising the tiny hairs on the back of her neck and arms. A chill seeped through her skin, straight down to the bone. She hadn’t known her parents were under investigation by the FBI. What other secrets were they harboring? God, what if they really had trafficked Thalia into the country? Her stomach twisted at the thought of her friend and others employed by her family being coerced into the country. She had first-hand experience with just how persuasive they could be.

“This is a high-profile case in Texas. Your family is quite influential.” Bill’s expression was unreadable.

“Your fiancé’s made quite a stir on social media. He must know he let a good thing slip through his fingers. It’s been so long since we talked to Jordan that when he texted us out of the blue the other night, we were extremely concerned.” Lilly released a shuddery breath. “We weren’t sure what to think, so we decided to just drive up. Seeing him with you was such a relief.”

Her lids burned, and she closed her eyes to gain control of her emotions. She wasn’t sure if Iron had reached out to his family because of her words, but the idea that he might trust her enough to consider her advice was something she’d never experienced before. Maybe, just maybe, she’d helped him too. “My parents are not nice people, and neither was my fiancé. Your son is the furthest thing from them. He might appear rough around the edges but he’s kind and giving. I can see the same compassion from both of you. I can see how much you love him. Don’t let him push you away. The memories of what happened have haunted him and he doesn’t want that to touch your family. He’s wrong, though. I have a feeling you’re both more than strong enough to shoulder his pain.”

Bill dropped his head and pinched the bridge of his nose while silent tears rolled down Lilly’s face. “We should have done more,” she whispered, voice choked.

Vivienne kneeled on the floor next to Lilly, putting a hand on her knee. “He wouldn’t have let you. What matters is you’ve kept trying to connect with him and you’re here now.”

A heavy hand lay on her shoulder, and she looked over at Iron’s father. “You must be nothing like your family, because all I see is compassion and understanding in you too. Trying to ease our distress from the first moment. Encouraging us. You haven’t known Jordan long, but I have a feeling you’re important.”

“He was looking at you like you were a miracle.” Lilly gave her a tear-soaked smile. “He might’ve saved you, Vivienne, but I have no doubt you’re doing the same for him right now.”

Tears escaped her lower lids, and she bent forward to give them both a hug. The angle was awkward, but their words had touched something deep in her heart and she relished the opportunity to be close to these people. Real parents who stood by their son, even if it was from a distance. It struck her that she loved the feeling of comforting others. So much more fulfilling than holding a designer bag for the cameras or walking a runway. Perhaps she could explore a job that had something to do with helping people. There were so many possibilities she could explore now that she’d broken free of her previous life.

“Is everything okay?” Iron’s voice was sharp and edged with concern. She wanted to respond to him, but the words were locked up in her throat.

Iron cast a pointed look at his parents, then brought his attention back to her. “Let’s get you into some dry clothes.” One arm was braced over his crutch, and he stretched the other out to her. “Wait here,” he said to Bill and Lilly. Iron grasped her hand, locking their fingers together as she stood. Once she was up, he let go, and she missed the contact immediately.

“We’ll be right back.” She sent them a watery smile. Iron must’ve misconstrued her tears because he narrowed his gaze at his parents.

“Everything’s fine.” She cast him a smile, trying to reassure him, then turned to Bill and Lilly. “It’ll take me no time to change.” Warmth enveloped her as Iron looped his free arm around her shoulders and led her down the hall. He let go of her when they entered the bedroom she’d stayed in last night, and the door clicked shut behind them. Her body reacted to Iron’s presence as he approached slowly behind her.

She was glad she was facing away from him as she took a few steadying breaths. She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t shaken by the information that her parents were being investigated by the FBI or that she wasn’t moved by the obvious love Bill and Lilly had for their son. Iron shifted behind her and his crutch clattered to the floor. She was about to turn to see if he was okay, but then the weight of his rough, warm palms landed gently on her shoulders and offered a reassuring squeeze. His lips fluttered against her neck, kissing her softly. Heat kindled in her belly as his tongue tickled the sensitive spot right behind her ear. She squeezed her thighs together, trying to rid herself of the ache that began in the ocean when she was kissing Iron.

Iron groaned. “Baby don’t do that. Not when you’re in that sexy as fuck bikini and we’re alone behind closed doors. Not when I’m desperate to ease that ache you’re feeling.”

She glanced over her shoulder as warmth flushed her cheeks. “How did you know?”

“The way your legs are clenched so damn tight.”

“Oh.” She looked away, wanting desperately to hide her face.

A soft chuff puffed over her neck. “Don’t be embarrassed. It took me way longer than it should’ve to get my body under control back there on the beach. Sorry I left you with my parents for so long. I want to know what they said to upset you.” His hands rubbed up and down her arms.

“Nothing.” She answered too quickly and an honest-to-God growl of frustration tore past his lips. “My parents are being investigated by the FBI. I shouldn’t be surprised, but what if they really took Thalia and made her work at the estate? How could she even look at me, let alone befriend me?” She let her chin drop to her chest. “Why do I still want to believe that they did nothing wrong?”

“Vee,” his voice soothed. Her name rolled off his tongue like a caress, sending a delectable shiver through her. “They’re your parents. Of course, you don’t want to think that they were doing bad shit.” He shifted his body to sit on the side of the bed, pulling her onto his lap. “Ransom got us an appointment with his lawyer tomorrow. We’ll talk to him about securing your finances and how to proceed with the legal stuff, so you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“You know, I forgot your real name was Jordan.” She leaned into him and could feel the beat of his heart pounding against her back.

“I’ve gone by Iron since my SEAL days, but my parents wouldn’t know that because I’ve kept them out.” His lips were so close to the sensitive curve on her neck. Maybe it was wrong, but she wanted to know what it would feel like if he scrapped his teeth against her skin.

His hands left her arms, as he wrapped them around her waist. A shiver coursed through her body. “You’ll always be Iron to me. Strong. Steady. Unbreakable.”

“You know I’m not those things.” He dropped his forehead to her shoulder blade. They were both taking comfort from each other. For her it meant so much more. Her heart stuttered in her chest. She wanted this man. Wanted to be connected to him on every level.

“You are to me.” Her voice was breathless, but she didn’t hide it from him. “Your parents care so deeply for you, Iron. Reach out and take every ounce of love they’re offering. Despite what you might think, you deserve to be loved and cared for. Your parents deserve to have both their sons.”

His body tensed behind her and after a few moments he let out a long breath and spoke. “Fuck. I’m scared shitless to face them, Vee.”

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