Page 34 of Challenging Her Protector

She returned his grin, another rush of emotion moving through her at how easily her nephew accepted her. “Can I give you a hug?” she blurted to Collin.

“Yes. Hugs for Aunt Vivi.” Collin wrapped her in a bear hug. “You’re in my Blue Circle.” She wasn’t sure what aBlue Circlewas, but from the way he said it, that was exactly where she wanted to be. If she hadn’t made her escape, she would be missing out on moments like these.

“Welcome to the Blue Circle, Viv.” Branch’s low chuckle came from behind Collin.

“You can give big, loving hugs to the people in your Blue Circle,” Collin scripted. “Because these are the people you love and trust the most.”

Collin’s words touched her heart and her eyes prickled. “Thank you, Collin. I’m honored to be in your Blue Circle. Will you be in mine too?”

“Yes.” Collin sat on the floor, shaking his hands in front of him several times before taking a slice of pizza. “Part of Aunt Vivi’s Blue Circle. Blue like blueberries, sky, water.”

Vivienne sat on the rug next to Collin and Iron lowered himself to the floor next to her. Despite having a prosthetic, he was able to maneuver smoothly, and she wondered how long it had taken him to be so adept in his mobility. Branch served everyone a slice of pizza and passed out drinks before sitting beside her sister. Her eyes connected with Iron’s and a warm expression crossed his face. She loved the way his eyes seemed to soften whenever his gaze landed on her.

After a moment, she broke his gaze and focused on the conversation around her. She took a bite of the pizza Collin, Branch, and Iron had made and closed her eyes, savoring each bite. Pizza was one of the things she’d never experienced growing up, and it was quickly becoming her favorite food. If Agatha Day could see her now, on her second loaded slice, she’d probably faint before dragging her to the nearest scale. She lifted the pizza to her mouth, then paused.

Her whole life, she’d been told that her value as a person was tied to her appearance. It was difficult to steer her thoughts away from what Iron might think if she did gain some weight. She glanced in his direction, and he was already staring at her, jaw tight, his eyes a flinty gray. He leaned closer to her. “Whatever just put that worried look on your face, forget it.” His breath tickled her hair and despite being in a room with her sister’s family, a warm tingle swept over her. “Enjoy your pizza, Vee. Collin makes a great one.”

Iron was naturally perceptive, at least when it came to her, but it was like he’d heard her exact thought and sought to soothe her worry. Maybe it was silly to think Iron wouldn’t accept her as she was, because from the start he’d been in her corner. After they ate, Collin went to play on his iPad, and she briefed Hannah on the call with the lawyer and how Scott would be receiving a summons to court. Tears trailed down Hannah’s cheek when she told her about the sexual assault, not going into as much detail as she had with Iron. Branch sat, his face like stone, as he comforted her sister. She could feel the anger pouring off him, not directed at her, but at her confession and what had happened to her. Like always, Iron’s steady support grounded her.

“Vivi, I’m so sorry. Anything you need, we’re hereforyou.” Hannah hugged her hard.

“I know that and I’m grateful.” She gave her a small smile.

Beside Hannah, Branch cleared his throat. “When Scott receives the summons, I think it makes sense for all of us to be more cautious. He might be upset and try to retaliate, or he may do nothing at all, but tightening up security never hurts,” he said.

“Agreed.” Iron’s rough voice reverberated around the room, sending a shiver through her, but not of fear. She trusted Iron and felt completely safe with him.

“It’s getting late, and you need to rest,” Vivienne said. Her sister’s eyes were heavy and if the tight lines around her mouth were any indication, she needed some pain medication.

“Do you want me to get your bag out of the car?” Iron looked at her, his gaze intense. The question expanded in the space between them. Unspoken wants and desires sparking in the air around them.

“Not today,” she said softly. “If that’s okay.”

“You know it is.” Even though Hannah and Branch were sitting in the room, she knew the words were for her alone and she felt them steep into her heart. With her wishes now out in the open, a weight lifted from her shoulders.

*

Throughout the evening, Iron had soaked in every moment with Vee, knowing he’d wake up tomorrow morning and she wouldn’t be in his house. The thought bothered him far more than it should. Having her in his space was just…right. His house felt like a home when she was there. The problem was, now that she’d been there, he couldn’t picture the place without her. A day, a week, even five years down the road, the oceanside bungalow was exactly where he wanted her. The type of feelings growing inside him were dangerous, but when she told him she didn’t want him to remove her bag from the car, his heart jumped in his chest. Maybe this was the start of something. The start ofthem.

“Iron?” Vee’s sweet voice was barely a whisper.

“Yeah?” He glanced over at her, only seeing her shadowy silhouette in the dark car.

“Is it okay that I’m coming back with you? I didn’t mean to put you on the spot.”

He hated the uncertainty in her voice and berated himself for not doing a better job at voicing his pleasure at her decision.

“It’s more than okay.With meis exactly where I want you to be.” He extended his hand and nearly sighed in contentment as her fingers slid perfectly into his.

“You didn’t mention that earlier.” Her voice didn’t hold any anger, just curiosity.

“I know how important it is for you to make your own decisions right now. I’m not going to be the person who holds you back.”

“You wouldn’t hold me back when you’ve been doing everything you can to support me in moving forward. I trust you.”

His heart shifted. She was always telling him that he had her trust, something he didn’t deserve but made him feel whole again. The ride from Hannah’s house was a short one and soon they were pulling into the driveway of his house. He parked the SUV and stopped the engine, turning to Vee. “Are you tired?”

“No, are you?” He opened his door and the overhead light illuminated the spark in her eyes.

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