Page 46 of It Takes a Thief
Leo drives us back to the royal estate and my parents welcome me with open arms. They’re so happy, and I almost feel a little guilty for feeling so miserable. Until Jeffrey Dumas steps into the room. I try not to look annoyed as I take in his formal suit and the cocky look on his clean-cut face. It strikes me how different he is from Linc—blond hair, blue eyes, cleanly shaven and possessing a smarmy smile that in no way makes my knees go weak. He’s also about eight inches shorter than Linc, and I’m pretty sure Jeffrey’s soft hands wouldn’t know how to form a proper fist, much less throw a punch or hold a gun.
“Hello, Merritt. I hope you don’t mind me stopping by, but I couldn’t wait a moment longer to see you.”
He strides over and I stiffen when he embraces me. I look over at Linc who has a thunderous expression on his face. Jeffrey turns to Linc and holds out a hand.
“Jeffrey Dumas,” he says cordially.
A muscle flexes in Linc’s cheek. After a brief hesitation, he shakes Jeffrey’s hand. “Linc Decker.”
Jeffrey squints at Linc then smiles. “As in Lincoln ‘Lights Out’ Decker, former MMA fighter?”
Linc shifts uneasily. “That’s me.”
“I’m a big fan,” Jeffrey gushes. “How many UFC titles do you have? Like four?”
“Two.”
“Well, hey, that’s still impressive. We should talk.” His voice drops into a casual tone I’m not sure I’ve ever heard from him as he continues to ignore me in favor of Linc. Meanwhile, my mom starts talking about the party tomorrow night, but I tune her out, still trying to hear Linc and Jeffrey’s conversation.
“Underground fights,” Jeffrey says in a low voice. “Big money involved. I could hook you up.”
Did I hear him right?What does Jeffrey know about fights?
“And then there’ll be the band, of course,” my mother continues, chattering away. “Come into the ballroom, I want you to see where I’m planning to have the musicians.”
I keep sneaking looks back at Linc and Jeffrey while my parents fill me in on all the details for the big birthday bash they’ve planned—from the food to the decorations to the entertainment. It’s also a welcome home party, and they’ve invited so many people. Information overload hits and my head begins to spin.
A hand touches my elbow, and I turn to look up into Linc’s concerned eyes. “Are you okay?”
He must know I’m feeling overwhelmed. No matter what is happening around us, he makes me a priority, always making sure I’m taken care of and comfortable. He sees me like no one else ever has before, which makes me wonder if he’s just damn good at his job, or maybe I mean more than a paycheck to him.Jeffrey, on the other hand, is chuckling over something with my father and has barely looked twice at me.
My parents invited Linc to stay for the party tomorrow night and help with the security, but after that, his job is officially over, and he’ll return home.
So, am I okay? No, not even a little bit.
Knowing that Linc is leaving is becoming more and more real with every passing second, and I’m not quite sure what I’m going to do without his big, solid presence beside me. He hasn’t left my side in over two straight weeks, and it feels like we’ve known each other so much longer.
“I think I need to lie down,” I say, touching my temple.
“C’mon, I’ll give you some Tylenol and get you settled in your room,” Linc offers.
“I can help her,” Jeffrey says.
“No, it’s fine,” I tell Jeffrey. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.”
He quickly covers the disappointment that flashes across his face, moves closer and places a chaste kiss on my cheek. I try not to flinch. “See you tomorrow then.”
Linc turns me away from my parents and Jeffrey, and he guides me down the breezy corridors until we reach my bedroom. It’s the same furniture, same flowery bedspread, same sheer curtains billowing in the breeze that greets me. Yet, at the same time, nothing is the same.
Because I’ve changed.
Physically and mentally. Emotionally, too.
Before Linc, I was dead set on staying in New York. My only goal was escaping my royal duties, and I thought that simplymeant finding a significant other. But I’m beginning to realize not just anyone will do. Only one man makes my heart skip within my chest and challenges me in ways no one else dares. Linc feeds my soul and lights my heart. If I can’t have him, then I don’t want anyone.
It’s a scary conclusion, but there’s no point denying the truth. Maybe I should make a sign, too, like the people who welcomed me at the airport. Except mine would read: “Linc or Bust.”
After Linc hands me a couple of Tylenol, I swallow them down with a sip of water from the bottle I’ve been clutching since I stepped off the plane.
