Page 81 of Reckless Chance
I don’t know what to do next. Where do I go from here? How can I get out of this apartment without Sean figuring out how upset I am?
I’m wiping away tears when suddenly the water is cut off. A fully clothed Sean sans shoes is crouching beside naked me on the floor of the shower. “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of you. I’ve come up with a proposal. You can have my apartment in Paris and enough money to be set for life. I don’t expect you to have sex with me. Just live with me for the remaining part of the three months. It’s not that long.”
“I don’t want your lousy apartment or your money. I was messing with you for being such a dick. You should’ve been honest with me from the beginning. I’m such a fool. I thought you were starting to care for me. I lowered my guard and accidentally let you into my heart. But now it’s clear. None of this between us was real. You were trying to let the required time pass without telling me because you assumed I might be a gold digger and would try to make a money grab. It kills me to know you see me that way.” The tears start flowing again.
I feel Sean turn around and sit next to me on the cold, wet stone floor. He lifts me onto his lap and pulls me against his chest, kissing the top of my head. I’m not sure why I let him. I should push the bastard away.
“You’ve got it all wrong, sweetheart. I do care about you. I’ve been wrestling with the fact that my feelings for you are causingme to question my views about relationships. It’s scaring the hell out of me.”
“Then why didn’t you tell me about the problem with the annulment sooner?”
“I’ll admit that in the beginning, I was afraid to tell you. I didn’t know you as well, and I couldn’t predict what your reaction would be. Then as we became closer, I realized how bad it looked that I’d waited to discuss it. I was scared I’d lose the Athena, and I was afraid to lose what we have.”
“Whatdowe have? How can I trust that you aren’t just trying to talk me into staying? It’s the Athena you want.”
“I won’t lie. Of course, I want to keep the Athena. It’s my family’s business. I don’t want to lose our connection either. You are incredibly special to me, but I’m not sure how to prove it to you. I messed up badly, but I’ll do whatever it takes. How can I make this up to you?”
“I need time and space to sort through my feelings. But don’t worry, I won’t let you lose your precious inheritance from your father. I don’t want that on my conscience, so I’ll stay here until it’s safe for you to get the annulment. I’lleven sleep,and I mean actuallysleep,in your bed. That way you can honestly say we lived together as required. That’s all I can promise.”
“That’s incredibly generous. I can’t ask for more than that after what I’ve done to make you question me. As difficult as it will be to lie next to you each night and not reach for you, I’ll respect your boundaries. Nothing will happen that you don’t want.
“Thank you. I appreciate that. Don’t think it will be that easy on me either. Despite my brain telling me to run from you, my body hasn’t received the message yet.” I laugh halfheartedly, stifling the last of my tears.
“Will you still be my lawyer too? We make a powerful team. I’d like to keep working together if you’re willing.”
“Are you sure? You no longer need that excuse to keep me here. I’ve already agreed to stay.”
“I’m absolutely sure. We work well together, and I have a feeling that we’re getting close to solving Mr. Brentwood’s murder.”
“Okay. If you don’t mind, I’m going to dress and go for a walk to clear my head. Text me if we need to meet about work.”
“I will. Daniel can send someone with you on your walk.”
“That’s not necessary. I promise I’m not going to run away.”
“I’m not worried about that. I’m worried about your safety. Last time we went for a walk, you were mugged. So, please humor me, and let me have someone watch over you.”
“If you insist.”
Maybe he does care at least a little.
44
SEAN
Lowri pulled on jeans and a T-shirt and left for a walk. One of our plainclothes security guards was waiting outside my apartment to follow her. I’d texted him with an order to protect her with his life. It’s becoming painfully clear to me that I’d be crushed if anything bad happened to Lowri.
In the elevator to my office, my mind continues to process the situation. I’m not sure exactly where we stand, but it could be worse. At least she’s still here. What else I want, I’m not sure. All I know is that seeing her hurting and crying tore apart something inside me. The sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach is making me sick.
When the door opens, my assistant is busily arranging papers on my desk at the far end of the room.
“Good morning, Emily. What’s on the agenda for today?”
“Detective Fielder called to request a meeting with you this afternoon. Should I confirm for 2:00 p.m.?”
“Make it 3:00 p.m. and text Lowri to make sure she can be here then.”
“Will do.”
