Page 73 of Wine & Whiskey
“Yeah, that’s why I didn’t mention it. I knew you wouldn’t want to leave your career or your friends.”
“I couldn’t do that to Carrie. She would be devastated, and I would miss her too much.” She lays her head back against his chest, her disappointment obvious at the impractical choice he offers.
He pushes the limits of what she can absorb, but he has to tell her everything, one last detail to keep her safe. “I know. It’s okay. I’ve had a fake passport and other paperwork made for you if you change your mind or ever need it.”
Her fingers feel like ice against his back as she rolls the hem of his shirt between them. “Why would I need it?”
Ignoring her question, he plows through his instructions. He has to finish before she shuts down on him. “I’ll show you where everything is hidden. I also have five-hundred thousand in cash and my offshore account information. If you ever have to leave, take all of it. I know how you are. Don’t feel guilty about it. Just do whatever you have to do to—”
“I don’t want to hear this. You have no idea how much it scares me.”
He holds her tighter as she tries to pull away. If he or Max can’t protect her, he must make sure she can take care of herself and won’t leave a traceable paper trail if she needs to escape. “Okay, I’m done.”
She stops struggling against his embrace. Her deep breaths against his chest reflect her attempt to calm her anxiety. As much as he hates scaring her, he can at least be at peace now that she knows everything. No more secrets between them.
Stroking the back of her head, he whispers against her soft hair. “I’m sorry. You said you wanted to know the truth. This is it.”
She nods and holds him tighter. After a few minutes, she rubs his back, her fingers like silk against his skin. His body relaxes at her intimate touch. The connection between them remains unbroken.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been on the beach at this time of night. It’s so peaceful.”
He kisses the top of her head, grateful she’s found a bit of happiness in this fucked-up day. “I think I could fall asleep out here.”
“That’s what my fantasy is.”
Fucking shit. This woman takes him to the edge of self-control with just one word. A low growl rumbles in his throat. “What fantasy?”
“Making love by the ocean with the breeze blowing on our naked bodies. Then falling asleep to the sound of the waves crashing.”
Fire blazes through his body at her words. There’s no way in hell he won’t make this happen for her. “Your wish is my command.”
Her eyes are wide as she lifts her head and shakes it. “No, not here.”
“Why not?”
“What if Max comes out, or one of the security guards? And all the cameras? I don’t want to have to worry about being seen.”
Her questions remind him once again of her unassuming nature, never considering the power he wields, controlling everything that happens in his business and his home. He kisses her forehead before releasing her waist. “I’ll be right back.”
“What are you up to?”
After winking at her questioning smile, he jogs into the house, tapping on his phone. Inside his office, he slides his Glock out of his desk drawer and lays it in the decorative chest some overpriced decorator thought should adorn his credenza.
“What’s up?”
Max stands in the doorway, failing to stifle an enormous yawn.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d still be awake.”
Max rolls his head side to side and gives Nick a smirk. “You know I don’t sleep until you do. I have to make sure you won’t fucking bother me once I lie down.”
Always appreciative of Max’s heartfelt and gracious candor, he nods toward the living room. “Have the guys kill the cameras on the deck and don’t let anyone come out there until I give the okay.”
“It’s done.”
“Thanks.”
“Anything for Shae.” Max winks at him before pressing the cell to his ear. “Have fun.”
