Page 18 of Stolen Holidays

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Both Callie and I have assured him we don’t hold him accountable. Given the circumstances, Mike did his job the best he could. The blame is all on the evil witch rotting in jail for the rest of her life. Mike has been nothing but a loyal, solid security guard and driver. Even before I met him, he was watching out for Callie and refused to assist Silla in her psychopathic need to control my girl. For that alone, Mike will always have a place beside us.

He catches me staring in the driver’s mirror and tips his chin. I return the gesture, hoping he knows how much I appreciate his presence and protection. There is no one else I would trust to watch over my girl. Not even my brothers. Those three are still on my shitlist for allowing Callie to confront Silla on her own.

It took me weeks before I could watch the video of Callie provoking Silla to confess while pretending to get shot. My girl was right; it was her finest work. But it didn’t make watching any easier.

I glance down at Callie as she sleeps curled beside me with her head on my chest. Tugging her closer to fight off the memories of her falling back and blood spreading across her shirt, I breathe in her delicious scent and suck up her warmth. My usual mantra repeats in my head.She’s safe and in my arms.

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Her eyelashes flutter against the top of her cheeks, and her breaths are steady. Fuck, she’s so beautiful. Every time I look at her, she takes my breath away. I press a kiss to the top of her head, and she sighs, digging her cheek into my chest.

I stay still for as long as I can and let her sleep. Callie has been extra tired since the tour ended. I’ve found her dozing off a few times while she was writing in her journal—something I’ve never seen happen before. She loves writing. I’ve seen her sit for hours, jotting words and notes in her notebook.

This vacation is exactly what she needs to get some rest and recharge her battery before she returns to the studio to record new music. Callie thinks I don’t know about her possible shift from performing to songwriting. I just hope she makes the change for herself, not for me.

I took a step back from Blaze, but it’s not permanent. More like a small sabbatical. I spent the last decade throwing myself into my work, and it was lonely as fuck. The busy grind of work did nothing to fill the hole that was missing.

Callie fills that giant gap, and my life has never been more fulfilling. Being with her has altered my perspective and priorities. For right now, I want to focus on being happy, and being with Callie makes me happy. She makes my life bright and full. Every single day with her is an adventure. A step out of the dark, into the light, and into the future. And let me tell you, the future looks amazing.

My cellphone vibrates in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts. As gently as I can, I shift Callie and pull my cell from my pocket without waking her.

Pops: Your mom and I have spoken to the package. She is in. She will accompany us in six days’ time.

Mark freaking Miller thinks he’s so damn funny talking in code, like he’s in on some elaborate undercover operation. Shaking my head at my phone, I text him back a thumbs-up emoji.

Pops:Seriously, all I get is a thumbs-up? You’re no fun.

Eli:I don’t have time for your shenanigans.

Pops:What are you doing that’s so important?

Eli:Driving to the inn.

Pops:I bet your lazy ass isn’t even driving.

Eli:Why are you giving me such a hard time? Where’s Mom?

Pops:She left for her book club lunch. I’m bored.

I open a new text chat and add my brothers.