Page 22 of Receiving His Mercy
“You’ve already apologized.” Well, she didn’t think he’d actually said the words,I’m sorry, but she’d take the apology anyway. It was something she never thought she’d get. “It’s fine, like I said. I wasn’t a likeable kid and you were surprised to see me at Lacey’s wedding after the way I left. You didn’t know I tried to contact her.” Or the circumstances under which she’d left.
He waved a hand through the air. “Still got to balance the scales, which is why you’ll be under my protection while you’re in the city.”
“Um, I’m sorry, what did you say?” she asked, gaping at him.
“While you’re living in New York, you’re mine to take care of, Goldie. No. Arguments.”
6
Travis sat back in his seat with satisfaction.
There. He was glad that was settled.
Should he move her into his place? Or was that overkill? Hmm. No, that didn’t seem like it would be overkill. That way he could keep a close eye on her and he could be assured that she was living somewhere secure.
Although this neighborhood did seem like a good one and the building was well-kept. He did wonder how a wedding photographer could afford to rent an apartment in Soho. Then again her parents had been well-off. Maybe they’d given her some money?
Were they the reason she was living here? Why not move back to Albany? Although he guessed there was more work in the city.
And perhaps she wanted some distance from them. He couldn’t remember ever meeting them or Lacey even talking about them. In fact, had Lacey ever gone to her house much? He’d never really thought about it.
“Are your parents still in Albany?” he asked.
He noticed how she tensed, even though she tried to hide it. Hmm. That was telling.
“My father is dead. My mother still lives there.”
Right. That was said stiffly with barely any emotion. He didn’t like the implications of that.
“That was a joke, right?” she asked.
“Asking about your parents? No, of course not.” Why would he joke about that?
“I meant you saying that I’m . . . that I’m yours to take care of.”
“Of course it isn’t. This is a dangerous city. It’s not safe for you to wander around on your own.”
“Travis! I’m hardly some kid! I’m thirty-six. I’ve lived in big cities on my own before without your protection and I’m still alive. It’s . . . sweet that you care. But I don’t need your protection.”
He didn’t like hearing that. He wasn’t sure why this mattered to him so much, but when he made his mind up . . . well, it was difficult to unmake it.
“It’s happening. Get used to it.”
“Get used to it!” She threw her hands up in the air. “You’re impossible. I’m trying to have a rational conversation about something completely irrational and your response is that I should ‘get used to it’?”
“It’s not irrational. I owe you. You’re my cousin’s friend. She’d want me to take care of you while you’re living here. Do you know anyone here?”
“Yes!”
“Who? That dick from tonight?” He scoffed. “He doesn’t count.”
“What do you mean he doesn’t count? Of course River counts!” She ignored the fact that she actually didn’t know River at all well.
“How do you even know him? From one of those apps or websites? They’re not safe, you know. They say they vet people but that doesn’t mean that they really do. You can’t just meet up with strangers. Especially without a plan to escape if you need to. Did anyone know you were meeting with him tonight?”
Anger welled inside him again as he imagined all of the ways she could have been harmed tonight.
No, she had no sense of safety and she most definitely needed him.
