Page 63 of Moon Blind Hearts
I scoff. “You can’t keep her safe, Oak. You don’t understand?—”
“Then tell me. What is it you’re so afraid of?”
I hesitate, and then because Oak is here fighting despite the situation, I answer honestly. “My father,” I admit.
He studies me for a few long moments before he gestures toward the door. “Go put her down to bed and let’s talk.”
“I should—” I start.
“Jules.” One word. His voice is gravel as he says it and it takes everything in me not to cry. My heart threatens to burst through my chest but I turn back toward the house and gesture to Bonnie where she stands just inside the door.
“Only for a moment,” I say. “If I still decide to leave, I’m leaving.”
“Deal,” Oak replies.
Once Bonnie has her, I turn back toward Oak and he gestures for me to have a seat in the opposite rocking chair, so we’re both looking out across the mountains in front of us. We’re silent for a while, just enjoying the cool nighttime mountain air together. It’s me who speaks first.
“You don’t understand how bad this could get,” I murmur, not looking at him. “My family, they’re not good people. The only one with some semblance of good is my brother.” I shake my head. “We have a secure line, but he won’t answer. I’m worried he got hurt because he knows where I am.” I rub my forehead. “I sent him a picture. God, I’m so stupid.”
“He always answers?” Oak asks.
“Always,” I reply. “Even when it’s inconvenient.”
He takes a deep breath. “You think your father is coming.”
“I know he is,” I answer. “Augustus is here for a reason, to get what’s due, and he’ll have called the man who supposedly holds my leash.”
“You’re not leashed,” Oak growls.
“By my last name, I am.” I finally turn to meet his eyes. “I don’t get a choice. I’m a Ward, and Wards have a duty to the family. For me, my duty is to produce heirs between the Wards and the Harringtons, solidifying more power for them. That’s my sole role.”
He shakes his head. “Rich folk sure are cold and calculating, aren’t they?”
“You have no idea,” I breathe, resting my head against the back of the rocking chair. The soft sound of wood rocking against wood is soothing and almost makes me want to stay again. But I can’t. That time has passed now. It’s never been a possibility for me.
“You know what’s funny?” Oak asks. At my hum, he continues. “You’re here thinkin’ we don’t know somethin’ about rich folk and the kind of people you’re runnin’ from. You must think us some ignorant country bumpkins.”
“Of course, I don’t,” I argue, scowling. “It’s just . . . different.”
“We aren’t stupid,” he says. “We know what we’re getting into, Jules.” His eyes flash in the low light. “We just happen to think you, and that little girl in there, are worth it.”
I blink. Moisture is in the corner of my eyes so fast, I almost don’t catch them before they fall. “But?—”
“No buts,” he argues. “We know how to handle dangerous people, and we aren’t foolish enough to do it alone either. We’ve got people. And we’ve already been calling in every favor we can to make sure the two of you are safe. There won’t be any of this runnin’. Understand?”
“Why though?” I ask, unsuccessfully stopping a tear from falling. It trickles down my cheek, mocking me with the reminder that these three men are willing to go through all of this for me.
“Why?” he repeats with a scoff. “You ain’t figured it out yet, darlin’?” I stare up at him and he reaches forward and catches one of the tears trickling over my lashes. “I’m in love with you, Juliet Ward. Have been since the first time you stepped out of that car and looked my way.” He leans down and presses a gentle kiss against my lips. “It just took me a little while to realize that’s what it was.”
I sniffle. “Are you sure?”
He smiles. “As sure as I am that the sun will rise tomorrow.”
A choked laugh slips out. “That’s pretty certain.”
He pulls me into a hug that keeps me from shattering completely. “Don’t I know it.”
Chapter 36
