Page 101 of Destined Lovers

I know she took it the wrong way in the car about not being together. I don’t know what it will be like right away, but I meant that even if things didn’t work out for any reason, she is always my best friend, first and foremost.

I could never let my little spitfire of a girl go after all these years. There’s no way.

I make my way back to my office and make the calls I need to get the ball rolling for Nora’s safety. I’m not letting another day go where she isn’t protected.

“Hello?”

“Declan fucking Buckley, it’s good to hear from you and that shit Irish accent. It’s been way too long, man.”

“Ethan Scott, you haven’t changed a bit, you fecking gobshite.”

He laughs down the line, and instant nostalgia hits me. Ethan has a loud, boisterous laugh that gets you to laugh alongside him, even at the dumbest things. Mainly because he doesn’t laugh often, he’s one of the most serious guys I know.

“How are you? How’s Miranda?” I ask.

“Done, mate. After almost twelve years, can you believe that? My bad for not calling you and filling you in. It’s been a crazy time.”

What the….

Ethan and his college girlfriend always seemed like the real deal, inseparable and completely in love. He transferred into Uni, and we lived down the hall from one another and instantly became best friends.

I think we bonded so quickly because we were the only ones that were taken. But feck, I can’t believe they’re done.

I was there when he proposed and again when they married in Germany. Ethan’s an Army brat who lived all over the place, but he calls Germany home.

“Shite, Ethan. I’m so sorry. What happened?”

“She was fucking her boss. How cliché, right?”

Ethan is a scary mother fecker. I wouldn’t want to be on his bad side. Miranda’s boss must have a set of balls or death wish to take the chance to go against Ethan.

“That’s not the best part… she left Ruby too, wants to sign away her rights. Says she was never meant to be a mother.”

“Feck off. Are you kidding me?” I rub my hand down my face. This is bad. “I know she wasn’t the most maternal person, but to sign away your rights?”

“I know. I sometimes think it’s all just a dream. How did I ever love a woman who leaves her family behind? Putting me aside is one thing, but your goddamn three-year-old daughter?”

“I know sorry isn’t enough. I wish you would have called or something. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see Ruby this year. It’s been crazy here myself. I know it’s not an excuse, but I’m sorry.”

“Nah, don’t worry, Dec, it’s all good. Now enough about my depressing life. Tell me what’s going on.”

I fill him in on Nora and about what I need from him. Bodyguards and a complete revamp of my security system, I want to take every precaution.

“I don’t care how much it costs. I want everything taken care of, Ethan.”

“You don’t have to tell me twice. You’ll get my very best men. I’ll pull them from jobs if I have to. Family comes first.”

I should feel bad. He might be pulling guys from other people who also need protection, but at this point, I need to be selfish. Nora deserves the best bodyguards.

“I appreciate it. Have the guys come over after ten. Nora needs to sleep in. It’s been a long day for us.”

“Got it. I’ll be over this week to make sure everything goes on without a hitch.”

“Appreciate it, mate. Bring Ruby. She can hang with us while you work. Wills has a daughter now, story for another time, she’s around Ruby’s age.”

“We are all full of drama these days, aren’t we? She’s coming with me to look for schools for next year. I don’t think I can stay in Germany anymore. We need a fresh start.”

“That would be amazing. I look forward to seeing you both. Later, Scott.”

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