Page 168 of Destined Lovers

The same man tried to intimidate me in the grocery store last Christmas.

The same man who sent shivers down my body in disgust.

I didn’t know it then, but I know now that he is part of them, part of the mob, because there was no reason for him to be standing, staring at me with that cocky grin here in London.

There’s no other explanation.

“Nora,” Jameson whispers so no one hears. Even though it doesn’t matter anymore, they know where I am. I don’t need the cover-up.

“He’s gone. Let’s go sit on the chair over there.” I don’t move, so he carries me.

I see a large shadow zooming my way. I don’t need to look. I already know it’s Declan, and he’s by my side in an instant. He wraps his arms around me, and I nuzzle into his chest for comfort. “What happened?” Declan asks one of the guys.

“One of Byrne’s guys was watching from across the street, trying to intimidate her,” Max explains.

“Fecking, feck!” Declan bellows. “You’re sure it was one of his?”

“Calm down.”That’s Ethan. “And yes, Max recognized their family tattoo. This guy had it on his neck.”

“I’ve seen him before,” I whisper.

Declan doesn’t hear me, he’s too worked up, but Jameson crouches down. “What’d you say?”

I straighten to sit up. I’ve had my moment, but now I need to get over it.

I’m stronger than this.

I clear my throat and pull back my shoulders. “I said. I’ve seen him before. On Christmas Eve last year.”

Declan gasps. “Why didn’t you tell me?” Then he shakes his head, realizing his mistake. I didn’t tell him because he didn’t know my situation then.

“He didn’t say much to me. He was in the grocery store and only creeped me out. I was going to tell Bennett, but then we went on the road trip, and I forgot.”Shite.

“Now what? Do I need to move again?” I ask, dejected. We were making a home for ourselves, and I was making friends. I don’t want to leave.

“No, those days are over. That’s why you have us now,” Ethan says. “I don’t mean to freak you out, but if that guy was there last year, they’ve been watching you for a while.” I nod my head in agreeance. I know he’s right.

“So no matter where you run, they will follow. They are powerful… but we are stronger, and we will keep you safe,” Ethan says with complete conviction.

“Thank you for keeping me safe.”

“Even if it weren’t my job, I would in a heartbeat because you’re important to Declan.”

I smile. “I mean all of you. I froze, and if you weren’t there guarding me, who knows what would have happened.”

“It’s a normal reaction, don’t beat yourself up over it,” Danny chimes in.

“You feeling okay?” Declan bends down to eye leave and kisses my lips softly.

“Aye, it’s over and done with. We knew this would happen, or at least we thought it might. Hopefully, next time I don’t freeze.”

This past week when we went over things in more detail, Ethan was confident that come closer to the trial, they would start to intimidate me so that I wouldn’t testify.

“I think we should go home,” Declan tells the guys.

I stand up. “No,” I forcefully spit, and my hand automatically goes to my hip. “I will not have them screwing up my life anymore. I’ve had to live behind the scenes for long enough. You’ve all said it a million times I’m safe with the guards. Right?” No one answers. “Right?” I raise my voice.

“You’re safe with us,” Max answers.

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