Page 24 of The Heart You've Borrowed

“That does sound pretty damn nice.” He smiles.

“What about you?” I ask.

“I wouldn’t mind sitting on a beach with a drink in my hand sitting next to a pretty girl reading a book.” He answers, making me laugh.

“Shut up.” I swatted at his chest, he grabs my wrist.

“I’m serious.” He laughed.

“Yeah yeah whatever.” I shake my head, he still has my wrist in his hand, holding it to his chest.

“I wouldn’t mind that.” I finally say.

“Wouldn’t mind what?” He asks, rubbing his thumb across my wrist.

“Going to Greece with you, sitting on the beach without a care in the world,” I whisper.

“How about this, after all this bullshit is done I take you to Greece. Just me and you and an adventure.”

“I’d love that.” I curl into his side.

“As you wish.” He lets go of my wrist and wraps his arm around me, pulling me closer.

That night I think about Greece and being there with him, as I lay curled up into him I realize maybe for the first time in my life that I am in love with Lio Ford. I fall asleep with a smile on my face for the first time in years.

Chapter Eighteen

Lio

Charlie falls asleep in my arms for the second time and I can’t pretend I don’t love it. Having her in my arms just feels right. As she sleeps I run my hand through her hair, staring out the window. It’s weird to think about how suddenly life can change. A few weeks ago I wouldn’t have pictured myself like this. In bed with Charlie, protecting her and holding her close to me. After two years of not talking or being in her life and now, I have her again. But will I be able to keep her safe this time?

The last time I tried to protect her he kicked me out of their lives and cut me off. I should have done more, I will regret that for the rest of my life but things will be different this time.

She starts to rustle in her sleep, pulling me closer to her as she whimpers.

“I’ve got you, silly girl.” I wrap my arm around her tighter.

“I love you.” She says just above a whisper, my heart skips a beat. Did she just say I love you?

“What?” I whisper. But she doesn’t respond. That had to be what she said. Was she dreaming? Did she mean it for me? So many things are running through my head right now. I must have imagined it. There’s no way that she said it about me. I shake my head, close my eyes and pull her closer to me, falling asleep while running my hand up and down her back.

***

When we wake up she is still in my arms. I slowly take my arms out from under her and climb out of bed. I make my way down to the kitchen to start the coffee. When I enter, Juliet is standing by the sink with a mug in her hand.

“Good Morning.” She smiles at me.

“Hey,” I yawn, pouring a cup of coffee for myself.

“How’s Charlie?”

“She’s good, still asleep.” I take a sip.

“Good, that poor girl. She shouldn’t have to keep living in fear.” She shakes her head.

“Yeah, I know.” I sigh.

“I wish there was more we could do.”

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