Page 109 of Owned By a Billionaire

“I settled it,” Caroline said in a matter-of-fact tone.

“You did?” I frowned.

“Let’s not mention it again. Just hold me.”

I kissed her cool cheek and breathed in her rose fragrance that always mingled perfectly with the salty air. If I could describe the smell of paradise, that would be it. The sea air and Caroline. “I’ll find a way to repay you.”

“Oh, Mark, let’s not talk about money anymore. With that horrid casino shut down and our land reclaimed, the family is wealthier than ever.”

“Then why the heavy heart?”

“What I learned about Rey’s murderer has affected me profoundly.”

“You are bringing in the best lawyers, though.”

“Of course. She needs that sentence reduced to a bare minimum. The man was a monster.”

“Has she agreed to testify?”

“I’m trying to convince her. I’m going to London in the morning.”

“Caroline, you paid her bail. You’ve done all you can. Maybe let her decide.”

“I’m not certain she’s in the right psychological state to decide. I want to assure her I’ll support her through this. If not, she’ll be facing a long spell in jail. I couldn’t live with that.”

“It’s affecting you that profoundly?”

She sighed and nodded slowly.

It suddenly occurred to me that Caroline shared that poor woman’s experience. “She was a victim, like you were.”

The sudden remote glint in her eyes made me regret dredging up that violent chapter in her young life.

“I’m sorry,” I said. “I shouldn’t have mentioned that.”

She shook her head. “No. You’re right. When I heard what happened to Meghan—or Mary, as she calls herself now—it was like a knife twisted in my gut.”

“Then visit her and share your experience. It might help her.”

Caroline nodded. A sad smile touched her lips. “Thank you.”

“For what?” I asked.

“For understanding. And for being the love of my life. I thought I was too damaged for a soul mate.”

An eagle soared above, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. I pointed at the magnificent creature. “That’s how I feel. I’ve never been happier. I feel free for the first time in thirty-odd years, and I, too, never expected to feel this way about anyone. I thought love was just some Hollywoodesque idyll crafted to entice us into a complacent subservient existence.”

She laughed. “That’s rather cynical.” She held my gaze and became earnest again. “To connect to someone on a deep level, we need to know ourselves first and be brave enough to remove our masks.”

I nodded pensively. “Thanks for helping me do just that.”

Caroline squeezed my hand. “Likewise.”

Our eyes met in a kind of profound acknowledgement that defied words.

“And you’re quite the philosopher,” I added. “A very sexy one. Come on, let’s go back. I’ve got a call to make.”

She wrapped her arms around me, holding me tightly. “I’m so glad you’re here. Please don’t leave again.”

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