Page 117 of Hold On

“I don’t know. It felt too easy. I’m having trouble believing that it’s over.”

“I listened and I believed him.” Ren smiled at him.

“I need to call Col. Should I? Do you think we’re okay? That everyone’s safe?”

Ren squeezed his fingers. “Calm down.”

“I can’t. My heart’s going ten to the dozen.”

“So’s mine.”

They both chuckled.

Dominic called his brother.

“Hi. Are you all right? I’ve been so worried. When you disappeared, I—”

“Everything’s okay. I’ve spoken to Kilic. There’s no threat. I don’t think there ever was. It’s over.” Telling Col seemed to unblock something and Dominic sucked in a breath.

“Oh my God, Dominic. That’s fantastic. What happened? How did you speak to him?”

“I came to London to see him. There’s no danger anymore.” Dominic’s stomach clenched as he said that.Christ. Why can’t I just accept it’s done with?But why would Kilic lie? It hadn’t felt like a lie, it was just that Dominic hadn’t expected things to go his way. “Kilic didn’t ask Sturdy to say anything. There probably never was any danger.” Would he believe that the more times he said it? “Will you tell Merlene and Livingston?”

“Of course. How did you get on with them? They’re lovely, aren’t they?”

Dominic chewed his cheek. “Yeah, they love you to bits. I’ll see you at the end of the week.”

“Have you told Theo’s father?”

“I’m just about to.”

“Okay. I’m so glad it’s over. See you soon, right?”

“Yep.”

Dominic sagged the moment the call ended. “What if it’s a trick? What if I’ve just put everyone back in harm’s way?”

“Listen. You got the answer you needed. Accept that answer or you’ll spend the rest of your life worrying about something that’s not going to happen. Kilic’s not going to come after you.”

Ren couldn’tknowthat but he was right. If Dominic didn’t get his head straight what had been the point of this?

All I have to do is believe. Trust someone when all my instincts tell me not to.

“While you speak to the marquess, I’m going to call Will and a couple of others.” Ren moved a little way away.

Dominic made the next call. It was good to hear how pleased everyone was for him and gradually his worries began to fade. Maybe he’d never be completely convinced he didn’t have to worry about Kilic but he’d done what he could and if he didn’t let himself move on then he’d wreck any hope of a happy ever after.

“Thank you for all you’ve done,” Dominic said to the marquess. “I’m very grateful and I’m sorry I brought trouble with me.”

“You protected Col and he means the world to Theo. No thanks are needed.”

Ren came back just as Dominic had finished the call.

“Will is pleased. Says he’s sorry for being a dick.”

“Did he?”

Ren laughed. “No, but I’ll make him.”

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