Page 62 of Wade

“You know he is out of the country.”

“The whole world knows he is transporting the body of his ex to India.” David looked at her curiously. “The speculations are rife. You guys just got engaged and now this nasty bit with that Russian guy who beat your fiancé’s ex to death getting all this media play. Your pics are spread all over social media.”

She grimaced as she poured tea into a porcelain cup. She had spent a wonderful evening with Wade, both of them determined not to think of the shit storm his involvement or past involvement was going to cause.

He had arrived home early after blowing off a meeting and they had eaten on this very patio. Afterwards, they had gone into the theater room to watch a movie and eat their fill of popcorn. He had made love to her, spreading a blanket while the credits rolled.

And this morning he had woken her up with his mouth on her body.

She was not going to allow any of it to dull her happiness.

“We knew it could happen and I am not paying it any attention. I have not even read the various comments. I am getting married next Saturday and I have my dress to fit and several other things to go over with the wedding planner. I also have some designs to finish. My plate is full as it is. I don’t need the negativity.”

“Why did he agree to transport her body to India?” David demanded. “Surely he must have known what the publicity would be like.”

“We spoke about it.” She heaved out a breath and took a sip of her tea. “He made a promise to this woman on her deathbed. Would you have him break it?”

He dug into his chicken breast and avoided her eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Of course you do. He would not be the man I fell in love with, if he did. Look, at first, I was pissed that he kept it all from me. I want complete honesty between us, but I understand. He has this weird thing about wanting to protect me.” She shook her head.

“It’s strange for me. I am used to taking care of myself-“

“And taking care of me,” he added slowly, leaning back in the chair. “And you have found a man who wants to do it all. I am grateful. You spent your life protecting and caring for me.

You took the blows that were meant for me and Wade knows all of that. No wonder he wants to just keep you close to him. It’s a wonder he did not ask you to go with him.” His eyebrows lifted at the look on her face. “Of course, he did. Why didn’t you go?”

“Because I do not think the family would have felt comfortable with his fiancée being there. And I think this is something he should deal with by himself. He is grieving for her and he is trying not to show that he is because of me.

He was involved with her before I met him but he was never in love with her.” She shook her head. “He needs to do this alone.”

“And you are okay with that?”

“Yes.” She smiled as she sipped her tea. “He loves me. I had a hard time accepting that a man like him could love someone like me-“ She held up a hand to stop his comment. “I know what I look like, even though I never put much stock into my looks. But I know he could have had any woman he wanted.

But he loves me, there is no doubt about that. I am his weak spot. There is nothing he would not do for me and it amazes me, it makes me humble to know that. He does not want to hurt me, because if I am hurting, he is.” She closed her eyes briefly.

“I am marrying this man, going in with my eyes wide open. I never thought I would want to tie myself to anyone because of my past- our past. Never thought I would want to have a child. The fact is, he changed things for me-“ She broke off when her phone vibrated.

David watched as a smile bloomed on her face as she pulled it out of her pocket.

“What time is it there?” She listened for a few seconds. “You must be exhausted. The funeral?”

She listened again and smiled. “Darling, I am fine. I am here with David having lunch.” She glanced at her brother. “Was it uncomfortable?” She asked, expression sobering. “I am sure it was. I feel so sorry for the family. I am fine darling, I promise. Just- just hurry and come back home to me.” Pushing back her chair, she rose and hurried inside.

It felt strange seeing his sister like this. She loved him and he could not begrudge her that. She deserved it after the crappy life she had lived.

He had seen her stand up to their brute of a father to defend him and never once cry. She had done that so that he could have a chance. Now she was with a man who loved her more than life itself. He was happy for her.

He looked up when she came back out, a smile wreathing her lips.

“I take it that everything is okay.”

“Yep.” She slid back into her chair and reached for her tea. “I warned him not to buy me everything in Delhi. But I know he is not going to listen.”

“How does it feel?” he asked her curiously. “To know that you are so loved?”

She shrugged and frowned a little. “It’s difficult to explain. I have this warm fuzzy feeling inside me all the time, except when we are pissed at each other and even then, I have no doubt that he will always love me.

---