Page 93 of Such a Good Girl

I was waiting for my nerves to settle, and I knew they would. I knew I’d regain my strength and be ready to face the world again. Soon. But not yet.

No, right now, I was furious. I needed to do whatever it took to protect my family. We’d stay here a few days and let the cops do their job.

We climbed out of the SUV, pausing to stare up at the house. Everleigh was right to make fun of it. The size alone was outrageous. Constructed of huge gray stones that were bigger than some VWs, it spread out across the land like an enormous, sleeping elephant. Perfectly manicured gardens surrounded a large sparkling pool on one side. A matching guest house sat behind it, creating a beautiful estate that looked at once inviting and intimidating.

And way too big for one person. It was true. That didn’t mean I didn’t love it.

“Come inside,” I said, leading them to the massive wooden front door. Kaylee’s eyes widened when she saw it was etched with the same dragon as the front door of Profane.

No matter how many times I saw it, the interior never failed to take my breath away. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with tall wood-beamed ceilings throughout. We walked into the welcoming sunken living room, where the largest fireplace I’d ever seen already sparkled and sputtered with a roaring fire.

“I had Joey arrange for the staff to get here before us. They’re most likely preparing meals and snacks. Everyone’s bedrooms should be ready. Make yourself at home. I won’t be playing host, so if you need anything, Violet — ask Everleigh, or someone on staff.”

With those abrupt words, I grabbed Kaylee’s hand and led her to the master bedroom.

“This is gorgeous,” Kaylee said. I knew she was tired, and her body and words confirmed it.

“I think you should rest, babe,” I said, tucking a strand of hair behind her ears as I pulled her into my arms. “You’ve been through a lot.”

She nodded, staring up at me with gratitude.

“Thank you for bringing us here,” she said. “I wouldn’t have felt comfortable leaving Violet and Everleigh behind.”

“Me, neither. I can’t believe that handwriting, though. Fuck, I can’t believe any of this. How could someone copy my handwriting like that? I never would have written a letter to you like that, Kaylee, I hope you know that.”

“You said that ten times already, West. Of course, I know, babe.”

She reached up, her soft palm resting against my cheek. I grabbed her hand and brought her fingers to my lips to kiss them.

“I’d never do anything to hurt you, Kaylee,” I whispered. “You’re my girlfriend.”

Her eyes widened at my words. “Your girlfriend?”

“If you want to be,” I relented. If she said no, I would just have to work harder. Because I certainly wasn’t going anywhere.

She nodded, smiling through teary eyes. I kissed her, soft and deep and slow, until she began to relax in my arms. Then I led her to the bed, where we stayed for the next forty-eight hours, locked away from the world. I had our meals delivered to the room, and we spent our time making love to each other, laughing in each other’s arms…and healing.

ChapterThirty-One

KAYLEE

As if returning to the city wasn’t hard enough, Hoskins reminded me right away of just how hard work was going to be as soon as I got back.

I’d agreed to cover a shift for a sick coworker in the main club. I was rounding a corner with a tray full of drinks when I saw him lingering in the corner like a dark shadow, leering at a group of scantily clad women in a nearby booth.

As soon as I saw him, I turned around to avoid him, but it was too late.

“Kaylee!” he shouted over the music. I pretended not to hear him. But I knew I couldn’t do it all night, so I decided to get it over with. I turned back to him with anger and irritation.

“What are you doing here?” I hissed, looking around for any sign of West.

Hoskins raked his eyes over my frame. A wave of disgust washed over me.

“What the fuck are you wearing?” His eyes looked like they were going to pop out of their sockets as they landed on my very exposed cleavage. “You look like a fucking slut! You’re just asking for someone to assault you!”

Fury raged through my veins. I itched to throw the entire tray of drinks over his head.

“Way to victim blame, asshole. West makes me wear this shit. And, why are you even here? What are you trying to do? Blow my cover?”

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