Page 9 of Unbreakable Connection (Connections Duet)

“She’ll love it, and if I may offer some advice?”

“Why not? It’s not like I can stop you,” I quipped, tired of this conversation.

“Be careful, Edric; something tells me Ellen may have a tragic story of her own buried deep in her past, and you want to be careful about how you bring those memories to the surface.”

“What makes you think that?”

“I don’t know, just a feeling, and how she and Sabina connected from the start confirms it for me.”

“Thanks for the advice, but I’ll be fine, and so will Ellen once I get her out of here. This place is dangerous, and she’s not safe.”

“Enlighten me; what’s happened?”

“Do you remember the guard at Ellen’s clinic? He’s the one who claims to be in charge, throwing his muscle around.”

“Yeah, Paolo, right?”

“Yes, the very one. When I arrived at the clinic, he came at me armed and ready to shoot to protect Ellen from me and anyone else daring to go through him. He maintained his stance for a brief moment until he lowered his weapon and explained that an increased number of gunshot victims were coming into the clinic, and he was concerned for her safety.”

“I haven’t heard of any increased violence in that area; if there were, I would’ve been informed about it from our allies in Italy and New York.”

“Exactly what I was thinking; something is wrong, and there is no way I am leaving her here unprotected.”

“I’ll place a call to Valentin, and since you are there, call Gio and arrange a meeting. Unfortunately, I can’t leave the island right now, so my involvement will be through video conference.”

“I understand; I’ll handle it.”

“I have no doubt. But be careful; you don’t know what is happening behind the scenes until you get in front of it.”

I ended the call and pocketed my phone, only to turn around to see Ellen standing there with a sheet wrapped around her body. I don’t know how much she heard of my conversation with Bourne, and I wasn’t ready to volunteer any information right now. I needed to find out more before I brought it to her.

“Hey, I didn’t hear you wake. Are you okay?” I asked as I stepped closer, pulling her into my chest. She hummed, holding her hands to her chest and gripping the sheet as my arms engulfed her. “Come, let’s go back to bed,” She hesitated and tried to pull away, but I wasn’t letting go, not ever again. “What is it?” I questioned as I looked into her eyes.

“We need to talk, Edric, and I don’t believe we can move forward until we do.”

“Okay,” I answered cautiously, not knowing what she would say.

“I’m hungry and thankful I have food in the house. Do you know how to cook?”

I chuckled and answered, “Yes, I know the basics. Don’t worry, I won’t burn the place down.”

“Good to know. Would you mind making us something to eat while I shower?”

“I could, but I'd rather shower with you,” I said, hoping to change my reluctant lover’s mind. She gripped the sheet a little tighter, almost as a barrier between us. She was crushing me with her sad eyes because I didn’t know what she was thinking. She then took a step back and let out a sigh.

“This is me taking a breath and needing a few minutes to clear my head. I need that, Edric, more than you know, so I’m hoping you will give it to me.”

Without thinking, I said, “Of course, there’s no rush here, and I will never pressure you into anything you are not ready for.”

“Remember those words, Edric, because they matter greatly to me.” And then she turned and walked back into her bedroom, closing the door behind her. When I saw the uncertainty in her eyes and heard her words, I only wanted to restrain her to the bed and never let her leave my sight. Bourne may be on to something when he mentioned the connection she shares with Sabina, probably more than we both realize. My woman is a runner, too, and I’m not just talking about exercise to clear her mind. She runs to escape, a past perhaps? Or an overbearing ex-Special Forces operative who claimed her as his? I don’t believe for a second that she wouldn’t jump at the first chance she could, but my bases are covered, and there’s no way she’s getting out of this house again without me knowing. I found everything I needed for dinner and started it immediately. She took her time in the bathroom, allowing me to call Patch. I dialed his number quickly, and he answered in his usual manner.

“Hey, asshole, your woman kick you out yet?”

“Fuck you, and that’s never going to happen.”

“Too bad, I thought I may have a shot.”

“Not happening ever, now, be serious for a minute because this is not a social call.”

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