Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70370 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 281(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
He nodded.
“Then, to the outside world, we just live in the same building. But I am not giving you up.” I crossed my arms. “Don’t even try to talk me into it.”
A small smile curled his lips, then he shook his head. “They might already know, Sofia. I can’t risk that.”
I shook my head. “If they knew, they would have used that angle. They don’t seem to be the type to pussyfoot around. They would have threatened you with me, but they haven’t. You only drove me to the hospital a couple of times and dropped by once. From now on, we will be careful.”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I can’t risk you being out on your own, my love. There are simply too many factors. Until I know all the players and what the hell they want with me, I have to put you first. I need you somewhere safe. Damien is the obvious choice.”
“I am not running.”
“It isn’t running. It’s being smart.”
“I am not leaving you alone. Don’t ask me to do that, Egan Vulpe.”
He stared at me, then yanked me onto his lap. “Oh, my love, for you to be worried. I have not had someone worry about me like that for a very long time.” He kissed me. “I love you for that. I love you so much. But I have to put you first.”
“And I have to be here for you.”
He studied me. “I do not want to give you up,” he said quietly. “The thought of going back to being without you tears me up.”
“Then don’t.”
“We have to take precautions.”
“Fine.”
“There will be a driver taking you to and from the hospital.”
I pulled a face, and he held up his hand. “This is not negotiable.”
“Fine.”
“A bodyguard—”
I cut him off. “No. I will not have a bodyguard. The driver drops me off and picks me up. I don’t leave the hospital during my shift.”
“What if you are hungry?”
“I’ll DoorDash. My fellow night nurse, Karen, has an account. I think she’s their best customer. I won’t leave the hospital.”
“I want someone with you when you do errands.”
“Egan,” I said patiently. “If they are watching this building and suddenly see me with bodyguards, won’t they assume I’m someone special? I think I should just go about my life. I’ll be careful. I’ll use Amazon Prime. I won’t go out without your knowing. You can put a tracker on me—more than one, if you want. Add one to my phone like Damien did years ago.”
“He did?”
I nodded. “I assume it is still on it. He always wants to mess around with my new phones, so I assumed that was why. It made him feel better, so I didn’t care.”
“I would feel better if you had someone watching over you for a while,” he said slowly. “Much better.”
“Nice try. I will agree to the driving. I will agree to a tracker or two. I will check in with you, and I will be careful.” I held up my hand before he could argue. “If something happens and I get nervous or you think they know about us and will use it against you, I will go to Damien. I won’t jeopardize you or us.”
He huffed out an impatient noise, breathing heavily through his nose like a discontented bull. I tried not to smile. I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and snuggled close to him. “Don’t make me leave you, Egan. I would miss you too much.”
He held me tight. “For now,” he agreed. “But if anything happens and I am worried…”
“I will go.”
“No arguing.”
“No.”
He stood. “I will hold you to that, Sofia.” He walked to the kitchen and set me on the counter. “Now, I will make breakfast.”
“More like lunch.”
“Whatever. I will cook and you will eat.”
“So bossy.”
“You like it.”
I caught his arm and kissed him. “Maybe.”
He met my gaze and grinned. In a second, he had me tossed over his shoulder and was heading down to the bedroom. “You need to be reminded of who is boss,” he muttered.
I held on to his ass, enjoying gripping the firm flesh.
He wanted to show me he was boss? I didn’t object.
EGAN
Sofia smiled at me, contented and sleepy. I enjoyed seeing her in my bed. Watching her sleep. Knowing she was protected and happy. Sated. My favorite part of the day was when she woke, still drowsy and sweet, her defenses down. Then she was simply my Sofia.
I had to grin. I supposed I was every inch the caveman she told me I was.
“What?” she asked, covering a yawn with her hand.
Chuckling, I dropped a kiss to her head. “Nothing. I was thinking I love having you here.”
“I’m only here for the sex and food.” She paused, pulling the blanket over her shoulder. “And this bed. It’s really comfy.”