Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 133849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 133849 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 669(@200wpm)___ 535(@250wpm)___ 446(@300wpm)
Josh’s face fell. “No. You won’t be allowed out of the building alone. You take me or Grim or the bodyguard I’ll have down here before morning. You’re determined to make me the bad guy.”
“If the shoe fits, Josh…” Nicole said. “Can Mrs. Kent walk me to my room?”
“I’ll do it.” Grim had to find a way to soften them both up. He was sure it was a shock for Nicole, but it wasn’t easygoing for Josh, either. Or him. He was still trying to process everything Nic had been through.
Case was looking down at his phone. Mia had slipped off her husband’s lap and had her own phone to her ear.
“Yeah, I’m going to need you to send extra security to the club,” she was saying.
Case stepped out from behind his desk. “And I think it might be a good idea for Kim to escort Nicole to her room because you two are about to have trouble of your own.”
There was a knock and then the door came open, and Grim’s night was complete.
Jack Barnes stood in the doorway, a dark look in his eyes.
Things had just gotten infinitely worse.
* * * *
Josh stepped in front of Nicole because the last thing he was going to do was put her in his father’s path. It was obvious his dad thought he was a child who couldn’t handle his business, but the man was about to find out he was absolutely his father’s son.
“Josh,” his dad began.
“Move out of the way.” His mother was suddenly there, and she pushed past his dad, Pops coming in behind her. Where his father looked pissed, his mother was all worry. He braced himself because his mother could be a lot when she decided her babies were in trouble. She would try to coddle him, and he had to make sure she didn’t say something that would hurt Nicole.
“Mom, we should talk,” he began.
His mother’s eyes flashed fire. She pointed his way, and he was five years old again with his hand in the damn cookie jar before dinner. “You would do best to be quiet. I am not any happier with you than I am your father. You knew she didn’t want her picture taken and you did it anyway and sent it to Harlow, who sent it to heaven knows who.” She turned to Nicole, and all her anger was gone, replaced with maternal comfort. “Nicole, sweetheart, come here. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?”
He had no idea what the hell was going on.
Nicole stood stiffly for a moment as his mom wrapped her up in her arms.
“It’s okay, baby. We’re going to take care of you,” his mom promised.
And the most magical thing happened. Nicole’s arms clutched at his mom, and she started to cry. It wasn’t more than a moment before the tears became sobs.
His mom looked up. “Sam, could you escort us up to our suite? My new baby needs time and some privacy. We’ll also need some tea and maybe something to eat.”
“We have food up in our room.” Grim didn’t know his mother as well as Josh did. “We can go there.”
“Were you involved in this?” His mother never stopped rubbing Nicole’s back.
Grim did a perfect imitation of a deer in the headlights. “I…I…”
His mother’s head shook. “Damn interfering men going behind a good woman’s back.” She looked over at Kim, who was watching the whole thing with obvious amusement. “Are you the PI who is trying to help my new baby out?”
Kim stood. “Yes, Mrs. Barnes-Fleetwood. Why don’t I join you and we can discuss the situation? And I suggest some wine. Nic’s had a rough night.”
Did they think he’d been to Disney World? He’d fucking found out the woman he loved was wanted by the law and had people who would like to kill her. Was anyone offering him a beer and a shoulder to cry on? Nope. His momma was looking at him like he was a monster and Nicole… Well, Nicole definitely thought he was a monster.
“I’ll escort you up myself,” Case offered. “My wife is bringing in extra security. I assure you she’ll be safe here while you decide what you want to do. I’ve already called my brother about security for the ranch.”
His mom gave Case a brilliant smile. “I appreciate it so much. Tell your brother how grateful we are for accommodating us.” Her smile faded when she looked back at Josh and Grim. “You should talk to your father. Maybe you can talk about trust and how bad it is when you break it.”
His pops held the door open for them. “Since you’ve got an excellent escort, I’m going to stay here and make sure Jack doesn’t say something he shouldn’t to our sons.”
Abby kept a protective arm around Nicole as they moved to the door, followed by the Taggarts and Kimberly Kent.