And maybe that’s the reason for your nervousness, came Belle’s somewhat amused comment. Caution has become so ingrained that it’s hard to let go.
Possibly. Definitely.
It’ll be fine in the end. I really believe that.
She says with fingers crossed.
And toes, and all things in between. Her amusement faded. I’ll contact Monty and Ashworth and see if they’re free tomorrow. I don’t think it’ll hurt to have backup.
I very much doubt we’d escape without either of them. I glanced up as a coffee cup appeared in front of my nose and gave Aiden a quick smile of thanks. I’ll see you later tonight.
You’re not staying at Aiden’s?
Not tonight—he has some meeting up at the compound.
Then bring home something to eat. I don’t feel like cooking.
Will do.
Aiden’s shoulder brushed mine as he sat back down. “I know a couple of court officers at Wodonga—I’ll ask them to keep an eye on things over the next twenty-four hours.”
“My father won’t try anything—it’s one of the reasons I suggested we meet in a court.”
“It’s not your father I’m worried about.”
“I know.” I put my coffee on the table, grabbed his and put it beside mine, then sat astride him. “But I don’t want to talk or think about my father, my soon-to-be ex, or even tomorrow night right now.”
The lazy swirl of his desire sharpened abruptly, its heady scent filling my nostrils and making my pulse leap. He slid his hand around the back of my neck and pulled me closer.
“More than happy to help you lose an hour or two,” he murmured, his breath so warm against my lips.
“If it’s only an hour or two, Ranger, I will be severely disappointed.”
He chuckled softly, then claimed my lips and helped me forget.
Dusk had settled in by the time we reached the outskirts of Wodonga the next evening. Aiden followed the GPS directions through the myriad of streets and eventually halted in front of an uninspiring, two-story red-brick building.
“Lights are on,” Monty commented. “Someone’s obviously home.”
“I really wish I was,” Belle muttered.
“You’ve more integrity and mental strength in your little finger than either of those two bastards have in their entire beings,” Monty said. “You can do this. You can also hold my hand if you want.”
She snorted and didn’t reply.
“There’re several cars with government plates parked across the road,” Ashworth noted. “They’re obviously here.”
“Activate the pendant,” Monty said, “so we can check it’s working before we go in.”
I did so, and then muttered a soft “One, two, three, sound check.” He studied the small receiver’s screen for a second and then nodded. “Signal’s coming through loud and clear. We’re ready.”
I took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Then let’s get this show on the road.”
I resolutely climbed out of the truck and strode toward the court’s main entrance. The guard stationed outside must have known who we were, because he opened the door without comment.
A second guard waited inside. “This way please, Ms. Grace.”
I couldn’t help wondering if his use of Grace rather than Marlowe was my father’s way of smoothing things over… or whether he was simply trying to lull me into a false sense of security.