“Growing up as you did, didn’t you have bodyguards?”
I shook my head, his question hitting an uncomfortable chord. “That’s the misconception I didn’t want you to have after seeing my parents’ home. My childhood and adulthood have been pretty basic.”
Van scoffed. “I love you, but I’m confident you don’t have a clue what basic is.”
Unexpected tears prickled the back of my eyes.
Without a word, I moved my plate to the table and stood. I was only partway to the windows when Van was there, reaching for my shoulder and turning me toward him.
“I’m sorry, that didn’t come out…”
I stared up at his features, the protruding brow, mesmerizing green eyes, and high cheekbones. “I told you why I was afraid for you to see the house, and now you’re using it against me.”
His hands were now on my shoulders. “I’m not. You believe your childhood was average because it’s what you know—it’s all you know.”
“I didn’t say average. I said basic. I did what other people do. I went to school. I had friends. I did gymnastics and dance. I became a cheerleader. I was on the student council and debate team. I went to college. It’s all basic.”
Van nodded. “Okay. It was basic. You also had a house manager, a butler, and a nanny. That’s privilege, something I want you to continue to have. I was simply asking why you never had personal security.”
“I don’t know, Van. Maybe I was never threatened. Maybe my parents didn’t perceive threats.” I moved from his reach, spinning as my palms slapped my thighs. “Or shit, maybe I did and I was too privileged to realize it.”
Van’s jaw clenched and his Adam’s apple bobbed as his hand trailed down my arm until our hands united, fingers intertwining. With my hand in his, he led me back to the sofa. As I sat, he offered me my plate with the remains of my uneaten meal. “First, your parents’ bottom line doesn’t compare to mine. I’m not saying that to minimize what they have, what you have. I’m saying that with more money and more power comes more reasons for concern. I want you to listen when I say that I perceive a threat.”