“No, Will. You can’t go.”
“Baby, I have to. This could be our shot at getting him and hopefully recovering the money he stole.” He looked back at Derek. “Three bikers have been watching her, but she knows you, trusts you. Can you just stay until she calms down after I leave? Maybe check up on her?”
Derek rubbed his hand over his jaw as if considering Will’s request.
“I know all this sucks for you. Believe me, I know.” Will kissed my temple. “Miranda is a remarkable woman, and you fell for her. I’d have been shocked if you hadn’t. You care about her and wouldn’t want anything to happen to her, right?”
“Will, it’s okay. I’ll be okay.”
“No. I don’t want to take any chances with you.” His dark eyes seared into my soul. He was genuinely concerned. “What do you say, Derek? Can you stick around and protect my girl?”
My girl. He was making sure Derek knew the score.
“I’ll even make it worth your while.”
“Will!”
“I don’t need your money,” Derek hissed. “You’re right. I do care about Miranda. She can count on me.”
“Good. Just don’t touch her again, understand?”
“Will!” I didn’t need them fighting over me.
“Don’t screw up again, and I won’t,” Derek bit back.
“Okay. That’s enough.” I was on my feet and stood between them. “I won’t have you two acting like this over me.”
“I just want him to understand you’re mine.” Will stood, taking my hand.
“And like I said, I won’t touch her… unless she wants me to.”
“Seriously, both of you, please stop.” I looked at Derek, then at Will. “I can’t handle this.” I put my hand over my stomach.
“Honey, you need to eat.” Derek came to my side and touched my arm.
Will’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t say anything, and I was grateful. He released my hand and opened the pastry box. He took out my favorite kind with peanuts, placed it on a napkin, and passed it to me.
Will watched as I took a bite.
“When should I be back?” Derek asked.
I glanced at Will because I didn’t know how to answer him.
“My flight is at three tomorrow, so… one?”
“Okay.” Derek rubbed my arm.
“Will, give us a minute, please.” I needed to apologize to Derek. He didn’t deserve any of this, but then neither did Will or me.
Will narrowed his eyes and left the room.
I turned toward Derek. “I’m so sorry about all of this. I don’t even know what to say.” My eyes teared up.
“Hey.” He cradled my face gently. “From what he said, I understand why you ran away. It’s a pretty crazy story. The breach, the millions stolen, and fake FBI. It sounds like a movie.”
“It does,” I said in agreement. “I feel horrible for hurting you. But I still love Will.”
“I know you do. I can see he loves you too. I just want you to be happy.” He kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow.”