“Be careful,” Alessandro warns me, and I wave him off. “You know I will be. I’ll let you know once we’re home.”
Joel follows me, but I shake my head. “It’s fine. Check security at home and make sure it’s airtight. I’ll be fine collecting her.”
“You sure?” Joel asks me.
“Yes,” I nod. “Don’t worry.”
I take the car keys from Ricardo. He’s pulled the blue Mustang around, and I climb in. Revving the engine, I pull off and join the traffic.
I’m observant as I drive, ensuring no one is following me. Luckily, it seems Jose’s men have backed off for now. I find parking as close to the precinct as possible and walk in, looking around.
Amelia is sitting in the waiting area with a blanket around her shoulders.
“Amelia,” I say, walking toward her. I want to wrap my arms around her, to tell her I love her. I want to kiss her as though it was our last chance.
She looks up at me with big eyes. “Your idiot guards nearly got me killed,” she hisses quietly.
So much for that moment.
I look down at her. “What do you mean?”
“I told them we were being followed. I pointed out the guys to them, but they just said I was being paranoid. If I hadn’t called nine-one-one for a fake accident, I would have been shot.”
She keeps her voice low, glancing around to ensure none of the other tourists are listening, but they seem to be wrapped up in their own problems.
I sigh. “I’ll deal with them. Let’s get to the house.”
She follows me out of the station, and we move quickly to the car. I don’t open the door for her, telling her to jump in quickly.
I rejoin the traffic, and as I drive, I keep glancing at her. “You’re sure you’re okay?” I ask.
She nods. “I am. I escaped into the woods and doubled back when I heard the police sirens. I’m glad you got back unharmed.”
“Not entirely,” I admit. “They followed Rob, too, and I haven’t heard from Heather.”
“What do you mean not entirely?” she asks.
I sigh. “I got shot. They tried to take us off the road. I got them first, though, so that’s the end of that… for now.”
“Only for now?” she asks, looking desperate. “You mean they’re going to keep on trying?”
I nod. “I’m afraid so, but Alessandro and I will come up with a plan, don’t worry. I’m just happy you’re safe.”
She scoffs. “You mean because you promised my family that you’d keep me safe.”
I frown, pulling the car up to the house. I turn to her after locking the doors, and my hand guides her face to look up at me. “I mean, I’m glad you’re safe. I’m glad you’re unharmed. I don’t want you to get hurt because of me. Do I make myself clear?”
She nods slowly, her eyes wide.
I can’t help but lean down and gently kiss her lips. I kiss them again and again until she responds and starts kissing me back passionately. She slides her arms around my neck, and I put a hand on her waist. It’s awkward, but she presses herself against me as much as possible, and I can feel the raw emotion emanating from me.
She becomes forceful, kissing me with determination, and I pull away from her, looking into her eyes.
We breathe heavily, but we don’t say anything. We just sit there, panting, looking at each other, and I want to tell her how much I love her. I look at her as though I would devour her, and I know she understands.
“I love you with my whole heart, Amelia,” I say roughly. “I would do anything for you. I will burn this world to the ground to see you safe and happy, I swear it.”
She turns away from me, and it stings. I let her know the truth. It’s her decision now.