Being tailed by four bodyguards into a restaurant is a lot harder to explain when Killian isn’t there to take the fall.
“Do they have to follow you everywhere?” Sadie asks, peering over her wine glass at the two guards hovering behind me.
“I think it’s romantic,” Kimmy states loudly and her glittering eyes land on Archer who has taken up residence near the door.
“Romantic?” Sadie scoffs.
“Yes! Who wouldn’t want to marry a sexy man that loves you so much he hires a bunch of soldiers to protect you? Especially when they look like they belong in a Hollister ad.” Kimmy smirks and her gaze lingers on Archer for a second too long.
“Killian is just… overprotective,” I say and Sadie raises her bow in disbelief. There it is again. The wordlove. Neither of us has said it to each other and naturally, everyone assumes we feel it because we’re married but… is that what I’m feeling?
That uncontrollable flutter that lurches in my gut every time I see him, every time I hear his voice? The clench of my heart each time he’s away from me? Is that love? I’ve never felt it before but it crept up on me and it’s all I feel when he’s on my mind. And he’salwayson my mind.
“It’s overkill if you ask me,” Sadie states, draining her glass, and Kimmy’s irritation sparks before my own.
“It’s exciting!” Kimmy states and she clasps her hands together, eyes wide. “With all the explosions in the city and all the people dying, to have someone who loves you so dearly that they’ll do anything to keep you safe? Protect you from all the dangers? Don’t you have that fantasy?” Her eyes flick to Archer once more and I follow her gaze to see him looking this way. He immediately glances away at eye contact.
Some days I wish they knew about me and my life, what it’s really like. They probably wouldn’t want to be myfriendsif they knew but it would make situations like this a lot easier.
“What’s there to be protective of at dinner?” Sadie continues to press and another small bubble of irritation rises in my gut. I take an extra large gulp of red wine to drown it.
“Oh there are all sorts of dangers at dinner,” Kimmy cuts in before she leans on her elbow.
“Like what?” Sadie scoffs and I clear my throat sharply.
“We didn’t think the dangers of the clubs would reach a family get-together either,” I point out sharply, “but my dad is still dead.”
Sadie’s eyes go wide as the realization hits her and she immediately reaches for my hand.
“Of course! Cara, I’m so sorry! I wasn’t thinking. You’re right, precautions are important,” she blurts out at me and I turn my palm upwards, grasping her hand.
“It’s okay,” I smile tightly.
Kimmy eases the strain by closing the gap to me and lowering her voice. “Is Archer single?”
“Kimmy!” Her boldness successfully distracts me from Sadie’s words and laughter bubbles up. “I honestly have never asked him.”
“Could you?” She waggles her brows at me and the irritation in my gut fades immediately.
My answer is lost as the waiter arrives with our food and the divine smells distract all of us from the conversation. Kimmy dives into her pasta while Sadie stabs somewhat aggressively at her salad. I’ve chosen tomato and basil cheesy chicken and the first mouthful draws a satisfied groan from my throat.
Two mouthfuls in I remember why we’re having dinner.
“As much as it may surprise you,” I begin, “I didn’t call you both here to discuss men.”
Kimmy groans exaggeratedly and Sadie scoffs lightly.
“I need your help. You remember Killian’s ex, Blair?”
They both nod.
“Well, she’s popped up again and is claiming…” I glance around and keep my voice low, “… that she had Killian’s baby.”
Kimmy inhales her pasta and erupts into a loud coughing fit. My fork slips from my fingers and I rise to slap her on the back as she hacks around the pasta she’s choking on. Sadie presses a glass of water into her hand to help soothe her throat and the coughing quickly tapers off.
“Blair…”Kimmy gasps, “has a kid?”
“Sheclaimsto,” I correct hotly and the sudden heat of anger in my chest alarms me. I told Killian I would support his decision and his child and yet the idea of the child actually existing? It irks me.