Page 51 of Let Me Love You

Chapter 22

Serenity

After we say our goodbyes, I’m sitting in Victor’s SUV, and my legs bounce out of control. They go in rhythm with my pounding heart. Now that we aren’t in a public space, everything comes crashing down around me.

The judgmental stares and words slung at us. The intruder who trashed my house, a place that was supposed to be safe for my four-year-old daughter. The scene of an almost nightmare if we had been there. Had they trashed the place because we weren’t home? Or because they didn’t find what they wanted? It just doesn’t make sense. Who, other than the loan sharks, would do such a thing?

Everything swirls around in my mind, and I almost forget where I am until Victor’s gentle touch brings me back to him.

“Can we go somewhere quiet, so I can think things through before going home?” I ask.

Victor studies me for a moment. “Do you want to go to my hotel?”

If Victor had asked me this at the beginning of our “relationship,” I would’ve accused him of being a playboy, but now I know better.

I nod, unable to speak anymore, afraid that if I do, the tears will come, and I won’t be able to turn them off. He doesn’t push me. Instead, he turns the vehicle on and shifts into gear, taking me away from downtown Granite Falls.

Twenty minutes later, we’re pulling into a hotel. I don’t notice the name of it or even the town we’re in, though if I think about it logically, we should only be about one town over.

Victor guides me into the large building and directly to the elevator. Everything passes in a blur, but I trust him to get me to where we’re going safely.

Once we’re inside the hotel room, he locks the door behind us and leads me over to the sofa. I lower myself and practically sink into the airy fabric. Even though it’s soft, it feels like it’s prickling my skin in a million different spots as if I sat in a fire ant pile.

A body lowers into the chair across the room. Victor’s soft eyes don’t leave me, but he also doesn’t say anything. I’m so grateful he’s not forcing me to speak. I don’t think I’d be able to get a single word out.

Jolting to my feet, I pace around the living room. My shoes blaze across the carpet, probably leaving a trail of fire behind me. If someone was at my house, they’ll be back. There’s no doubt about it. And if they start following me, they’ll find out where we’re staying while in Granite Falls. Not only will they find Sully’s, they’ll find Victor’s house. That puts Summer at risk … again.

Shit. I can’t even keep my innocent child safe. What kind of mother am I?

Movement catches my eye, and my heart is suddenly in my throat. I place a hand to my pounding chest when I realize it’s only Victor moving to the bar cart. He pours two glasses of an amber liquid before moving to me, handing me the liquor.

His calm demeanor grounds me a little as I take a small sip. The liquid burns a trail down my throat, and I savor it.

I’m not in this alone. We may be temporary, but so far, he’s proven he will do what he needs to protect us. I may not be a damsel in distress, but having a second person here, willing to do what it takes to get things done … it feels nice.

He didn’t have to go to my house to gather more of my stuff. Maybe he’s finally listening to the fact I don’t want him to shower gifts down on us like I won the grand prize on one of those game shows my mom used to watch.

Not to mention, he took me somewhere where I could break down in privacy. No Summer walking in on me crying for the fifth time. Time and time again, he’s shown up for me.

I glance up at him, and he halts, his arm partway to bringing his drink to his lips.

“Victor.” My voice comes out hoarse.

He turns his glass around in his hand as if he needs something to anchor himself. But just this once, I wish he’d let himself go, relinquish his control. Maybe I’ll have to take charge. Be the boss of the man on top.

Taking a deep breath, I reach for the zipper to my dress and slowly pull it down. The gentle noise pierces the silent room. His blue eyes darken a shade, remaining firmly on me, but he doesn’t move or speak. I hold his gaze, daring him to tell me to stop—to say he doesn’t want this. If he does put a halt to this, I won’t argue. I’ll never force myself upon Victor. But all this time together—the kiss, too—we’ve been barreling toward this moment. Even through my misguided anger, it was all foreplay.

My dress falls to the floor as I release it, and I step out of the pool of fabric in only my lacy bra and panties. Victor finally moves. He sets his glass on the table, slightly harder than usual, losing just the tiniest bit of control he usually has. I am affecting him.

His eyes sweep down me, taking in every stretch mark that still decorates my body. But I don’t shy away. I’ll never be ashamed of my warrior marks from my pregnancy.

“You’re utterly breathtaking. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.”

Considering he dated a literal super model, I can’t help but doubt his words. My earlier brazenness disappears, and I start to cross my arms over my body. Victor’s gentle touch stops me.

“Don’t hide from me.”

He loosens his tie, before pulling me closer, and it feels like the most natural thing in the world. Reaching around me, he unclasps my bra and throws it to the side. Little sparks zap at the skin he touched.