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I blushed and tried to hide my reaction.

She titled her head as she reached for her wineglass and took a sip. “Que?”

“He only asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday,” I admitted. “I don’t think he feels that way yet.”

He couldn’t.

“He gets his guarded nature from his father. He isn’t quick to trust, but he’s never brought a woman home to meet me. That means more than words can say.”

Fuck.

What could I say? How could I maintain any distance at this point? It felt impossible. I was sinking further into his world. Where was the bottom? Where was a rope? Was there a way back from this?

No.

Because my success meant the destruction of everything this woman loved.

“I’m feeling a bit tired. Would you mind if I went and laid down?”

She patted my leg. “Let me show you to your room.”

Our bags were waiting in a large bedroom with its own bathroom. It didn’t feel like it could have ever been a child’s room with its rich blues and browns, but the scattering of frames and old toys on one shelf hinted that it was once upon a time.

“Thank you,” I told her before she closed the door and gave me privacy for the first time since before the party the day before.

I hurried to my purse to find my phone and found the guys’ messages.

Cruz: Let us know you’re safe

Marco: You’re headed to Cuba? Confirm

Derek: We’ve got eyes on the helicopter

Javi: We’re on our way now

They were coming. Relief that I wasn’t completely on my own washed over me. They’d have to stay away. I probably wouldn’t see them or be able to do anything more than text, but it was reassuring they figured out where we were going before I had a clue.

Emilia: I’m safe. We’re at his mom’s house. Not exactly sure where. North? Northeast coast?

Javi: We have the location. Won’t be able to set up surveillance

Emilia: I know. They have security here

I didn’t think I was in any danger here, especially since this was such a spontaneous trip. I could handle myself, but having back up close was the reassurance I needed.

Stupid Rod for being right.

I could protect myself, but knowing I wasn’t alone calmed my remaining nerves.

Fuck, I was getting soft.

Marco: Stay alert

Cruz: Try not to miss us too much

Derek: Keep your eyes and ears open

Javi: One call. We’ll be there