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I reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind Rachel’s ear, and she wipes away her tears. The moment is intimate, and warmth rushes through me. I lean closer, my heart is racing.
“This doesn’t have to be something you experience alone. Stay with me until everything is cleared up.”
Her eyes widen in surprise. “Stay with you? But . . . what about the match?”
“Exactly,” I say, my tone firm. “I don’t want you at risk after everything that’s happened. I want you safe, and I can’t imagine a better place for you to be than with me. I want to keep you close until we deal with Collins.”
Her wheels turn for a moment, and I can see they are turning. “Are you sure? I don’t want to complicate things anymore. I don’t want to impose.”
“Rachel,” I say, taking her hands in mine, feeling the warmth radiate from her touch. “It’s not an imposition. I want you to be safe, and I care about you. I can figure everything out with you. You know that.”
I can hear the sincerity in my voice, and she relaxes her shoulders. “Okay,” she finally says, a hint of a smile breaking through the tears. “I’d like that.”
I feel the weight of the world lifting only a bit, but her agreement is a relief. “Great. Let’s get you settled, then. When the police get here, we can talk to them, and I’ll take care of everything.”
I lead her back to my car and can’t help but look back at Collins, who is still on the ground, nursing his wounds. I can’t help but feel a little gratified at having gotten one over on him, but it’s Rachel I think about as I push myself onward. I have to keep her safe no matter what it requires.
When we get to my car, I open the door for her, and she gets in. Finally, her body starts to slacken. I get into the driver’s seat, and the engine starts. I look over at her. “You okay?”
Softly smiling, she nods. “Yeah, I think I just need to breathe for a minute.”
“Take your time,” I say, pulling out of the parking lot and onto the road. It’s still heavy but having her there lightens the day.
On the drive to my place, I can’t help but look at her. She’s been through so much, and I don’t want her to feel unsafe or scared again. I want her to know that she never has to worry about me.
“Vaughn,” she says suddenly, breaking the silence. “I really appreciate everything you’ve done. I’ve been a bit . . . difficult lately, I know.”
I respond reassuringly, “Don’t worry about it. You’re going through a lot. I just want to be here for you.”
Looking out the window, she admits, “I didn’t expect you to react the way you did with Collins. It was kind of amazing.”
The corners of my mouth rise, and I chuckle softly. “No one can mess with you or your cat. Not now, not ever.”
I turn off the engine and pull up to my mansion. Again, I look at her, and I see gratitude in her eyes and something deeper. It makes my heart race. I try to keep my voice light as I say, “Let’s get inside and work out our next steps.”
I feel the tension in the air transform as we step out of the car. Now we’re in this together. I intend to make sure she understands she’s safe with me. I open the door and wave her in first.
I lead her into the living room, where the warmth I’m used to fills the space. “Make yourself comfortable,” I say, watching as she sinks into the couch, her expression finally starting to relax.
I get a couple of bottles of water out of the fridge and sit down on the couch next to her, giving her one. I suggest, “Let’s talk about what we need to do next.”
She looks at me, a little relieved and fiercely determined. “I want to help, Vaughn. What I don’t want to do is sit here and wait for something to happen.”
I reply, “Then we will act.”
“What are we going to do about Collins and Archie?”
“We’ll figure that out together. Rachel, you’re not the only one in this boat. I promise.”
I’ve fought to keep her, our bond, and I’ll fight for her, no matter what it takes. No one is getting between us, least of all Collins.
Chapter thirty-seven
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Rachel
The police leave, and I finally catch my breath. Then Vaughn and I head out to take Archie to the vet. The ride feels like it takes forever, every second weighed down by the events of the day. Collins’s threats still echo in my mind, but I need to shake them off and focus on making sure my cat is okay. I can’t believe he’s been through so much—scared and alone.