Page 44 of Stone (Claimed and Protected #3)

S tone

Soft lips.

A light touch.

My eyelids flickered open and I stretched out one arm, anticipating feeling Dani curled up beside me. When I discovered cool sheets, I jerked up, immediately reaching for the weapon I’d placed on the nightstand. Sunlight glowed against the walls, which meant I’d slept later than normal.

Fuck.

The fucking sheets were wrapped around the bottom of my legs. I yanked the material, almost ripping it in my hurry to free myself. Immediately, I scanned the room as I listened for any sounds.

There was nothing but the breeze blowing in through the open window. I searched for my shirt, only finding my shorts. After struggling to get into them, I grabbed the gun, noticing her clothes were still on the floor. That wasn’t like her.

I checked the bathroom quickly before heading from the room, taking precautions. Had I bothered to set the security system the night before? I didn’t think so.

That wasn’t like me.

Then again, I’d been a little busy with taming my guest.

The realization hit me that I’d pushed her hard to leave. Yes, I wanted her to achieve every dream she had, but the ache was already building. Plus, I didn’t want her to think I was eager to send her away.

There couldn’t be anything further from the truth. I didn’t see anyone in the living room and was about to walk by when something caught my eye. Whoa. Hold on. I stood in the doorway as I realized what I was seeing.

A painting.

Dani had painted during the night. As soon as I forced myself into the room, I had my answer.

She was curled up on the couch, wearing my tee shirt, her arms splotched with paint. I remained as quiet as possible as I approached, peering over the back of the couch at the sleeping beauty.

Hugging the pillow with her legs folded, she appeared so youthful, yet so very much alive.

I resisted touching her, closing my eyes briefly as I turned toward the painting. I’d seen what she’d created and it instantly tore at my heart.

When I opened my eyes, I stood impossibly still, uncertain how to react.

The painting was incredible, the likeness unbelievable.

My breath was caught and I hadn’t felt so damn emotional in a very long time.

I remained mesmerized, fighting the swell of emotions and ugliness that I couldn’t shove aside.

“Do you like it?”

Hearing her voice behind me sent far too many shots of current into my system. Even my cock ached, as it seemed to continuously do around her. “Like it?”

She tentatively moved by my side and I could tell by the way she rubbed her hands together she was nervous about my answer.

“Dani. This is incredible. My God. You can’t tell the difference in your painting and the photograph.”

“You don’t know that.”

I’d never heard such sheepishness in her voice. “I guess you’ll need to trust me. You are… amazing.”

“I do trust you,” she said far too quietly. “It’s yours. I thought you might want to have something showing your son.”

“Our son.”

“Our son,” she repeated, finally lifting her head to look into my eyes. Instead of the expected tears, I noticed determination.

“You made up your mind about the fancy tour in Europe.”

She took a deep breath before nodding. “I thought about everything you said, Stone. The decision wasn’t easy.

Maybe the toughest one I’ve ever made, but I sent Francois an email letting him know I would accept.

I understand I’m still in danger, but the tour doesn’t start for over a week.

I let Francois know I could have to drop out. ”

The bottom of my world was ready to drop, but goddamn it, I wouldn’t ruin this for her.

“I’m proud of you. I have a feeling everything will be settled by then.”

“What makes you so certain?”

I laughed and only then did she notice the weapon in my hand. She’d grown used to seeing it, perhaps even comforted by its presence. “Because I’m magical. At least that’s what you’ve told me.”

Dani tried to play along, even pushing her fist into my stomach. “Don’t let that go to your head.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

We stood together studying the painting, both uncertain what to say to make any of this easier. Maybe there was nothing to be said.

“I think I’m going to take a shower. I somehow managed to get paint all over myself.” She laughed as she held up both arms.

“Colorful. Just so you know,” I teased, “the shirt looks better on you than it does on me.”

She did a playful curtsey before scampering from the room. I watched her walk away before turning my head and studying the painting.

How she’d managed to capture our facial nuances was beyond me. She truly was an extremely talented artist.

Exhaling, I raked my hand through my hair and headed toward the kitchen.

Dear God, I needed coffee. As I pulled out two mugs, I thought about how I could provoke Matis.

I’d encouraged Dani to return to what she loved, but I had no intention of letting her return if the bastard was still running around.

So many fucking things didn’t add up. I was sick to death of playing the wait and see game. Maybe I’d pull all my connections and see if there was a way of sending Matis a message.

As I contemplated how I could best go about doing something so reckless, I fixed a cup of coffee, standing over the Keurig machine as if it were a lifeline. I also remembered my anger and how I’d hurt Dani before. Never again.

Maybe I wouldn’t need to worry about it after all.

Goddamn it. Why did it feel like I was losing her all over again?

The mug in my hand, I headed to the kitchen door, pressing one hand against the glass. Always before, just staring at the water had offered not only comfort, but also answers.

Not today.

In overhearing what she’d said to her father, I was shocked he hadn’t barraged her with several more phone calls. Perhaps he’d finally read those tea leaves. The thought brought a laugh.

Somehow, I doubted it.

I remained where I was, enjoying the hot liquid while contemplating a solution for keeping her safe in my home; my prisoner as she’d enjoyed calling it.

Kage had some buddies tight with the dark web. Yeah, that wasn’t a bad idea. I could dangle a carrot or two and see if Matis bit like the snake he was.

A rumble caught my attention and I studied the waterways. I’d heard nothing from either Kekoa or Akoni. There’d been no additional worrisome sightings, nothing that I should be concerned about.

Vibrations shifted under my feet. I glared at the horizon, slamming my coffee cup on the counter and immediately heading outside. With my fingers tightly wrapped around the railing, I stared up at the sky.

Within seconds, I noticed two dark blips in the air.

Oh, you fucking had to be kidding me.

I waited a few additional seconds until I was positive of what I was seeing. This time, I was fucking pissed. And I knew exactly how to handle the situation.

Just like a trained soldier.

I flew into the house and toward the bedroom, pushing open the partially closed bathroom door.

“Sorry to interrupt. We have company rolling in.”

Dani stuck her head past the shower curtain. “No way. My dad?”

“Not sure, but there are two birds flying in. I suggest you get dressed.”

“Damn it. Why does he continue to do this? I thought I was very clear.”

“You were.” I headed toward my closet, yanking off my shorts and replacing them with cargo pants and a camouflage tee shirt, shoving my feet into boots.

Without wasting any time, I jogged to my office, pulling out two additional weapons, slamming magazines into both.

My training was now instinctive and I grabbed two holsters, fastening them within seconds.

With two of the weapons secured, one in my hand, I was ready to ensure our visitors knew they weren’t welcome.

I was finished with playing games with anyone.

By the time I was finished, the two helicopters had set down on the beach.

Dani rushed into the living room, taking several labored breaths as she stared out at the whirling birds.

She moved closer to the door, peering outside. “It’s my fucking father. How did I guess?”

“You don’t need to talk to him, Dani. I’ll handle getting rid of them. And trust me, I will.”

As she turned to face me, she allowed her gaze to fall slowly, concentrating on the two weapons secured by my side.

“No. I’ll talk to him. On the beach. He will listen one way or the other.

Just give me a head start and you can have your say.

And I do not care what you tell that man after I’m finished. Just… Just let me do this.”

“Alright. But five minutes.”

“Five minutes is all I need.”

Exhaling, I allowed her to throw open the door and rush out. Fine. I’d give her the five minutes, but not a second longer. Maybe that would calm my anger.

Bradford deserved a bullet in his brain for what he’d done. But I could see he’d come with more goons to keep him protected. Smart man. After what Dani had said to him, he had to know he wasn’t wanted here.

I noticed Gray stepping off the helicopters. This time, the pilots had been instructed to stick around. That meant it wouldn’t be a long visit. No, it wouldn’t be.

God, I hated this shit. How had things degraded so far so quickly?

Because of secrets and lies.

The conversation Dani was having with her father was animated. When she turned to leave, he grabbed her arm.

My fucking God. Who the hell did he think he was?

That was it. I was ready to throw open the door when I heard the ringtone on my phone.

I’d left it in the living room. Something told me I needed to pay attention to everything going on around me.

With long strides, I had it in my hand, unable to catch the call.

If it was important, Kekoa would call back.

Everything about the situation was troubling.