“You really don’t get this whole dating thing, do you? We’re supposed to be spending time getting to know each other. How are we going to do that if you don’t tell me where you’re going?”
“Really, Kenton? I’m terrified that a gangster, who wants me dead, is closing in, and you’re talking about dating?”
He shrugged and decreased the distance between them. “What can I say. I always thought of you as a fighter, not someone who would allow a man to run her away from the life she’s built. What I don’t understand is how you can leave me, the guys, and Dakota and Journey without saying goodbye?”
A stab of guilt lodged in her chest. “You think this is easy for me? You guys are the only family I have. Of course, I don’t want to leave, but I’m not going to sit around and wait for Marco to make his move.”
“Good, because I wouldn’t expect you to. You’re a fighter, Egypt, and a survivor. Most people would’ve given up and crawled under a rock after being confronted by the asshole. But you didn’t. You got knocked down and got back up, stronger than ever.”
Egypt gave an unladylike snort. “You make me sound way braver than I am.”
Kenton pulled on the front of her sweatshirt until they were inches apart. Staring into his eyes, Egypt didn’t miss the heart-tingling tenderness of his gaze. Luscious heat swarmed her body to the point of being unbearable, and all she wanted to do was fall into his embrace.
“I can’t let you go. I need you here with me. Besides, Pisano might not even know you’re in town.”
“But he might know that I am.”
“Then we’ll deal with him together.” Kenton brushed his soft lips over hers and hope blossomed in her chest. “I need you to trust me when I say that I have your back. I’m not letting anything happen to you. So, if you leave home, I’m going with you. If you head to a hotel, I’m going with you. And sweetheart, if you’re thinking about leaving town, I’m leaving town with you. All day, every day, I’m yours.”
“What about work?”
“That’s all been taken care of.”
“Uh, no. I already assigned you a job that starts tomorrow. Remember?”
Kenton grinned, pushed her dreadlocks away from her face before gliding the back of his fingers down her cheek. “I know, but the boss has given me a new assignment.”
“What assignment? I didn’t see anything on my desk.”
“Meet your own personal security specialist. Kenton Bailey at your service, ma’am.” He leaned forward, giving a dramatic bow. “I go wherever you go. Whatever you want or need—I’m your man, and I mean that literally.” He wiggled his brows and Egypt couldn’t hold back the laugh.
“I don’t know what I’d do without you, and the rest of my Supreme family.”
Kenton pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “You might feel differently when you find out what I have planned as part of your security detail.”
Egypt leaned back and glared at him. “Exactly what do you have planned?”
“Let’s just say that I’m glad you’re already packed because you’re moving in with me.”
Chapter Twenty
Kenton drove away from Egypt’s house, expecting more resistance against his spur-of-the-moment idea of moving in together. Hamilton had suggested they hold up in a safe house until they knew more about Pisano. Kenton knew Egypt wouldn’t go for that. Or maybe he really hadn’t wanted to go that route. A safe house would constantly remind her of the looming danger. Staying with him could still give her the protection she needed, and give him a chance to take her mind off Pisano and the gravity of her situation.
“Does everyone know?” Egypt asked.
Kenton anticipated this question, especially after he initiated the around-the-clock protection.
“No. Only Hamilton and Mason know your story.” Kenton gauged her reaction. He had no intention of keeping anything from her. If they were going to build a relationship, the way he planned, they needed to be upfront. Honest. “Nelson told them before you were hired.”
She hesitated, slightly. “I never knew. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised he told them.”
“My guess is that Nelson wanted as many people watching your back as possible. That way if something were to jump off, and he wasn’t around, he would know that you were protected.”
“Like now,” she said quietly. Kenton’s heart swelled at the appreciation he heard in her voice.
“All Hamilton told the guys, and by guys I mean Laz, Angelo, and Myles, is that you had a run-in with Pisano in the past. As far as I know, no one at Supreme knows anything else. Ham made it clear that he wanted all of us to keep an eye on you for the foreseeable future. The only way anyone will ever know about what you’ve been through is if you tell them. Your secret is safe, Egypt.”
His arm was resting on the center console, and Egypt covered his hand with hers. “Thank you for everything. When you walked out of the office, I honestly thought you were upset with me.”
“Not at you. I hate that you’ve gone through hell, and I’m pissed that the FBI and U.S. Marshals failed you. I definitely wasn’t mad at you. I guess after you shared your story, my own shit from the past started messing with my head. I’ll tell you about that one day…soon.”
Egypt nodded. “Okay, and I’m going to hold you to that. And just so you know, I trust you more than anyone. I hope you understand why—”
“I get it, but I’m not sure I understand why you wouldn’t go out with me, especially if you say you trusted me.”
“I knew if we dated, I would fall for you.”
Kenton still didn’t understand, and she must have read the confusion on his face.
“If anything had ever gotten serious between us, I would’ve wanted to be totally honest with you. Tell you everything about my past. And since I was told that I should pretend my past never existed and never speak of it…”
It was slowly starting to make sense. “So if you didn’t date me, then you wouldn’t have to tell me you’re not who you say you are.”
Egypt removed her hand and sighed deeply. “When you put it like that, it sounds awful.”
“I didn’t mean for it to, but think about it Egypt. You have said more than once that you trust me. Why couldn’t you trust me with that information?”
She didn’t respond, and he was uncomfortable with the answer stabbing his gut. “Because I was former FBI?”
Egypt turned to look out the window, and he knew the truth.
“You thought I’d never believe that there were bad agents out there.”
She remained quiet, and Kenton tried to distance his personal feelings from the security issue at hand. He had to be subjective and clear-eyed. He couldn’t imagine how awful her life had been during the past sixteen years. She’d been just a kid when everything went down. Which brought up a ton of other questions he wanted to ask, but not tonight. And probably not tomorrow either. They’d both been through a hell of a day. If he was tired, he knew she had to be mentally and emotionally exhausted.
“How about we not discuss this for the rest of the evening and only think about our date?”
A slow smile spread across Egypt’s face. “You are relentless. Can’t we postpone our date? It’s been such a long day. I just want to eat a little, take a long bath, and go to sleep.”
Kenton brought her hand to his mouth and touched his lips to her soft skin. “I know, sweetheart, but I don’t want you wallowing in everything that happened today. I have a nice evening planned, and I guarantee it’ll be relaxing.”
Despite the darkness in the truck, shadows of light crossed her face as they sped down the highway. She studied him for the longest time before saying, “You’re right. If we’re going to try this dating thing, I shouldn’t be canceling on you already.”
Kenton chuckled and maintained the hold on her hand. It had been a while since he dated anyone exclusively, and he looked forward to spending more time with Egypt.
Except for Maxwell’s s
ong, Whenever, Wherever, Whatever, flowing through the speakers, they rode the rest of the way to his home in comfortable silence. A short while later they pulled into his Lawrenceville neighborhood.
“God, it’s dark out here. This is why I like living in the city. There aren’t enough streetlights or sidewalks, for that matter, out here.”
“Yeah, I agree. It definitely feels a little country, but in this area, you can get more house for the money.” He pulled onto his street, passing one large home after another. “A three thousand square foot house in the city would cost twice as much as I paid for this one.”
“This is your house?” Egypt said with surprise when he pulled into the driveway and the overhead garage door lifted.
“Yep, this is home.” He had purchased the house almost four months ago after selling his condo in the city. Not only was this place bigger, but it was closer to where his father lived. Traveling to and from work was a little tiring thanks to traffic, but overall, he liked the quiet expanse of the new place.
They climbed out of the Yukon, and Kenton grabbed Egypt’s bags and reached for the painting that had been over her fireplace.
“Why’d you insist on me bringing that painting?” Egypt asked, carrying her purse and duffel bag.
“Because I’ve seen you stare at it often and know how important it is to you. Am I right?”
She twisted her mouth. “I think it’s the colors. I love how vibrant it is and how at peace I feel when I look at it. Don’t ask me why. I’m not sure, but maybe it also has something to do with the painting being the first purchase I splurged on when settling in Georgia. For the most part, after leaving South Carolina, I traveled light, not really getting attached to anything or anybody.”
Before Kenton could respond, the door to the house swung open.
“It’s about time you guys got here.” Dakota stood in the doorway, her hand on her hips.
“I thought I told you to be gone by the time we arrived,” Kenton said with exasperation.
Dakota rolled her eyes. “You know I don’t listen to you. Besides, I haven’t talked to my girl in days. So move.”
Egypt laughed, and Dakota gave Kenton a little shove.
“You would think pregnancy would soften her manners,” Egypt joked, and the women embraced, holding onto each other for a long time before Egypt pulled back. “Girl, you do not look like you’re seven months pregnant.”
“Most of the time I don’t feel like I am either, but I have to admit, I’m so ready for this little guy to be born. But enough about me.” All humor was gone and replaced with concern on Dakota’s face. “Ham said you’re under protective watch and moving in with Kenton for a while. What’s going on? He wouldn’t give me any details.”
“Hopefully, it’s nothing, but someone from my past, a guy I’d like to forget, is in Atlanta and the guys are…um…just being overprotective.”
The look Egypt gave Kenton made it clear that she wasn’t ready to share more.
“Okay, what aren’t you guys telling me?”
“Dee, don’t you have someplace you need to be? Like anywhere but here?”
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. You want her to yourself. But I’m going to find out what’s going on.”
“Nosey ass woman,” Kenton mumbled, rearing back when Dakota playfully swatted at him. “I don’t know how Hamilton puts up with you.”
“Oh, please. That man would be lost without me.”
She was right. Hamilton worshiped the ground she walked on.
Kenton walked into the house, assuming they’d follow. He half expected to see Journey, since she and Dakota were both supposed to be there to help with his surprise. As he strolled into the kitchen, he was greeted by the scent of garlic, onions, and tomatoes, but no Journey.
The moment the thought filled his mind, Journey came from down the hall where the half bath was located.
“You all right?” he asked, noticing she looked a little tired as she rubbed her growing belly.
She waved him off. “I’m fine, but Laz’s daughter keeps kicking me, and now she’s laying against my bladder. I have a bad feeling that when she makes her appearance in this world, she’s going to give me hell just like her father.”
Kenton chuckled. He found it funny that whenever the baby was giving her trouble, she called it Laz’s daughter or Laz’s baby. More ironic than that though was the fact that his friends were expecting at the same time. Gatherings were going to be more boisterous.
He set Egypt’s bags down near the stairs and carried the painting to the family room. Removing the landscape portrait from over the fireplace, he replaced it with Egypt’s and then stepped back to admire it. If the picture was important to her, it was important to him.
Kenton turned to find Journey smiling at him from the dining area. “Egypt loves that painting. The fact that you brought it with you guys,” she placed her hand over her heart, “you are truly a sweetheart, Kenton Bailey.”
He winked. “Yeah, but don’t tell the guys. I don’t want them to think I’m soft.”
“Your secret is safe with me. Where’s Egypt?” Journey lit the tapered candles adorning the table and countertops.
“She was right behind me until Dakota showed up. I thought the deal was that you two were going to be gone by the time we got here.”
“That was the plan, but Dee insisted on seeing Egypt. Who am I to argue?” Journey said in mock defeat.
“Yeah, right.” Kenton appreciated their concern for Egypt, even though neither of them knew what was really going on. He grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator, preferring something stronger.
“Don’t open that.” Journey nodded toward his beer bottle and lifted a silver bucket. “I bought wine. So, how is Egypt?”
Kenton glanced toward the garage door. What was taking so long for them to come in? “She was packed and planning to leave town.”
“Well, I’m glad you caught her. Otherwise, you and Laz would’ve had to hunt her down. I’m not totally sure what’s going on, yet, but Laz seemed really concerned about her safety. And when he’s concerned, that means it’s serious. This is no time for her to be alone.”
Kenton nodded. “I agree. Hopefully, I calmed some of her fears.” Before the night was over, he wanted to take her mind off of the last couple of days.
“This place is huge.” Kenton heard Egypt say before she and Dakota came into view.”
“Hey, girl.” Journey moved across the room and hugged her.
Egypt smiled and regarded the women. “Hey, yourself. You and Dee are looking too cute with these growing baby bumps. Just think, in two months we’re going to have little ones to dote on.”
“I know, right? Actually, it’s more like a month and a half for me, but who’s counting?” Journey draped an arm around Egypt’s shoulders. “I’m glad you’re here.”
Egypt’s gaze met Kenton’s. His heart lurched in his chest. When she looked at him like that, with love and admiration, he wanted to be her everything.
She broke eye contact and glanced around, zoning in on the bouquet of flowers and candles on the breakfast bar and the nearby dining table. “Kenton, your home is lovely, but what’s all of this?”
“This is us helping with your first date,” Dakota said before Kenton could respond.
“It’s our second date,” he corrected. He had to admit that they’d done a good job creating the romantic vibe he was going for. “Egypt, make yourself at home while I take your bags upstairs. And you two,” he said to Dakota and Journey. “Be gone before I get back.”
“We can’t leave yet. We’re waiting for Angelo to pick us up,” Dakota explained.
Kenton got to the third step and stopped. “He’s in the driveway.”
“What? I didn’t know he was here.” Journey glanced out the family room window.
“Yeah, he sent me a text. So you guys can leave. Thanks for everything. Now get out.”
*
“Your ungrateful ass needs to learn how to be mor
e gracious,” Dakota said, but Kenton kept going up the stairs like he didn’t hear her. Once he was out of earshot, Dakota swung around to Egypt. “Second date? You’ve been holding out on us.”
Egypt held up her hands. “No, I haven’t. He’s counting our lunch yesterday as our first date, and I haven’t talked to you guys in days.”
Dakota glanced back at the stairs. “Either way, you need to keep us informed. I have a ton of questions.”
Journey grabbed two canvas bags that were on the barstool. “Well, she’s going to have to answer questions later. Angelo’s waiting, and if I don’t get home soon, you know Laz will send out a search party.”
Journey was telling the truth. Laz was crazy protective of his wife, especially after a drug dealer had threatened her life months ago.
“Besides, Kenton wants Egypt to himself.” Journey grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. Egypt’s cheeks heated. Finally agreeing to date Kenton was one thing, but knowing that others knew was going to take some getting used to.
“Okay, but before we go, I know there’s more going on than you and the fellas are letting on. So, what’s up?” Dakota asked.
“Long story short, a guy I had a bad experience with in the past is now in Atlanta,” Egypt said quietly. She planned to stick with Hamilton’s story and leave as much of her past in the past. “And I love you guys for doing all of this, but please tell me that neither of you cooked the dinner,” she cracked.
Her friends were the best in their respective careers, Dakota a business owner and former stuntwoman, and Journey, an assistant district attorney. But neither of them could boil water without burning it.
“I see you have jokes.” Journey nudged Egypt with her hip, moving her out of the way as she placed an additional candle on the table.
“No, we didn’t cook, but we picked up some of your favorites, including all the fixing for strawberry shortcake. Just open the fridge.” Dakota unwrapped the covered dishes, revealing Beef Brasato and pappardelle, fettuccine alfredo, a small container of spaghetti and meatballs, bread and a large tossed salad. Egypt didn’t bother commenting on the massive amount of food knowing Kenton could devour the feast himself.
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