The reverse is actually more true. For her to love him as much as she does still blows him away. After the hell he put her through, he's fucking lucky he gets her heart and not a punch to the gut. He returns his friend's smile. “I think it’s the other way around.”
“Andy always takes good care of us, so you need to relax and enjoy yourself. You’re not on babysitting duty tonight.”
A small chuckle bubbles in his throat from her teasing. He’s always on duty. That will never change. Which for her, he really doesn't mind. She's the least demanding boss he's ever had. Nicest too. “I'm enjoying myself don't worry. This is--”
“Fuck!”
She flinches at her husband's furious whisper and meets Max's gaze, her grin morphing into a frown. Nick's head shakes but his expression remains unreadable. Hiding something from Shae.
“I’m sorry, sweetness. I need to make another call.”
His lips brush her cheek before he nods to Max. Giving him the signal to distract her. But from the anxiety darkening her face that’s not going to happen.
“Come on, madam.” He bows before offering her his arm. “I’ll take you on a tour.”
Giving him her posed smile, she plays along and wraps her hand around his bicep. “I would love that.”
They stop at an abstract sculpture. Thousands of tiny ears cover a woman’s legs while alarm clocks hang from each side of her head. Shae squints and leans closer. “That’s interesting.”
Way too kind to admit the truth. “That’s fucked up.”
“You’re terrible.” Eyebrows lift at his candor, but her genuine grin peeks through. A bit of humor to lessen her concern over Nick. “Let’s check out the next one.”
Winding through the crowd, he pulls her closer. The habit too ingrained to break, especially in a room with a hundred strangers who haven't been vetted. Even in a city full of celebrities and wanna-be's, she's still huge enough to cause a stir. She pauses, her fingers squeezing his twitching muscle. But it's her sharp gasp that scares him more. “What’s wrong?”
Lines cross her forehead as her gaze drops to the floor, cocking her head. “That voice. I know it.”
Fire blazes through his chest at the fear coiling through her tone. His jacket rustles from her trembling, and he crouches down to her. “Who is it?”
“I-I don’t know.” Her shaking hand flies to her rounded stomach, mother's instinct kicking in to protect her child from the unexpected distress. “I heard it when Spencer…He was there. He carried me. But, I couldn’t fight him. I was so weak and then I...”
Such misplaced guilt. Not her fault she was injured and kidnapped by that motherfucking punk. But he doesn’t have time to soothe her fears. He pushes her into an alcove and thrusts her behind him. Scanning the room, his gaze darts from individuals and small groups gathered around the displays. Chatting amongst themselves. Drinking champagne. Nibbling hors d'oeuvres. Everything normal and calm. No one paying any attention to them.
Except the bastard in the black jacket.
His tattooed fingers tap against his thigh. His body taut with anticipation. A sign he’s waiting for someone or something. The signal to attack the people he loves. Oh hell no.
Motherfucker’s eyes meet his before widening and glancing away. Feigning interest in the painting a few feet away.
Fuck! It’s a God damn fucking set up. Max slides out his phone and swipes the screen, his finger hovering over the black heart. The team could be in on it too. After fucking Oscar, his faith remains unshaken in only two men. Instead, he taps the red crown. Nick better fucking pick up.
The cell pings, and his heart pounds faster at her number instead of his boss'.
“My…He won’t stop…” Gina’s voice garbles through the static rustling the line, stealing her words. Almost as if she’s running. “You’ve got to--”
A boom echoes through the speaker. Then nothing. Flames explode in his rigid body. Son of a fucking bitch. He can’t yell. He can’t run. Can’t do a damn fucking thing to help Gina without jeopardizing Shae’s safety. Another chime breaks the silence.
We just landed! Can't wait to see you!
Fucking shit.
DO NOT COME HERE
Why? What's wrong? What's going on?
Max?
Vibrations shake his hand. But, he can't answer his sister now. Not with Shae freaking out on him. She breathes heavily behind him, her belly pressing harder into his ass as her knuckles kneed into his back from gripping his coat so tightly. Fuck she must be terrified. All the shit with Spencer and now this could drive her over the edge. He’s got to get her the fuck out of here.
Max??????????
Fucking answer me!!!!!!!!
He shoves the phone into his pocket. Please fucking God let this stubborn woman obey him this one time. A breathless moan radiates from Shae’s throat before warmth floods the back of his legs and liquid pools at his feet.
“No, it’s too soon.” Her broken cry guts his chest with the realization. Not a panic attack. Fucking labor. “Please help me, Max. I can’t lose my baby.”
He twists to her, trying to keep his body covering hers. "Shae, I--"
Screams overpower his voice, echoing across the openness from the shots ringing out. He scoops up her flailing body, shielding her from the stampede behind them.
"I'm scared."
Nodding at the whisper against his neck. For the first time in his life, he is too.
The End
About the Author
Nikki writes contemporary romantic thrillers and admits to a weakness for alpha males and bad boys, especially ones who can't live without the strong women they love. She spends more time in her characters' lives than her own. But, when she's in the real world, her passions include reading, wine appreciating, running, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
Other Books from Nikki Belaire
Wine & Whiskey
No longer controlled by her mother, manager, or former fiancé, pop star Shae Armstrong steps out on her own and into the path of Nick DeMarco, a wealthy investor with alleged ties to organized crime and real childhood scars to overcome. She wants to take it slow. He needs her now, in his life and in his bed.
Nick’s enemies threaten her career, her friendships, even her sanity, but not Shae’s heart - the one thing Nick holds precious. He proves his love is real, and she stops running. Until everything around them falls apart, including him. He swore he would never hurt her. Instead, he almost destroys them both. Shae makes a dangerous choice, sacrificing her happiness for his, just like he always does for her.
Now that she’s found her own voice, can Shae survive the challenges of living in Nick’s world?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015AICL12
Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
The only woman Nick’s ever loved wears his ring and carries his baby. All the dreams he never thought possible have finally come true. Because of Shae. His sweet angel gives him everything he’s ever wanted.
To be together, they’ve fought against their careers, her friends, and the demons from their pasts. Yet, nothing and no one has ever been able to sever the connection between them. After finding their way back to each other, Shae believes in Nick and his love for her. Accepting her absolute faith in him, Nick’s finally learned to trust himself. Their commitment to each other unwavering and complete.
Yet, the perfect life remains just out of reach. Nick and Shae face the biggest challenge threatening their relationship. He’ll destroy any man who tries to steal the happiness she deserves. Can their love survive Nick’s plan to ensure Shae’s always safe?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B015AF43PC
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Truth About Tequila (Surviving Absolution #3) Page 19