Her Guardians: Her Guardians Trilogy Book 1

by Roberts, Jaimie

  Stephen cringed and that made me feel even worse. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  “You should mean it. I deserve every bit of that. I’m actually surprised you let me in your flat.”

  Pouring the milk into the chocolate mixture, I added a spoonful of sugar and started stirring. “I’m not angry with you, Stephen. Just a little disappointed. I didn’t think you could do something like that. Not only that, neither of you mentioned to me that you were brothers.”

  “I think he is ashamed of me. I wouldn’t blame him. It happened a long time ago, but the wounds are still fresh.”

  I handed him his mug and he took a sip. I watched as his eyes widened. “Oh, man. Where has this been all my life?”

  I chuckled. “I told you it would be good.”

  “Good? This is the best hot drink I’ve ever tasted.”

  “I’m glad you like it.”

  In an instant, we found our eyes locked together. Too many of these moments were happening between us lately. A kind of stare that said it all without us actually saying a word.

  Stephen cleared his throat and averted his eyes. “Back to this thing with you and the Super.”

  “Yes?” I paused and took a sip of my drink.

  “I don’t want you in danger, Cassie. I care too much to let anything happen to you.”

  “I know you do, Stephen. I think I’ll be okay. I’m actually going to be out with him tomorrow.”

  I saw his posture straighten. “Where are you going?”

  “Around Cheltenham. We have some inquiries to make up there.”

  “How does that involve you?”

  “It’s personal—to the Chief.” I saw Stephen’s suffering and knew he was having a hard time adjusting to this.

  “I want to come with you.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’ll be with the Chief. Do you really think he’s going to let anything happen to me?”

  “If it’s to do with police work, you’ll be in danger, Cassie.”

  Thinking how weird he sounded all of a sudden made me realise something about him. “Do you know that you only ever call me Cassie when you’re angry with me?”

  “I’m not angry with you. I’m worried about you. There is a difference. Besides, you didn’t want me calling you…that other name anymore.”

  I saw the sadness in his eyes and I very nearly went to him.

  “I miss it.” My eyes wandered a little, embarrassed.

  “Miss what?”

  “You calling me Twinkles.” I chuckled a little. “I never thought I’d say that.”

  I see the cheeky grin again and it made my heart flutter.

  “How are Billy and Chris?”

  It was that instant I knew my suspicions of someone watching me were correct. “So I was being followed.”

  “Only so I knew you’d be okay. I followed you to your uncle’s place, then I bumped into Callum from work. He told me all about the surveillance on Bronsart Road and I had to come and speak with you about it. I kept trying to call you, but you weren’t picking up. I started to freak a little.”

  “Well, I’m fine. And I will be tomorrow also. Don’t you have a home to go to?” I knew I was being cheeky now.

  “I feel my home is here with you. It feels as if it is my destiny to protect you. I know that’s Michael’s job, but I don’t have a switch. I can’t just turn it off when I want to. Not that I ever would.”

  I didn’t know what to say. I was starting to panic a little because if I told him how I felt, it would break his heart. Knowing I felt for him the same way I did Michael would just rub salt into the wounds. It was hard, though…so hard. The pain of not telling him was tearing at me.

  When I failed to say anything, Stephen just sipped his hot chocolate. “This is really good. I may have to come around for more of this one day.”

  “Okay,” I smiled meekly. That was the only bit of me I could give him right now. I felt like a piece of shit because of it. I hated myself for being a coward, but I also knew that what I was hiding was only protecting him, as well as myself.

  He smiled, showing that little bit of hope in his eyes from my eagerness to let him back into my life. It seemed strange. I was so mad at both of them earlier and wanted to take a break from the pain of it all. But just having those few hours away from them had me doubling over with pain at the thought. It would seem I couldn’t live with them or without them. Everything was just so messed up.

  “I’m going to go and let you get to bed. It’s getting really late.”

  Placing his mug down in the sink, Stephen came over to kiss me lightly on the forehead. He lingered there a moment, giving me the opportunity to inhale his sweet scent. I didn’t want to, but I couldn’t help it. I breathed it in like he was a Christmas dinner waiting to be devoured on that one and only day you get it. He smelled as heavenly as always, making it that much harder to let him go. I had this urge to pull him to me, ask him to make love to me. The feeling was shocking beyond words.

  Like always, though, I let him go. He pulled away, stroked my cheek, and went towards the door. That one moment in my life…lost forever.

  Chapter 16

  My alarm woke me at seven and I got up, heading to the shower. I didn’t know how Simon wanted me to dress, so I thought smart-casual would be best. I could get away with just a black pair of trousers, a blue V-necked jumper, and a pair of ankle boots.

  I was soon ready and munching on a piece of toast when a text arrived. Be there in five minutes.

  I knew it was Simon. He was going to be ten minutes early. I could understand his impatience, though. I would be exactly the same if it were me.

  I quickly ate the rest of my toast and took a couple more gulps of my coffee before I grabbed my stuff and walked outside.

  I was only waiting a minute or so when a black Porsche Cayenne pulled up in front of me. That didn’t surprise me at all. However, what did surprise me was his passenger. Stephen.

  I looked at Simon, but all he did was shrug. I got in, scowling at Stephen, but he just smiled that cheeky smile that he does.

  “Good morning, Cassie. I trust we’re feeling better now?” Simon said as he pulled away from the kerb.

  “Yes, thank you.”

  Simon briefly looked at me in his mirror. “As you can see, we have a passenger with us.”

  “Yes. How did he manage that?” I completely ignored Stephen.

  “He rang me last night, and had a very compelling argument.”

  “I didn’t tell him anything.” My tone was defensive. I didn’t want Simon thinking I may have told Stephen about his sister.

  “I know you didn’t. I did. Your boyfriend cares a lot about you and wants to make sure you’re safe. I can totally understand that. He said I could be putting you in danger and that I needed an extra person, just in case. I think he was about to call the cops on me himself if I hadn’t agreed to this little venture.” He laughed and looked at Stephen.

  Just as I was about to correct Simon on his assumption that Stephen and I were together, I decided that it wasn’t worth it.

  “You know it makes sense, Twinkles.” His cheeky, infectious grin was back.

  I beamed back at him, any anger I did have was completely erased. He could see I had forgiven him so he smiled and turned back to stare at the road ahead.

  “How long do you think it will take to get there?” I wanted to change the subject.

  “About an hour, hour-and-a-half. As long as the traffic is good, of course.”

  “Did you tell Sharice about this?” I was more than a little intrigued as to whether he had.

  “Yes, and she thinks I’m nuttier than a fruitcake.”

  “I thought fruitcakes only had raisins and sultanas in them,” interrupted Stephen.

  I laughed a little, thinking it did sound a little strange. “I think you’ll find there are nuts in them, Stephen. Although, I can see from where you’re coming.” I paused for a moment, then carried on, “Tell your wife that sh
e needs to stop worrying. The more she puts it off, the worse it’s going to get. It’s completely unfounded.”

  “What?” Simon sounded a little concerned. “Is there something wrong with her?”

  “No, no. Sorry, not at all. On the contrary…” It was hard to hide the grin on my face.

  “Does this have something to do with the rock candy?” He smiled into the rear-view mirror.

  “I think I have said enough already.” I looked away so I didn’t have to see Simon’s face. I think I would have lost it and completely given the game away.

  “You know, my wife and I have been trying for a baby. It’s been nearly a year, and nothing.”

  “Oh, really?” I was trying to be nonchalant. I still didn’t look at him, although I could tell he was watching me.

  “Yes. She actually gets really upset every time she thinks she is when she isn’t. I can’t tell you how many tests we have done over the months.”

  “That must be hard.” I was still trying not to smile, but the more Simon talked, the harder it was not to.

  Glancing in Stephen’s direction, I could see him eyeing me. When I caught his stare, he winked at me and I blushed. I couldn’t help it. I looked across at Simon and caught him looking back. I smiled and he shook his head.

  “I can’t believe I’m going to be a dad.” His posture was hopeful.

  “I didn’t say anything, sir.”

  “Back to the ‘sir’ again. There really was no need. I didn’t become a Chief Superintendent for nothing, Cassie.”

  I knew that all too well. “I know, but that’s between you and your wife, Simon.”

  He smiled at that and it made me grin right back at him. “Maybe I should buy a pregnancy test on the way home?”

  He was actually asking me?!

  “That’s up to you.”

  “You’re giving nothing away are you?”

  “As I said, it’s between you and your wife.”

  We ended the matter and, soon, we started talking about the location of this house.

  “I thought we could go along Fosse Way and just try our luck. I should imagine there aren’t many houses along where I have outlined for us to try. There is about twenty miles I want to cover.”

  “Okay.” I sighed, looking out the window. It was a bit cloudy today, but the sun was trying to make an appearance. I hoped it would. I wasn’t sure what we would find, if anything. I hoped we’d find something, for Simon’s sake. He’s been carrying this around for the last eighteen years. I can imagine it would drive anyone crazy, let alone when you’re a twin.

  About an hour later, we were on Fosse Way and kept turning every time we saw a house. I would sometimes see them from a distance and instantly know it wasn’t the house we were after. That made the journey a little simpler and quicker.

  About two hours into it, we had to stop and get some more petrol and coffee. It was harder than I anticipated, but I kept on a smile for Simon.

  When Simon left to use the bathroom, Stephen came up closer to where I was sitting, immediately making the hairs stand at attention.

  “Is his wife really pregnant?” He smiled. He already knew the answer. I think he was just teasing.

  “Of course. I’m very happy for them both. They have been trying for a while.”

  “I bet that’s been fun.” His voice was teasing, making the fires dance in my belly.

  “Stephen!” I admonished him, but giggled.

  “You know, you really are quite beautiful when you laugh.”

  He looked at me seriously and my smile abruptly vanished. All too soon, he was there; all too soon, I forgot about the world around me. It was just him and me and, right now, I felt that if he didn’t kiss me soon, I would burst.

  “Ahem,” Simon croaked.

  Jumping, I looked up at him, blushing. I thought we were going to be in trouble as, technically, we were at work and I was sure Simon’s activities for today didn’t involve two lovebirds.

  I was getting ready for the reprimand, but he just smiled, grabbed his coat, and said, “Are you ready to get going?”

  Smiling slightly, I grabbed my coat, too. We had a mission to accomplish and I had to be there for Simon. Stephen was way too much of a distraction.

  We all climbed into the car and headed on our way. I was kind of grateful I was sitting in the back seat and away from Stephen. It meant I could concentrate more on the task at hand. Stephen’s pull was way too strong, so the further apart we were, the better.

  It was the same thing for the next couple of hours. We covered more area than Simon originally planned, but we didn’t seem to get anywhere. Eventually, after something to eat and more driving, Simon finally decided to give up.

  At that moment, I felt really sorry for him. I started to wonder if he would think I was a fraud, but he never said anything. However, I could see the disappointment pouring out of him.

  It was four o’clock and already getting dark. That’s what I hated about the coming winters here. It got dark so quickly. I kind of felt like the ambience reflected our mood.

  Stephen smiled sweetly at me, showing I still had his support. I knew he was just trying to cheer me up, but I felt deflated. I just wanted Simon to know I was not just making up stories. It was hard enough telling him about me without having to prove my worth.

  We had been driving back in silence most of the way. I just kept looking out of the window, trying to focus on anything but the way I felt.

  Suddenly, a flicker of something caught my eye. Something we hadn’t spotted before. A light was shining in the distance. It was almost like a beacon calling to me. I just felt an overwhelming desire to follow it.

  “Slow down!” I shouted, trying to focus.

  “What is it, Twinkles?” Stephen looked out the window, then back at me.

  “See that light over there?” I pointed beyond the bushes in the distance. He looked at where I was directing him and nodded. “Simon, can you try and find a way in?”

  “Certainly.” He cleared his throat and eased off the accelerator.

  We drove a little bit more, eventually coming across a clearing we hadn’t passed on our way up. Simon turned in, driving up this little country road. We drove for another minute or so, the light becoming clearer and clearer. I was narrowing my eyes, trying to get a closer look at the house that was coming into view. It was brick and had an arch leading up to the door. It was definitely what I saw in my vision.

  The Range Rover wasn’t there, but that could mean the occupants were out. The lights were on in the house, so I just assumed there must have been someone home. What really caught my attention, though, was a sign on the arch. It read, “Baggins Cottage”.

  “Cassie, this looks a lot like what you saw.”

  After seeing that sign, I was certain. “It is, Simon. This is it.”

  We came to a halt about twenty metres away. All was quiet and it somehow amplified the sound of my heart, which was racing. You could tell there was a certain air in the car between the three of us. It was like an electric pulse throbbing from one to the next. I had never experienced anything like it.

  Simon switched off the engine and all was deathly quiet. He didn’t move or make a sound. He was studying the house and it was making the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. We didn’t know what was going to happen next, but we could tell it was going to be monumental.

  Suddenly breaking the silence, Stephen spoke, “Stay in the car, Cassie.”

  “But I want to come.”

  “No. Stay in the car. It might be dangerous. We don’t know who’s going to answer that door.”

  “Stephen, I want to come.”

  He was about to argue when Simon spoke. “He’s right, Cassie. I think it may be best if you stay here. You can lock the door after we get out.”

  I felt the annoyance rise, but I didn’t say anymore. I sighed, pushing my body back into the seat. I was more than eager to get out of the car after hours and hours of driving.

&nbs
p; Stephen and Simon got out and left me alone in the dark. I wasn’t going to sit here all day, though. I waited until they were at the door, knocking, before sneaking out of the passenger door.

  Stephen spotted me and was about to come marching over when someone answered. His attention was back on whoever it was now, making sure the danger didn’t creep out and get me before he could act.

  As I edged closer, I saw a woman over their shoulders. She was black, about five foot seven, with the most luscious silky black hair and the smoothest skin I had ever seen. You could certainly tell that this was Simon’s sister. They had the same caramel eyes.

  Confusion was the best word to describe her face when she saw us. Pretty soon, her gaze fell straight to Simon. At first, she just stared, but then I saw something—recognition perhaps?

  Tears seemed to well in her eyes, then she spoke, “Simon?” she whispered, holding her hand over her mouth.

  “Molly?!” Simon shouted his joy as they jumped into each other’s arms. “Oh, my god. Molly. I thought I’d never find you.”

  They pulled away and looked at each other, tears coming down their faces. “Look how big you’ve gotten.” Molly’s eyes were dancing, exploring his face.

  As they were standing there, a little voice appeared from nowhere, “Mum, who are these people?”

  Peeking over Stephen’s shoulder, I spot a little girl of about nine-years-old. She was the image of her mother, but with lighter skin.

  The euphoria seemed to disappear quickly as Simon looked on in shock. The appearance of her daughter had a sudden opposite effect to Molly’s initial greeting.

  She turned to the little girl. “Caroline, you get back inside now. These are just visitors. I will be there in a minute, okay?”

  Caroline nodded, but she didn’t look happy. She soon disappeared again and we were left with a very stoic Molly.

  “I don’t understand.” Simon finally seemed to find his senses. “Where have you been?”

  “I’ve been here. Don’t worry. I’ve been well taken care of and now I have a daughter to look after.”