“Christ, Sarah.” Theo’s voice was pained when he pulled me close, clutching me to his chest.
“The worst part was that it didn’t stop there,” I lamented, pushing back from him. I had to get this out. “I pressed charges, and as it turned out Evan’s father was governor of Montana. I hadn’t followed politics that closely,” I admitted. “It was a huge scandal. Everyone in school thought I was a tease or a whore. My last few months there were a living hell. I couldn’t wait to graduate. But once I came forward, a few other girls did, too. It wasn’t his first time doing something like that. He ended up being convicted, but he only got a few years. His father must have pulled some strings.” My anger surged as it always did when I thought about how little time that asshole had spent locked up.
Theo allowed me to put space between us but kept a gentle grip on my hand.
“He got out while I was working for Talon. I’d gotten a few threatening calls from him while he was locked up, but once he got out, it escalated. It was big news on this side of the country, and instead of taking responsibility for what he did, he seems to think I fucked up his life.” I scoffed. “His dad lost his bid for reelection, and any hope Evan had for a political career was over.”
“Why didn’t you come to me?” Theo demanded gently, the hurt clear in his eyes. “Or if not me, one of the girls? Travis? Any one of us would have dropped everything to help.”
“I know,” I replied immediately. “I was embarrassed,” I admitted. “But more than that—Talon was starting to really take off. Travis was in the spotlight after taking down Ivanov,” I explained, referencing the Russian mob boss Travis and his team had brought down years before. “I didn’t want my past to tarnish that.” My gaze dropped to the ground, cheeks reddening. “I didn’t want to soil that.”
“You think any of us give a fuck about that?” he demanded.
“No, that’s the whole point!” I exclaimed. “I know what you would have done for me, but at what cost? Evan is an asshole. His father is worse. You should have seen the press out here. I wanted to keep it contained. I didn’t want it to touch you.” I swallowed.
Theo tipped my chin up, forcing my eyes to meet his. The passion and purpose in his gaze had me sucking in an audible breath. “Is he still harassing you?” he growled.
After a brief moment of hesitation, I nodded. “Sometimes.”
“Sometimes? I’m going to need more details than that, sweetheart.”
As if on cue, the horse whinnied from the trailer and my eyes shot in that direction. “We need to get her to the ranch.”
He nodded, his jaw clenched. “Luckily we can talk more in the truck.”
I sighed. “Can it wait? I feel like that was about all I have in me for today.” I looked at him, my expression pleading.
“Fine.” He nodded, though I knew he didn’t like it. “But I want you to listen to me, Sarah. I don’t give one fuck about bad press—not that that would even be an issue. I care about you. Do you get that? I protect you. Not the other way around. I’ll give you today, but we’re going to sort this out, and then mark my words, that fuck is going to regret the day he ever laid a hand on you. And every day he’s harassed you. All of it. Do you get me?”
“I get you,” I agreed.
“I’m sorry as hell that happened,” he added, his tone haunted, his hand gentle as it smoothed over my hair. “Thank you for telling me.”
I wasn’t sure what else to say aside from, “You’re welcome.”
As we got back into the truck and Theo pulled us back onto the highway, I felt a small measure of relief in having told him what only my family knew. I also felt a swirl of dread coil in my belly, knowing that with what Theo now knew, there was no way he’d let it lie.
No, my past demons were about to become a roaring part of life again.
Whether I was ready or not, I had no choice now but to prepare.
*****
The ranch came into view, and Theo steered us in as though he’d done it a thousand times.
I got the sense he was well versed in getting comfortable with unfamiliar situations.
“I’ll get her unhitched so you can take off,” I rushed to say, feeling badly that he’d had to spend so much of his day helping me. I was also feeling raw and distracted from everything I’d shared.
He shrugged. “I’m in no hurry.” He turned to me, his expression cautious and, if I wasn’t mistaken, hopeful. “I’m curious how this process goes. If it’s okay with you, I’ll hang around a little while and check it out.”
My heart sped up at the prospect of him wanting to stay.
“Sure.” I shrugged. “I’m sure my mom is ready to feed you again.”
He chuckled with a groan, shaking his head as we hopped out of the truck.
“How’d you kids make out?” my dad hollered from the porch, no doubt having heard us pull up.
“Fine, Dad,” I called, wanting him to stay right where he was. Theo helped me open the trailer, unveiling the buckskin mare inside. He took a step back as I stepped up into it.
I clicked my tongue, and with a tentative step she moved forward. “Come on, girl,” I murmured with a smile. “You’re home now.”
She eyed me steadily, her luminous brown eyes taking me in.
“That’s right,” I assured her quietly as she took another step forward. I reached out and stroked her with a firm, confident touch. Once I was sure she was comfortable, I led her down the ramp. “You look like honey.” I smiled up at her just as the dogs came careening out of the barn to greet us.
My dad quickly whistled to them, calling them back so as not to spook her.
Theo walked alongside me as I led her to the paddock where she could acclimate alone before being introduced to the other horses.
“She’s a beauty,” Theo commented as we stood leaning against the fence. “You’re so natural with her.”
“Lots of practice,” I replied, my eyes on the mare as she kicked up dirt, expending some energy after being cooped up in the trailer. “I think I’m going to go up and lie down for a bit,” I shared quietly. I was feeling incredibly raw after our conversation, the memories too front and center for me to grapple with. It was a daily effort to push them back, but they were always there, ready to emerge and take over at any opportunity. “Thanks for coming with me today,” I added, not wanting to sound cold as I pushed off from the fence and walked toward the house, leaving him standing there.
My sister caught my expression as I passed her on the porch. She looked at me with clear concern, but I waved her off, forcing a brittle smile. She knew better than to push and instead let me go as I trudged up the stairs toward my room.
I shut my door, lay down on my bed, and curled into the fetal position. I could hear Theo murmuring below as he talked to either my parents or Char. I winced when a short time later I heard a heavy tread on the stairs.
Theo opened my door, shut it behind him, and before I could protest, lay down on my bed and pulled me into his arms.
His muscular arms wrapped around me and the solid drum of his heartbeat against my cheek was so exhilarating and comforting that I knew in that moment I wanted to keep it for the rest of my life.
To keep him.
I burrowed into him as close as I could get, soaking in the comfort he offered, thankful he hadn’t let me push him away. When the tears came again, their intensity raking my body, he held me tighter, murmuring soothing words of comfort as he stroked my hair.
Finally, the tears slowed and my breathing calmed. I reached for his head, surprised by how soft the hair there was. He’d shaved it close to his head. I liked it, just as I liked it a bit longer, too. “I’m okay,” I hiccupped.
He pulled back to look at me. We stared at each other, the intensity like a live wire crackling between us. His pupils were huge as his eyes shot to my lips, locking there with a singular focus that sent a thrill down my spine.
I licked my lips, wanting him to kiss me more than I’d ever wanted
anything.
“Theo, is she okay?” My mom’s concerned voice sounded from outside the door.
Theo pulled back slightly, clearing his throat to respond.
I wanted to whimper at the loss of him.
“She’s all right,” he called. “We’ll be just a minute.” He turned back to me. “You want to rest?”
I nodded, feeling completely wrung out.
“All right, sweetheart. I’ll head out, but I’ll check in with you later.” He pressed his lips to my forehead and hoisted his big body off the bed.
He was giving me space, and for the first time since he’d arrived, I wasn’t sure that I wanted it.
With a final nod toward me, worry evident in his toffee-brown eyes, he left the room.
I watched him go, realizing with aching clarity that I’d gone and done the very thing that could easily break my heart.
I’d fallen in love with him.
Chapter 6
“How are you feeling, honey?” my dad asked over the rim of his coffee cup. It was the next morning, and though still upset from yesterday, I was solidly on the mend. I wasn’t sure what Theo had told them, but they seemed to have gathered the gist of what had happened.
“Fine.” I nodded, sitting across from him as my mom put a cup of coffee in front of me. “Thanks, Mom,” I murmured.
She placed a hand on my head just as a quiet knock sounded at the door. “One guess who that is.” She winked at me.
When Theo stepped in the door a moment later, I was momentarily floored by how handsome he looked dressed in a simple T-shirt and jeans, his hair still damp from a shower. I knew my cheeks were visibly red from the blush I felt all the way down my neck.
“I hope I’m not intruding,” he apologized to my mother. “Just wanted to check on Sarah,” he explained, his warm brown eyes turning to me.
“It’s no intrusion.” My mother clucked about to serve him coffee and to whip up more breakfast, despite his protests.
“I’m okay,” I assured him quietly as he took the empty seat next to me. I looked curiously down at the bag he carried. “What’s that?”
His mouth tilted in a sheepish grin. “It’s for you.”
I looked at him quizzically before diving inside.
Warmth spread over me when I pulled out a pair of reflective running tights, a flashlight, and bear spray.
He cleared his throat, suddenly seeming a bit embarrassed. “For your next run.”
“What’s with the bear spray?” my dad asked in a confused tone.
I laughed, shaking my head. “It’s sort of an inside joke,” I explained, though I didn’t doubt Theo meant for me to use it.
And I would.
“Thank you.” I grinned at Theo sincerely. It was part thoughtful, part playful, part protective. In short, it was pure Theo.
He nodded as my mother put a full plate in front of him that he eyed somewhat dubiously.
“Oh hi, Theo.” Char smiled as she walked into the room with Owen in tow. She dropped my nephew in my lap as she went to pour herself a cup of coffee.
“Hi, bud,” I murmured, dropping a kiss to his chubby cheek.
He grinned, making a grab for my coffee mug before Theo moved it quickly out his reach, avoiding certain disaster.
“You taking it easy today?” she asked as she plopped down next to me.
“Damn right,” my dad and Theo replied at the exact same time.
I groaned as Char laughed. “There are two of them,” she stage-whispered.
“Neither of whom I’ll listen to,” I whispered back.
“Girls,” my mother scolded, though she was fighting a smile.
“How about I take Ow for a few hours?” I suggested to Char. “You’re overdue for a mani-pedi, and I could use some time with my best guy.”
Char eyed me cautiously. “Are you sure you don’t want to rest?”
Lying around obsessing over everything I’d told Theo and what he must think was the last thing I wanted. “Spending time with Owen sounds perfect,” I confirmed.
“Okay then, I’ll never turn down some time to beautify,” Char agreed with a grin.
“Beautify?” Theo asked, perplexed. “Is that even a word?”
“It is, as a matter a fact. Not that it has to be to still be crucial,” Char replied solemnly.
“Okay then.” He shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. Clearly, this wasn’t an area he cared to be an expert in. He looked at me over the rim of his mug. “Okay if I tag along with you guys?” he asked, his eyes drifting to Owen.
“You want to hang out with me and Owen?” I asked, as my family tried and failed to pretend they weren’t hanging on every word of our conversation.
“Yeah, I do.” He nodded without missing a beat.
“Um, okay, sure,” I agreed. “I was just going to take him over to see the baby goats and maybe into town to the park,” I added, wanting to warn him that it would be far from an exciting day.
“Sounds good,” he replied, taking a bite of toast. “I take Hudson to the park sometimes, it’ll be fun.”
The genuine enthusiasm in his voice made me melt all the more for the man I’d already fallen for.
****
“More, Teo, more!” Owen cried a few hours later as Theo pushed him on the baby swings.
Theo chuckled. “All right, bud. Let’s see if we can touch the sky.”
I sat, watching the two of them and marveling at how natural Theo was with my nephew and how irrevocably in love with him Owen had fallen.
I knew the feeling.
Theo looked over at me, offering a quick wink before he turned his attention back to Owen.
Finally, Owen grew tired of the swings and Theo hoisted him out, watching as he toddled over to the sandbox where a few other kids his age were playing. Theo came to sit next to me, our knees touching as we both kept an eye on my nephew.
“You have a new member of your fan club.” I grinned.
He knocked my knee lightly with his. “As long as you’re the president.”
I groaned at his cheesiness.
“What? Too much?” he demanded with a playful grin.
“Way too much,” I agreed, laughing.
“You sure you’re doing okay?” he asked, his tone turning serious.
“Fine,” I replied, despite the dull ache that had been present all day. “We should get Owen back, he’s way overdue for his nap.” Even now I could see the warning signs of a full-scale meltdown about to take place.
Theo nodded, rising and offering a hand to help me up. Together we wandered over to where Owen was playing.
“Let’s go see Mommy.” I smiled at him, bending down to pick him up.
Sure enough, Owen crashed out in the car on the drive back to my parents’ house. We’d borrowed Char’s sedan, which Theo insisted on driving.
Theo and I drove in comfortable silence, but found my father waiting tensely on the front porch when we pulled up the drive.
“Uh-oh,” I muttered under my breath. I knew that look.
“What?” Theo looked at me in confusion as he cut the engine.
I stepped out of the car instead of answering, and focused on getting Owen out of his car seat without waking him.
Char met us on the porch, and with a worried glance at me, wrapped Owen in her arms and carried him into the house.
“What is it?” I asked my dad stiffly.
His eyes shot from me to Theo and back again. “Does he know?”
With a quick glance at Theo, who was now visibly on alert, I nodded.
“Let’s go inside.” My dad gestured gruffly.
Shit. The coil in my stomach grew tighter as we followed him into the kitchen. Theo’s hand on the small of my back offered some measure of comfort.
“I moved your truck behind the barn last night,” my dad explained as we all sat around the kitchen table. I wasn’t sure where my mom was, but something told me maybe it was better if she missed this. “This morning, I needed to pul
l the trailer out,” he continued, appearing visibly upset. “The truck was vandalized, Sarah.”
I blinked in shock, noting that Theo’s posture had become ramrod straight beside me. “Betty? What do you mean, vandalized? Where is she now?” I moved to stand up, wanting to face this head-on.
He held a hand up as though to stop me. “I’d rather you didn’t see it, honey.”
I slumped back in my seat. “It’s bad.” It wasn’t a question.
He merely nodded.
Tears pricked the back of my eyes. “I’ve had that truck since I was sixteen.”
“I take it you don’t have any type of surveillance on the property,” Theo broke in.
“Wish like hell I did,” my dad grumbled. “I’d also like to wring that bastard’s neck,” he seethed.
“Only if you beat me to it,” Theo added darkly.
I sat numbly between them, unsure what to do next. “I think I’ll go lie down,” I said finally, feeling dazed and suddenly exhausted. Evan’s threats had up to this point been limited to phone calls and attacks on my Facebook page forcing me to close it. He’d also bullied any employer brave enough to give me a job since returning home. Still, knowing he’d been on my family’s property was another thing altogether.
I wandered away from the table, ignoring Theo’s questions as I crested the stairs toward my room.
Collide (Talon Security Series Book 3) Page 5