My heart’s breaking for my queen. I knew firsthand that family didn’t mean love. Those who hung around were the ones who became family. My step-father became the best father I could have ever asked for. And I’m sure they’ll love Violet like I do. It’s crazy but I know immediately that this is the fabled love at first sight. “I’m so damn sorry, Violet. I won’t let anything happen to you again.” I kiss her temple and hold her close as we drive to the hotel.
Once we pull up to the entrance, I step out first then bring my girl with me. I’d love to carry her inside, but I don’t want to embarrass her any more than she is by drawing attention to her.
As soon as I open the door to my suite, I carry my woman inside. “Why are you carrying me now?”
“Over the threshold.”
“We’re not married.” Maybe not yet, but by morning the system will be hacked, and Ms. Violet Flowers will become Mrs. Violet Ryan.
“Yet.” I kiss her lips gently and take her into the living room area.
“Please sit. Would you like a drink? Wait, never mind the medicine.”
“Oh goodness. I don’t have any medicine. That’s what the fight was over. My brother stole my purse because the ring he stole was worthless and then he found the pills from the hospital. They’re nothing special, but he took them from me anyway.”
“It’s okay. I’ll make sure you get what you need.”
“Just some over the counter painkillers, please. I don’t need to be like him.” I bend down in front of her, waiting for her gaze to meet mine.
When she does, I smile and make a promise, “I won’t let you get hooked even if you wanted the stronger meds. From the second I saw you, I felt a shift in me that I’ve waited my whole life for. There’s nothing I won’t do to keep us together and to make you happy and safe.”
“I’m tired, Micah. Is there somewhere I can lay down?”
“Sure.” I carry her to our bed. “Let me get you something to sleep in.” I leave her there and dig out a tee-shirt that will fit her like a dress. She is exhausted, so I assist, doing my best not to pay too much attention to her slipping off her bra. She pushes her shorts down, stumbling over the material. Breaking her fall, I place her on the bed and slide the shirt over her head as she slips her arms through. God, she’s beautiful.
Still, I’m worried that she’s hurt more than she thinks. I look at my watch and see it’s safe to give her some medicine. I dig in my bag and pull out some Advil. Getting some water, I come back and find her wrapped up under the sheets into an adorable ball.
“Love, you need to wake up and take some medicine, then you can go back to bed.” She sits up and does what I ask. Damn, she’s worn out. Kicking off my shoes, I head into the bathroom before getting ready to settle in. Before I start working, I need to order some food for us. We never did finish our lunch and I need to make sure my love eats and is taken care of properly after the day she’s had.
I call down to the restaurant and place the order, apologizing for the abrupt exit. Winston comes into check on me, bringing me a drink. This is a full suite with two bedrooms, so he has the other one.
“I’m going to go call my daughter and then read.”
“Okay. I ordered food. Did you want me to add something for you?”
“No. I ate at a little Cuban restaurant down by the detailers.”
“Good. We’re going to be staying in for the rest of the night.” He nods with a huge grin and walks away into the other room. He’s just picked up the latest crime novel from Ian Rankin and has been itching to read it.
My phone rings just as I open my laptop. It’s my mother on the line. “Who is she?”
“I’m going to fire, Stanton. Damn attorney-client privilege. Has he ever heard of it?”
“Yes, but he didn’t say anything. I overheard your call.”
“You’ll meet her soon. She’s perfect for me. She’s just had a rough day.”
“I’d say. Getting hit by a car has to suck. You’re a good man and a great judge of character, so I can’t wait to meet her.”
“Soon. I’ll talk to you later, mother.” I log into my emails and pull the ones on Violet.
“Night.” She hangs up first. I pour myself another glass of brandy before taking a seat on the sofa and open the files. Page after page, I read snapshots of my sleeping beauty. The food comes, and I eat mine while tucking hers away in the kitchenette. After I finish my meal, I go back to reading, having read the same words over and over again, committing every detail of Violet’s sad life to memory. From this day on, she’ll never have to suffer again.
A whimper from the bedroom sends me into a panic. Setting down the computer, I rush inside to see tears streaming down her face. I walk back over to the living area and close down my laptop and then climb into bed with my woman, gently pulling her into my arms. With another whimper followed by my name off her soft lips, she cuddles into me. Fuck, this is going to be a night of pure torture. My cock comes to life the second she’s in my arms. Hell, every moment I’m around her, I’m rock hard even though I shouldn’t be at the moment.
Adjusting it against my stomach, I hold my woman and try to remember she needs my help, not my dick—yet.
Chapter Seven
Violet
I wake up with my face hurting, but it’s the fact that strong, powerful, sweet arms are wrapped around me that tell me that it wasn’t a dream. Yesterday’s fiascos were real.
I slide out of bed, feeling awful but also trying not to wake Micah. After using the bathroom, I stare at myself in his shirt, ignoring the massive bruise on my face. Stepping out, I can’t find my clothes anywhere, but I do see my purse. I dig through it, looking for my new phone. Thankfully the jerk didn’t steal that too. I turn it on, but the battery is dead.
“Good morning, Mrs. Ryan,” Winston says.
“I must have missed the wedding.”
“You must take it up with Mr. Ryan. He informed me of his wishes.” I don’t argue because I love the sound of it even if my supposed husband is insane.
“As it is, is there an android phone charger?” My phone should have come with one, but I have no idea where that phone box went. My stomach rumbles, and I remember that I refused to eat even a little food last night. I can’t believe I slept so long.
“Yes, this way.” He points to the table next to the sofa, and I plug it in.
“Are you hungry?”
“Very.”
“I’ll have breakfast brought up.” Winston leaves without another word.
“Good morning, Violet.” I turn around and spot Micah in just a pair of boxers. He’s sexy from his broad chest and ripped abs all the way down his thick, muscular thighs. My tongue slips out of my mouth and swipes over my bottom lip. Shit, I don’t even hide how I’m salivating over him. I swear I’m in heat.
“Good morning, Micah,” I choke out. He tosses a smirk and then jaunts over to me, sitting on the sofa before leaning in to kiss my uninjured cheek.
“How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a car.”