Page 68 of Bargain with Fate
I looked at Ronald. “You said you made her up.”
“How else could I explain her? No one would believe me if I insisted she was real. Dr. Adam would’ve put me in a padded cell.”
“What difference would that make? You’re not getting out of bed at this point. You might as well be in a cell.”
“My poor sweet Ronnie. Is that true?” Leanne cupped his cheek in her hand. “Why didn’t you tell me? Tell me where you are, so that I can come and nurse you back to health.”
“Having you here with me like this is all I need,” Ronald said.
“How can this be enough for you?” Leanne asked. “It certainly isn’t enough for me.”
Curious. Ronald was head over heels for this woman, yet he wouldn’t disclose his whereabouts on the island. Granted, the island was secret, and Neighbors signed an NDA when they arrived, with limited exceptions, but a man who’d fallen as hardas Ronald would throw caution to the wind—unless alarm bells signaled otherwise.
“My love says that great harm will come to him if he reveals his location, but I think it’s an excuse. I think he’s like all other men, toying with my emotions, and doesn’t truly wish to be with me.”
“No, no. I do,” Ronald said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Leanne’s nostrils flared as she fixed her gaze on me. “Are you with him right now in the real world?”
“Yes.”
“Tell me where. Give me the address so we can be together.”
“I am duty-bound not to share that information.”
Her eyes flashed fire. “You conspire against me! You want him for yourself.”
“I’m thirty-five, Leanne. I promise I have no romantic interest in Ronald.” I smiled at the elf. “No offense.”
“I’d be concerned about you if you did,” Ronald said.
Leanne wasn’t having it. “I’ll leave you alone to speak with yourfriend. It’s obvious she is more important to you than I am.”
“No, my love. Nothing is more important to me than you. Nothing.”
“Except your rules. They are more important to you.”
“I told you. I’m bound, not just for my own safety, but for the safety of others.”
“Then let me join you and these others, and we can finally be together.”
“I don’t have the authority to share that information with you.”
Judd would be so proud, listening to Ronald defend the rules and regulations.
“Where canwefindyou, Leanne?” I asked. “Maybe I could bring Ronald to you instead.”
Leanne’s lip curled as she regarded me with dagger eyes. “That isn’t possible. From what you’ve said, he’s too weak to travel. I’ll come back when we can be alone again, darling. Our time is precious, and I have no desire to share you with anyone.” She disappeared from view before he could object.
“Well, I think I finally understand the situation,” I told him.
“I told you she’s beautiful,” he said wistfully.
“Why haven’t you told her where to find you?”
Ronald raised his stubborn chin. “I signed an NDA.”
“You can be honest with me, Ronald. Leanne has left the chat. She won’t hear what you say.” For now, anyway, but I had no doubt she’d return when I was gone to try to twist the final screw.
