Page 108 of Make Us Yours
“Yeah, what if they put themselves in a dangerous situation without even realizing it?” Silas adds, holding that same look on his face.
“It is best not to involve them in this current predicament. Women tend to act on impulse, certainly mothers. It is instinctive for them. And the three women who are not aware at this moment are either mothers or soon-to-be ones,” Julian informs them.
“He’s right,” Jason starts. “I’ve done a lot of security detail involved with threats. And most times when things went south, it was because the woman made an impulsive decision that only further put her in danger. I’m not saying all women are the same, and I understand their need to protect someone they love. But sometimes, to keep them safe, it’s best to keep them in the unknown.”
“Cecilia would never do anything reckless like that,” Silas argues.
“She would.” Everyone turns to me. “Cecilia would risk her life without a second thought if it meant saving her child or family. So would Morgan, Emma, and Aubrey. Hell, the minute Veronica saw what was in that package, she was ready to pack up her things and disappear just because she thought it would keep everyone safe.” I smile sadly at my friends. “They’re right. We can’t tell the girls. It’s the only way we can truly protect them.”
“You have nothing to worry about. Their every movement will be followed, aswell as yours. He may have threatened the women only, but I would not put it past him to come after you as well,” Julian says.
Clay huffs out, dropping back against the chair as he passes his fingers through his short hair. “Okay, so what do we do?”
“Nothing. The best thing to do is to act naturally. If he gets a whiff that you are being protected, he might back away, and that is not what we want. We want him to come out so that we can catch him,” Julian tells him.
“My guess is that he was only trying to scare Veronica by sending her those pictures. He wants her to act out, do something crazy that might put her in a vulnerable position. I think he’ll keep his target on her; that’s why we’ll be putting extra protection on her and around the penthouse,” Jason reassures Gabe and me. It’s what I thought as well.
“Do you have cameras installed within the penthouse?” Jessie questions.
I look at Gabe, who shrugs, then to Silas. It’s technically still his, so if anyone knows, it would be him.
He shakes his head. “No. There were some when I first bought it, but I had them removed.”
Jessie pulls out his phone, tapping away at it quickly. “We’ll get some installed tomorrow morning.” I’m about to protest when he lifts his hand to stop me. “And no, we won’t be listening in or looking at the feed. It’s simply a precaution.”
“Wait, what about Aubrey? I know Ronnie spends most of her time with you two, and I don’t feel safe letting her stay in that condo alone. Certainly, since that’s where the package was delivered.” Greyson shakes his head.
“We already discussed this with her. She has a suitcase packed in Ronnie’s car. We’ll tell the girls that a pipe broke in the condo and that there are renovations to do. Which gives her a reason to stay with you and Emma, while Veronica will stay with us,” I inform him and watch the worry melt off his features.
“I will be in touch if our men get a sighting of him, you will be in the loop the whole time. And if there is any news that comes to light, please notify me right away,” Julian finishes as he looks over to where the girls are now in view and coming our way.
“Of course,” Gabe tells him quietly. “Thank you again for this.”
Julian nods just as Veronica plops down in my lap and kisses my neck affectionately. “I tried to stall them as long as I could,” she whispers against my skin.
“We’re all good, Kitten. You don’t have to worry anymore,” I murmur back, turning my head to the side and capturing her lips.
Delivering a silent promise to do everything in my power to keep her safe.
VERONICA
It’s a little past ten as we sit around the fire pit, everyone nursing beers, except for Silas, and sprawled out along the chairs and couches. Couples cocooning together as they make pretty eyes at each other with tender kisses.
The Storm brothers and Shane are still here, laughing along with Noah and Gabe. Well, all are laughing except for Julian, who only smirks occasionally.That man is as serious as a funeral home.
It’s surprising to see them get along so well. The few times they’ve interacted in the past, it felt like we were seconds away from a brawl. I expected them to leave the second dinner was over, Julian mostly; he seemed so uncomfortable around us. But to my surprise, he hasn’t made any attempt or excuse to leave.Yet.
Aubrey and I are seated on the opposite side of everyone else, simply people watching through the licks of orange and red. A soft, warm blanket rests over my shoulders and back, bundling me up in my seat. Despite it being late July, a cool breeze settles in late at night.
Shane stands from his chair, excusing himself as he walks toward the patio doors, glancing up at Aubrey on his way in. Their gaze locks on each other, passion and longing swimming in their eyes.
Brey’s cheeks warm with a pink hue before she shivers slightly, and a quiet gasp falls from her parted lips. She quickly looks away, and disappointment flashes in his vibrant blues before he refocuses his gaze on the doors and heads inside.
“Ugh! What is wrong with me?” she mumbles as she buries her face in her hands.
“Hey, it’s normal to be nervous around someone you like,” I say quietly as I place my hand on her thigh.
She looks up from her hands with a sad expression. “I can’t even look at him for a long time without losing my cool. How will I ever have a proper conversation with him?” Her head drops back down. “He probably thinks I’m an immature freak.”
