Page 44 of Adrian

We’re dressed. Adrian is droolworthy in his flannel and jeans. Today it’s gray-and-black plaid over worn blue jeans. Sexiest sight in the world.

I’m also wearing jeans. I might have been embarrassed about the obvious cost of all my clothes. Even though I purchased a new wardrobe before heading here, I didn’t have a clue how to do so other than at high-end boutiques in New York, so my jeans are expensive, and so are my shirts. The only reason I’m not mortified is that Adrian also owns expensive clothes. At least the man will never judge me for the silver spoon I was born eating from.

I’m learning that his family was just as rich. The difference is they took their kids and moved out of the public eye. The brothers were raised here on this land. They had every modern convenience, but they also learned how to chop wood, what plants to never eat, and how to identify a variety of snakes. All the important things.

Now that I’m here, I realize how naïve I was. I wouldn’t have survived two weeks up in these mountains. And that’s if I’d purchased an RV. I wouldn’t have understood how to anchor it, get it level, and hook it up to the utilities.

Naïve is the best word to describe me. But things worked out in the most unlikely way, and I’m fucking lucky.

Adrian tips my head back. “Their texts were vague, princess. I don’t quite grasp who is coming here or what they think they might accomplish.”

I shrug. “It’s hard to say, but based on their cryptic words, and knowing my parents, they’ve sent someone else to do their dirty work. I bet my dad sent his assistant or maybe their house manager. It seems unlikely either of my parents are going to be on your doorstep later today. They’d have to take time off work, and they’d have to get their shoes dirty.”

He chuckles so deeply that his body shakes. Even that is sexy. “I love you.”

I smile so bright that my eyes squint. “I love you, too.”

“Whoever they sent, I’m not letting you go.”

“Good.”

“I mean it, princess. You’re mine. You have my ring on your finger and my child in your womb.”

I shudder. We don’t actually know that, but there certainly is a chance. At least he finally let me take the dildo out. It was distracting and so awkward.

He kisses me again. “I’m going to show you where the safe room is now, princess.”

“Now?” Does he think we might need it, like today? “I mean, I know my parents are batshit, but I don’t think they will try to have me killed or anything.”

Adrian smiles indulgently. “I should hope not, but I want you to be prepared for any event. You might not need it today, but you never know when something might happen. Strange tornado. Fucker outside trying to shoot at us. Fire. Apocalypse. Endless possibilities. I will rest easier, knowing you will be safe. At the first sign of any danger, don’t hesitate. You get yourself and our kids in the safe room, understood?”

“Yes,” I murmur. I guess enough shit has happened to the Gallants that they’re never taking any chances.

“The truth is, my family is well-known, especially in the tech world. We’ve done secret jobs for all kinds of wealthy people and even the government. It’s impossible to work in technology and not acquire some enemies along the way. There will always be someone who feels entitled to a piece of our fortune. I’m fucking good at my job, monitoring the security, but someone could slip through and be in the middle of our property someday. Fuckers like that shoot first and ask questions later.”

“Okay, Adrian,” I reassure him. I’m not a stranger to such a life. I’ve had bodyguards on many occasions. People threaten pharmaceutical companies all the time. Could be an angry person whose spouse died of cancer, and they think it’s my family’s fault. Could be someone who couldn’t get a drug they thought they were entitled to. Sometimes people come after my family for things insurance-related that are totally out of our control.

The point is that I know where Adrian is coming from, and I don’t want to worry him. “Show me.”

He cups my face and kisses me before taking my hand and leading me back into the bedroom and then into the walk-in closet. It’s only about a quarter full, but I haven’t unpacked a thing. Several of my suitcases and boxes are on the floor against the bedroom wall. Some are still in my SUV.

Adrian points toward a panel on the far wall. “It’s activated with my thumbprint. We’ll add yours. When the kids are born, we’ll add theirs.”

“It’s not exactly concealed,” I point out.

He shrugs. “Two things. One, it will be covered after you fill this closet with your clothes.”

I roll my eyes. “Do you think I’m a diva?”

He turns toward me and gives me a serious look, eyes narrowed, hands on my face. “Princess, you’re my wife. I know you pictured moving into a mountain home and roughing it, but that’s not how this is going to go down. You’ll have whatever the fuck you want. So, yes, I expect this closet to be filled with your things.”

I swallow. He’s so intense and demanding. Every time he does that, I melt for him. “Okay.” I’m not going to argue with a man who wants me to own nice clothes. I do want to embrace the mountain life, so I don’t see myself buying ball gowns and totally useless articles of clothing, but that doesn’t mean I can’t buy nice jeans and shirts that fit me properly.

“The second reason it doesn’t matter if anyone can see that panel is that they can’t do a fucking thing about it. It won’t open for anyone who isn’t programmed to open it.”

“Ah, right. Okay.”

Adrian flattens his thumb against the panel, and the door next to it pops inward. He pushes it farther and guides me inside. A light in the ceiling comes on automatically.