Cherished (Masters and Mercenaries #7.5)(48)

She shook her head. “But I knew I was loved. Do you know what I think of when I hear the word? I think of a twelve-year-old boy trying to figure out how to do my pigtails so the other kids wouldn’t make fun of me at school. I think of an eighteen-year-old who could have gone to any school he wanted, but he stayed close to home so he could raise three teenagers. When I think of love, I think of my brother because I always knew I was loved. I wish you did. I wish you knew how much we love you, Will. I wish you could see how much that woman you’re dating…excuse me, dominating or something…is capable of loving you.”

“I know you care about me.” Maybe she was right because it really was hard to say the freaking word.

She shook her head and got into his space. “No. I love you. I love you so much. I want everything that is good and right in the world for you. So do Lila and Lisa. And I think Bridget might be the woman who can take care of you.”

“I don’t need to be taken care of.”

“Don’t you? Don’t you deserve it?”

And hadn’t he already slipped into that kind of partnership with Bridget? He woke her up when he had to go to the hospital, something he would never have done with his other lovers. He’d been able to read the charts on his tablet and be more prepared for the surgery because Bridget had driven him. He’d told himself it was all right because Bridget’s work was flexible and there was valet service at their building so she would be safe. He’d desperately needed the help, but he wouldn’t have asked anyone but her. Because deep down he trusted her. He trusted her with herself. She wouldn’t take crazy chances. She was infinitely competent. She didn’t want or need to be treated like a finely made piece of glass. She was a magnificently made woman, and he was going to lose her.

She wouldn’t stay with a man who couldn’t love her. Not forever.

He had to enjoy the time he had. The now. He had to hold on to the now.

He kissed his sister on the forehead. “You be careful with Mitch. He’s a good guy, but those two women damn near broke him in ways that have nothing to do with his finances.”

She gave him a long hug. “I’ll be careful. And if I ever manage to get him to really look at me, I’ll be careful with him. Try to think about what I said.”

“I will.” He doubted he could do anything else because he was worried now that no matter what kind of contract he wrapped her in, he still wouldn’t be enough for her.





Chapter Ten





Two days later, Will watched Bridget. She looked gorgeous in her sarong and sandals, as the light of the fire from the torches seemed to caress her skin. The night was warm and she was surrounded by friends. None of the family had come to this luau prepared for the bride and groom. From what he understood, George Slaten was busy with business contacts and Bridget’s mom was busy with a bottle of Malbec.

There was soft Hawaiian music playing and the roast pig smelled fabulous. Bridget had carried baby Tristan around for a while, showing him the sights, and for those moments she seemed truly happy.

Bridget liked kids. She was going to want kids.

Fuck. Did he want kids?

All he knew was that the thought of Bridget having someone else’s baby got his guts in a knot.

Laurel smiled and sat down next to Bridget, who seemed to be on her way to being her new best friend. Why wasn’t she smiling? She hadn’t really smiled at him for two days. Not since he’d found her walking on the beach by herself.

Something had happened and she wouldn’t talk about it. All she would tell him was she’d decided that her sister was an adult and they shouldn’t butt in.

Something had gone terribly wrong because Bridget always butted in. Always.

Since that day on the beach, the only time he felt close to her was when they were making love. Only then would she soften and wrap her arms around him and give everything to him.

Was she starting to guess that he was a bad bet?

“Doctor Daley?” a voice asked.

He turned and saw Frankie standing there in all his golden boy glory. Yeah, it was a good thing the dude was probably gay because Will had not liked how Bridget’s chin had dropped at the very sight of him. It wasn’t like the man was that good looking. Surely he had flaws. Somewhere.

Even Will had to admit he kind of liked the dude. He’d been a perfect gentleman around Bridget, even getting her to laugh from time to time.

Will forced himself to nod. “Hey, how’s it going?”

“Beautifully so far. Only a few days more. Can I talk to you for a moment?”

Great. Will followed him and found himself led to a far corner of the park that overlooked the ocean. The sounds of the waves should have been soothing, but he had a feeling this conversation wasn’t going to be at all pleasant. “What do you want to talk about?”

“Bridget and Amy. The family situation. I need to understand where you fit, Daley. Amy hasn’t said much, but I do understand that until a few days ago, I’d never heard your name and now you’re engaged to Bridget. I want to know if this is one of Amy’s schemes. She’s quite good at them.”

If Amy hadn’t told him anything, then he didn’t need to know. “My relationship with Bridget is none of your business.”

“I disagree,” Frankie replied. “I’m Amy’s fiancé. I love her quite dearly. If you’re some sort of rent-a-hunk himbo here to take Bridget for all she’s worth, then I’m going to have to shut you down. I’m not going to allow anyone to hurt Amy, and Amy would be hurt if her sister was. I’m afraid I’ll have to be quite firm on this matter.”