Virtuous(104)

We move to the sofa as soon as we can, and after a few heated kisses, we end up sleeping for most of the flight. It’s now safe to say I’m addicted to sleeping in his arms.

It’s snowing in New York, and the approach to Teterboro is bumpy. Flynn holds my hand the whole way, and I breathe a sigh of relief when we touch down. The cold and snow are harsh reminders we’re not in California anymore. I feel an overwhelming sense of letdown at realizing my big adventure has ended and it’s back to reality.

My third-grade classroom is an awfully long way from Gucci Couture.

“This must be what Cinderella felt like when her coach turned into a pumpkin,” I say to Flynn as we drive through sloppy wet snow and ice on our way into the city.

“Are you calling my Bugatti a pumpkin?”

“I would never insult the Bugatti. It was a metaphor for the weather and the end of a rather grand adventure.”

“The first of many grand adventures we’ll have together, sweetheart. You can count on that.”

We arrive at my place a short time later. We’re greeted by Fluff, who is so happy to see me, she barely registers that Flynn is with me. Leah isn’t home, so we settle in to wait for the security detail to get there. Four huge men arrive an hour later, and all of them seem to know Flynn.

He introduces me to each of them and lets me know that at least one of them will be with me at all times going forward.

“What about when I’m in school?”

“We’ll be outside the building to ensure that no one tries to gain access to you.”

“They’d try to get into my school?” I ask, incredulous.

“We’ve learned to be prepared for any and all possibilities.”

“They’ll also drive you to and from school when I can’t be here to do it,” Flynn adds.

“Well, that won’t suck in light of the current weather.”

“One of us will be close by at all times,” Dylan, the one in charge, says. He hands me a black object that has a big red button in the middle of it. “This is a panic button. If you need us, don’t hesitate to push the button. We’ll get to you within seconds.”

I swallow hard at the thought of needing them that badly. “I will, thanks.”

“We’ll leave you to get some rest, and we’ll see you in the morning for the ride to school. Your roommate is welcome to come, too. I understand she works at the same school.”

“Yes, she does. Thank you. She’ll appreciate that.”

“Good night, then.”

They nod respectfully on their way out.

“Are you okay with all this?” Flynn asks.

“I guess I have to be. It’s weird, but I suppose I’ll get used to it.”

“I’m sorry that it’s necessary, but I won’t take any chances with your safety or security.”

I go to him and put my arms around his waist.

He gathers me in close to him. “You want me to go so you can get ready for tomorrow?”

“No, I don’t want you to go.”

“Good answer.”

We take Fluff out to pee and then work together to make a simple dinner of pasta with vegetables. He insists we turn in early since I have to get up at what he calls the “butt crack of dawn.” Lovely. In bed, he holds me close but refuses to even kiss me so he won’t be tempted to make love to me.

Nothing I do, and I try just about everything, convinces him to change his mind.

“Stop trying to break me,” he mutters. “I can’t be broken.”

Fluff, who has worked her way in between us, growls at him.

“Good girl, Fluff.” I stroke her ears. “You tell him if he’s going to sleep in our bed, he has to follow our rules.”

“Tomorrow night, you’ll be in my bed following my rules, so you’d better watch your mouth.”

Fluff growls again, making us both laugh. We consider it a major victory that she’s allowed him into the bed in the first place.

The next thing I know, my alarm is going off, and Flynn is groaning in protest.

I lean over Fluff to kiss him. “Go back to sleep for a while. I’ll let you know when I’m leaving.”

“Wait, do you take Fluff out first thing?”

“Usually.”

“Not today you aren’t. I’ll do it.” He gets up slowly and reluctantly. “Five o’clock in the f*cking morning? Seriously, Nat?”