Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 46926 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 235(@200wpm)___ 188(@250wpm)___ 156(@300wpm)
“Good, because while this place is beautiful, it’s not exactly a luxury vacation. I promise.”
“I don’t know, Damien. I can’t keep running from my problems.”
“Why the hell not?” I stroke her hair, grinning as she burrows deeper into me. “Never underestimate the power of running away. I’ve done it a few times myself.”
She freezes and looks back at me over her shoulder. “You have?”
“Yeah. Right after I started my company when everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. And when I realized my sister might never get better.” It’s all true, and it’s the first time I’ve opened up about it.
“Did it help?”
“Yes, and no. It gave me clarity to figure things out, but actually doing it was still tough as hell.”
She laughs. “Are you running for office? That was a perfect non-answer.”
“No,” I chuckle. “Maybe I’m not explaining it well, but I think it helped. It’ll just be you and me, Francesca. No one else—just us and God’s green Earth.” I can almost hear the wheels turning in her mind, so I give her time to come to her own conclusion.
“Nature? Yeah, okay. Let’s go.” She pushes up and turns to face me. “Thank you, Damien. I’m not sure if it’ll help, but a few days away can’t hurt, right?”
That is what I’m hoping for. This time away will help me figure out what’s going on in Frankie’s head. She is getting closer to the truth than she realizes, and I need to solidify our bond. When or if the time comes, I need her to know where her loyalty lies. “I think it’s going to change everything.”
Her eyes light up with hope, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty that doesn’t escape my notice. If this trip doesn’t help, it could cause trouble for her. She’s struggling with trust in her partner, the man who’s always been like a father to her. She doesn’t know who she can rely on. Except me.
Everything is falling into place perfectly, and I’m grateful I had the help clean and stock the cabin earlier this week. I hadn’t planned on needing it so soon, but now that I do, it feels like a stroke of luck. We’ll have everything we need for a while, and if I have my way, maybe even longer.
While Francesca packs her bags, I text the property manager to let her know to send the small staff on vacation for at least a week. I’ll cover all expenses. No interruptions. Just the two of us.
Frankie packs a few bags, one filled with her laptop and work files, along with a couple more for clothes and essentials. I find her bouncing on her heels beside the front door. “I’m ready.”
I laugh. “An hour ago, I had to beg you to go, and now you are itching to leave.”
“I had some time to think, and I believe you’re right. This is exactly what I need.”
“Let’s go then.” I grab Frankie’s bags and the fob for the sleek black SUV.
As we head outside, she glances at me with a curious expression. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise,” I reply, keeping my tone light.
Her eyes narrow. “A surprise? Really? Do I look like I need a surprise right now?”
“Yep. You’ll love it.”
We hit the road, and the ride is comfortably silent, occasionally broken by a song or two. We are both lost in our thoughts until the cabin comes into view. I decide to keep the destination a secret for now. I want her to experience the surprise with no negative thoughts creeping in.
I push the fob that opens the gate and Frankie’s eyes go wide. “Wow. Is this your cabin?”
I laugh. “No, it’s our cabin. Do you like it?”
“It’s gorgeous.” She leans forward to take in the details of the three-story cabin made from actual logs. It’s modern but with a rustic flair and surrounded by greenery. “Damien, this place is amazing.” Her gaze locks onto mine, and while there’s awe in her eyes, I can sense something else. Something wary.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” She shakes her head, gaze still on the cabin as we approach. “I was just thinking that I didn’t even realize you had this property. Not that I need to know, but it caught me off guard. That’s all.”
The more she doubts now, the more she’ll believe me when I need her to. “I’m happy to show you my real estate portfolio, Francesca. This isn’t a secret. There are just too many properties to think about. Unless I need to bring my beautiful wife to one.”
“Good answer.” For the first time since she arrived back at the penthouse, she seems lighter. Less burdened by betrayal. But it doesn’t last long, a few minutes unpacking and the darkness settles over her again.
I want to ask her about it, but I need that darkness, that distrust to fester. It’s cruel, I’m aware, but it’s also necessary. “Why don’t you go wash the day off you while I get dinner started?”