She nods, but let’s go of my hand. Running ahead, she makes her way into the kitchen and gets sick in the garbage.
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Hennie
I tried to hold it back, but my stomach has been upset since this morning. I knew I was running out of time. Rocco and Paulie were getting agitated. But when Tate opened the door to the room where I was being held, I knew everything was going to be okay.
Laying my head back against the car seat, I close my eyes, replaying the day in my mind. Tate’s grip on my hand hasn’t lessened even when he and Jackson speak. I can hear what they're saying, but I’m mostly blocking it out.
Once we gave our statements, I agreed to go see a doctor once we got back home. About twenty minutes ago, we were informed that Frank Roberto had been taken into custody once Rocco gave the cops information. I still can’t believe I was kidnapped to get back at Tate’s father.
I know he blames himself. He said as much when I overheard him tell the police that I never would’ve been kidnapped had he not come back into my life.
Blaming him is not even a thought for me. His father, though? Yeah, the dumb shit he’s done all his life lead to this.
Sleep doesn’t come easy, but I do drift off for an hour or so. It’s Tate’s voice that brings me back. “Hennie, sweetheart. We’re back at my hotel.”
Once my eyelids flutter open, I understand what he said. “Why are we here and not at my place?”
Jackson clears his throat from the driver seat. Tate kisses the back of my hand before telling me what he wants. “You’re staying with me tonight. I’m going to take care of you. Then tomorrow after your doctor’s appointment, we’re going to your place and pack a bag. I want you to come back to New York and work on my campaign. When you’re ready, of course, Hennie, all I know is I need you by my side. I almost lost you. And if you’ll forgive me for lying to you about Izzy Benton, I want us to try again.”
The thumping in my chest isn’t from my days in captivity. It’s from the man I love, the only man I’ll ever love. The thought of being with him again is almost too much. I just need a little time first.
“I’d like to go back to my place Jackson, please.”
I see the disappointment in his eyes when I turn to face him. “I appreciate you wanting to take care of me, Tate, but I think I’ll be more comfortable at home. If you’d like to stay with me there, I’m okay with that.” I offer a smile.
He kisses my hand again and tells Jackson to take me home.
* * *
I sit straight up in bed, sweating and nauseous. Wanting a cold glass of water, I make my way down my hall to the kitchen.
While Steffy and Mandy wanted to stay with me, Tate offered up his hotel room. I tried to allay their concerns about what happened. I must not have been so convincing. It wasn’t until Tate pulled Steffy aside did she agree to go for the night.
Tate is asleep on my sofa, so I try not to wake him. We were both so exhausted by the time we got settled back at my place. He drew me a bath and ordered out. I barely ate anything. We didn’t say a lot. I know he’s trying to give me some time and space, but if I’m being honest, I’m thankful he’s here with me.
The cold water hits my dry throat, immediately soothing it.
“You okay?” Tate asks from the sofa. A small light is illuminating his shirtless body. I swallow hard. The sight of him still has the same effect on me. I don’t think that will ever change.
“Yeah, just thirsty. Maybe a bad dream too.”
Tate lets the blanket fall to the floor, revealing his black boxer briefs. As he strides through my living room, the moonlight coming through the skylight illuminates his muscular thighs. He really has turned into a sexy man.
I’m so entranced by the man’s he’s become, I don’t notice he’s pulled me into his arms until he nuzzles his face into my neck. I immediately sag into him, releasing the worry and fear I’ve been holding onto.
After a few seconds of fighting back my tears, I look into his gorgeous brown eyes. I see me— us, in them. “Will you stay with me in my room tonight? I think I’ll sleep better with you in my bed.”
Tate’s mouth quirks up in a smile.
I laugh, “Just sleep, Tate.”
“I know, Babe. I’m such a juvenile sometimes. Come on, let’s go in your room.”
We climb in under my quilt, and just like that, I snuggle into Tate’s arms. It’s as if the last several years haven’t happened. But they did. He lied and broke me. I had a lot of time to think these last few days. In fact, that’s all I did. I know Tate did it for me. He wanted something for me, even if it meant losing me. I realized that’s the definition of love. Maybe I don’t like his tactics, but he’s here with me now.
I squeeze him tightly. He squeezes back, kissing me on the top of my head. “Sleep, sweetheart. We’ve got a lot to do tomorrow.”
It doesn’t take long before I drift off, but as I enter that time when you’re not sure if you’re awake or asleep, I know I hear Tate tell me he loves me.
And I love him . . . still.
Chapter Forty
Tate
It’s been three weeks since Hennie was taken. And while we had some rocks in the road, together, we crushed right through them. The important thing is she hasn’t shut me out. I’ve been trying to take things slowly with her, and when I don’t, she reminds me.
Once the doctor gave her the all-clear, I made arrangements with Catherine for some time off. We flew back home a week ago. I think being back here in New York is important for her healing. Tomorrow, she returns to work, and she swears she’s ready to get my company out in front of the public.
I pull up in front of her loft, which she insisted staying in. I agreed to give her some space, so I don’t fuck things up, but I need to see her. Everything always feels so much better when she’s with me.
Taking her steps two by two, I ring the buzzer.
“Tate?” Her voice seems off, but after everything that’s happened, I understand.
“Yeah, Trouble, it’s me.”
The door unlocks, and a visibly shaken Hennie launches herself at me. My heart drops as I can only think the worst. Is she hurt?
“What’s wrong? You’re shaking.”
“Gosh, I’m sorry, Tate. Come in.” Hennie moves to the side so I can enter the foyer. But before we can go into the living room, I turn her to me.
“Tell me what’s happened. Are you hurt?”
Hennie lets out a sob. I don’t know what’s happened, but whatever it is, she visibly upset.
“You’re not going to believe this.” Her hands cover her eyes as she shakes her head.
“Come on. Let’s go sit, and you can fill me in on what’s got you so upset.”
I lead Hennie into the living room. I sit on the sofa and pull her into my lap. “Now, what is going on?”
“It’s Steffy,” she says into my neck where her face is buried. “Darren found her and Mandy at my place. He beat her pretty bad. She was able to call Jackson, who took her to the hospital.”
Rage engulfs every cell of my being. “Is she going to be okay?”
“I just spoke with her on the phone. She has to stay another day in the hospital. Her aunt is taking care of Mandy. Tate, we need to get her out here. She needs to get away from California.”
I lean Hennie against the chair as I move to the floor so I can look at her eye to eye. Cupping her chin, I tilt her face to me. “I will do whatever it takes to bring Steffy and Mandy here. I will send my jet for them. We can go together and bring them here, okay?”
Hennie nods. “I love you so much, Tate.”
“Oh, sweetheart. Come here.”
Standing, I pull her into my arms. “I love you so much. I’ve never stopped, Hen.”
“Me either. Even after you lied to me about Izzy, I couldn’t stop. I wanted to hate you, but then when I showed up here and saw you, well, I knew my feelings couldn’t be denied. If you still want this, I’m ready to see where this can go be
tween us. I’m ready to work out of the New York office if you’ll have me.”
With no need for words, I show her just how I’ll have her—on the sofa, the kitchen counter, the shower, and finally, her bed.
Chapter Forty-One
Hennie
Two days after confessing my feelings to Tate, we flew out to get Steffy and her daughter. It didn’t take too much convincing to have her come with us. With Darren in jail, she just wants a new start. What better way to do that then to go across country to a new city?
“Hey, that’s my ice cream,” Mandy insists as I pretend to eat it. She gives me a giggle when I hand it to her.
They’ve been with me for a week now. Mandy has settled in nicely. I guess kids are adaptable more than adults because Steffy is much more apprehensive.
“I feel like we’re intruding on your time with Tate,” she bemoans.
Waving her off, I scoop out more ice cream. This time is for me and Steffy.
“I’ll be seeing him all day at work starting tomorrow. This is my time to spend with my two best girls. Besides, he and Nolan are stopping by in a few minutes before they head out to a construction site.”
“Nolan?” Steffy asks skeptically.
“Yes, remember I told you we had another friend back home. Tate hired him after he got out of the service. So, he’s here in the city as a project manager.”
Steffy swallows hard. Something is up. Maybe Darren has made her wary of men. That’s understandable, but I want her to know, she doesn’t have to be afraid of Nolan. “It’s okay, Steffy. He’s a nice guy. You’ll love Nolan once you get to know him.”
The doorbell rings. “I’ll be right back.”
I make my way through the living room to the door.
“Hey, Babe,” Tate smiles as he gives me a quick kiss. I give Nolan a hello and a hug.
“Come on in. We’re in the kitchen eating ice cream.”
Tate grabs my hand, leading us to Steffy and Mandy.
“Nolan, I’d like you to meet my friend Steffy and her daughter Mandy.”
Steffy’s eyes grow big, while Mandy plays with her barbie at the table.
I glance at Nolan, who looks just as confused as Steffy does. Tate shrugs his shoulders, not knowing what else to do.
“Oh my god. It’s you,” Steffy squeaks.
Chapter Forty-Two
Steffy
“I can’t believe you’re here in this room. I’ve looked for you for years,” Nolan smiles.
Hennie looks between me and Nolan. “Wait, you two know each other?”
“Yeah, we, uh, met years ago when I was in the military in Missouri. I got shipped out, and we lost contact.”
“Holy shit! Steffy,” Hennie whisper because she knows what this means.
“Aunt Hennie, that’s not nice,” Mandy quips without ever looking up from what she’s doing.
My eyes don’t leave Nolan’s as I watch him register what’s right in front of him.
“You have a daughter?”
“Uh, Tate and I will be in the living room.”
I hear Tate ask Hennie what’s going on as she drags him away.
“This is Mandy. Mandy, can you say hi to Nolan.”
“Hi, Nolan,” she says as she grabs my arm, hiding behind it.
“Honey, why don’t you go see what Aunt Hennie is doing? I’ll be there in a minute, okay?”
“Okay, Mama.”
I watch as her little ponytail swings from side to side as she makes her way out of sight.
“Steffy?”
“I don’t even know where to start, Nolan. I’d given up trying to find you.”
“You looked for me too?”
I nod as tears threaten to fall. My throat tightens as I think about all I have to tell Nolan.
Before I can, he makes his way over to me. His hand raises slowly, but I don’t flinch. I know he’d never hurt me the way Darren did. “What happened to your cheek?”
My hand immediately covers his as it rests on my yellowed bruise.
“Nolan, it doesn’t matter anymore.”
“The fuck it doesn’t. Who. Did This. To. You?”
I wince at his words, making him back up.
“I’m sorry, Stef. I just want to know who I have to kill.”
“No, I’m sorry. Nolan, this is just too much. I never thought I’d ever see you again. I gave up hope,” I admit as he tilts my chin up to him. A tear slides down my face, but Nolan dries it with his thumb.
God, his touch still ignites something inside me. As much as I want to kiss him right now, I need to pull back. This is what happened eight years ago. I became connected so quickly, and I was devastated when he had to leave.
Pulling out of his arms makes me ache. But he needs to know the truth. “Please, Nolan, I’ll tell you everything, but right now isn’t the best time.” I glance toward the living room.
“Let’s talk then. Come home with me right now.”
I laugh at the thought. “I just can’t leave and go with you. I haven’t seen you in eight years.”
“Come on, Stef. You know me. I’d never hurt you,” he says as he stares at my cheek.
“It’s not that Nolan. I know you’d never let anything happen to me. But I have responsibilities I just can’t run out on.”
“Mama, can I have some juice?” Mandy asks as she runs into the kitchen.
“Oh, crap. Sorry, she’s just so fast,” Hennie says as she picks my daughter up.
“Hennie, do you mind watching Mandy for a few hours? I’d like to take Steffy back to my place so we can catch up.”
“Nolan, no, I’m not going with you.”
“Of course, I’ll watch her. But only if Steffy wants to go,” my now ex-best friend says with a smile.
The war inside me is instant. I look at my daughter, who has no idea her father is standing right in front of her. For that matter, neither does Nolan. Even though I’ve dreamt of this moment since I found out I was pregnant, I didn’t think it would happen so fast. Guilt hits me immediately. Maybe had I tried harder to find Nolan, I wouldn’t be in this position right now.
“Stef?” I glance at Nolan, who sends me a questioning look.
One more look to my daughter, who looks just like Nolan, and my mind is made up. I owe him the truth.
“Okay, I’ll go with you. There are things you need to know.”
THE END
The Salvation Society
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Trouble by Angela Nicole
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Acknowledgments
A big thanks to the following special people who made Trouble happen…
Corinne for letting me be a part of the Salvation Society. Your characters have inspired me. Also, a special shoutout to Crystal – you were very patient with my questions.
Aiden and Kristen-you rocked the cover.
Jean your photos always get my creative mind going.
The ladies over at Full Bloom for making my story better.
Natasha for your friendship and support since the beginning.
Tiffany for a gorgeous cover.
Other Books by Angela Nicole
Mastered Hearts Series
Rescued Hearts
Enlightened Hearts
Avenged Hearts
Hidden Hearts
Three of Hearts
Game Winner Series
A L
ove Like Nun Other
His Runaway Goal
Through Rosie-Colored Glasses
Lazzari Mafia Family
Protecting the Donna-part of Susan Stoker’s World
Red Blades MC
Tommie’s Revenge
About the Author
Angela Nicole resides in the Southern Tier of New York with her husband, William. Angela spent the last twenty-three years working in higher education. Wondering what to do with the conversations that were going on in her head, she put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard and wrote. Writing is quite a change but a change that she loves. As an avid reader, Angela fell in love with romance novels that feature alpha men with hearts of gold.
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Check out my website: angelanicolebooks.com
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