He’d lose it. She knew he would. And when he lost it, well, any number of things could happen.
“If you can’t do it, then I’m coming out there, grabbing you, and we’ll head to the island.”
Shit. Get it together, Juliet.
She loved the island. But she couldn’t live there permanently.
People thought their relationship was odd. But it was a product of the way they’d grown up. They’d both developed ways to deal with what happened. And Reuben’s way of coping was to guard her with a zealousness that would infuriate other women.
She wasn’t other women, though. She needed him as much as he needed her.
“I’m fine,” she told him. “I just want you to be safe.”
Relief filled his face. “I will be. I can deal with these assholes easier if I’m not worrying over you.”
“You always worry over me,” she teased. “It’s what’s given you those gray hairs and crow’s feet.”
He barked out a laugh, running his hand through his dark hair, which didn’t have a single gray strand. “You’re the one thing in my life which doesn’t give me gray hairs.” A phone rang. He frowned. “I have to go. I don’t like leaving you like this.”
“I’m fine. You go deal with life. I’ve got a tea party to get to.”
He studied her carefully. “I want you to have a nap today, okay? You look tired.”
“I will.” It was easier just to agree.
“Love you, Mini.”
“Love you, Big Bad Wolf.”
He rolled his eyes at her nickname for him. But when he ended the call, he was looking less stressed, which is what she wanted. Knowing a full-blown panic attack wasn’t far away, she grabbed her weighted blanket from the chest under the window. Then she moved into the small space between the couch and the wall.
This was the only way to keep the panic attack from completely taking over. The weighted blanket was tucked around her. She buried her face into her knees and just tried to breathe.
Just breathe.
Damn Reuben anyway.
What kind of message was, ‘go check on Juliet’?
That was it. Nothing else. What the fuck? Xavier had tried calling him, but the asshole hadn’t answered.
He’d considered telling Reuben where to stick his order. He seemed to think Xavier lived to be at his command.
But now he was worried about Juliet. She was nothing like her brother. She was sweet, kind, and delicate.
He had the code to the gate, so he let himself in, driving up to the front of the castle-like house that Reuben had built for Juliet. This place was nearly a fortress. Cameras and alarms everywhere.
Getting out, he climbed the stairs and knocked.
Nothing.
He rang the doorbell.
Still nothing.
Reuben had said she was home. Xavier stepped back then walked around to check the garage. There sat the car she never drove, having lost her confidence after a few accidents. But her bike was still there.
He was kind of surprised that Reuben hadn’t gotten her a driver. Riding her bike everywhere wasn’t exactly safe. He hated when he saw her riding that bike. If only he had the right to insist she didn’t ride it.
But you don’t.
And his insistence would come with a red ass if she disobeyed. Something he was certain would terrify her.
Moving back to the front door, he rang the bell again.
He had the code for the house alarm too. Using it, he entered the house and reset the alarm.
“Twink? You in here?”
Nothing.
Fuck. What if she’d hurt herself? He moved through the house, going to the one place he knew she would be if she was scared or needed reassurance. He climbed the stairs up to the third floor. This entire floor was her private space. The second floor was for guests. Not that she ever had any other than her brother.
He knocked on the closed door to the playroom.
Nothing.
Opening the door, he stepped in. Yep, he was aware it was a complete invasion of privacy, but he’d come this far, and he was starting to get really worried. The playroom was enormous. Easily the size of four standard bedrooms put together. There was a door off it that led to her bedroom and bathroom.
He glanced around the airy space. There were storage drawers that were all painted in different colors. A huge mural had been painted on one wall of an underwater scene, complete with mermaids.
In the middle of the room was a round table that had been set up with a tea party. The dolls already in their places.
“Twink,” he called out.
A small whimper came from next to the sofa. He glanced over, not seeing anything at first. Then he saw a pair of feet peeking out.
Aw. Fuck.
His heart broke as he moved closer and saw her crouched in there, her face hidden in her knees, a blanket around her.
“Juliet,” he whispered. He sat in front of her but didn’t reach for her. “Look at me.”
Nothing.
“Baby, please. You’re killing me.”
Nothing. Fuck. What the hell had Reuben done to make her react like this?
He wasn’t sure whether to touch her or not. To speak to her until she acknowledged him or just sit here.
If this was any other Little . . .
Yeah, he’d have already taken charge. But this was Juliet. His ex-best friend’s little sister.
Getting out his phone, he sent a text to Reuben.
* * *
Xavier: What happened to her? What did you do?
Asshole: What’s wrong? Fuck. I can’t call right now. Just make sure she’s all right.
Xavier: Tell me what’s going on.
* * *
Nothing.
He sighed. “Twink?” Still nothing. Maybe he’d have to go with his gut then. He took a deep breath and hoped that this didn’t wreck the bond they had.
“Juliet,” he said sternly. “I want you to look at me.”
Well. That worked. Not.
“I’m going to touch you now. If you don’t want that, it’s time to speak up.”
Nothing.
Fuck it. Well, now he had to follow through, didn’t he?
He wasn’t sure who this would be harder on. Reaching over, giving her plenty of time to protest, he lifted her onto his lap.
Yeah, having her ass pressed against his dick? Definitely harder for him.
She was stiff as a board and he sighed. Shit.
He tugged at the blanket around her. It was black. What was with her love of black? If she was his . . .
Easy.
The blanket seemed to be weighted, which made sense as it should be good for her anxiety. Grabbing her right hand, he winced at how cold it was. It shouldn’t be, if anything, it was overly warm in here. But her hand was freezing. He moved his fingers to her pulse.
Too fast.
“Twink, hold onto me. Hold my shirt.” He knew that gave her comfort.
For a moment, he didn’t think she would react. Then her hand twisted in the front of his shirt, holding on tight.
“Good girl,” he murmured. “I’m going to stand now and sit on the sofa.”
No reaction, but once he was on the sofa, she turned towards him, burying her face in his chest.
Okay, he hadn’t expected that. He held his arms away from her, then realized how ridiculous he was being. She needed to be touched.
“Do you need my skin, baby?”
She nodded. He undid the first few buttons of his shirt and her cool cheek touched his chest.
Talk about torture.
Easy. Don’t react.
“Hear my heartbeat?”
Another nod.
“Then you know you’re not alone, right?”
Another nod.
But he wasn’t putting up with that.
“I’m going to need you to use words, Twink.”
Her breath hit his chest. Fuck. Think about something unsexy. Herpes. Warts. Reuben naked.
Yep. That did the job. Until Juliet shifted in his lap, wrapping herself around him like a baby monkey climbing to its mama.
“What’s going on?” he asked her.
“Panic attack,” she said quietly. Juliet only spoke to people she knew well and trusted. And if there were other people around, she’d only whisper.
“Okay, baby. Want to tell me why?” The need to demand that she tell him was on the tip of his tongue, pressing its way free.
Easy.
She shook her head and sniffled. So, he ran his hand up and down her back until she settled into him, her body growing heavier.
“You need a nap.” He was pretty sure that she didn’t get enough sleep, and he hated how pale she was. But getting her to come to him or another doctor for a check-up was impossible. Standing, he placed one hand under her ass, holding her to his chest.
Fuck, she was far too light.
This girl needed a keeper.
But not you, dickhead.
Her enormous bed took up one corner. It was only set about half a foot off the floor. It had a lacy black duvet cover on it. Around all four sides was a railing like you might find on a baby’s cot. There was a small opening where she could climb in and out.
Leaning over the railing, he gently put her on her side on the mattress. Then he arranged the weighted blanket over her.
What now? He’d never put her down to nap before. What did she need? He searched through her drawers, coming across her panties.
Standing, he looked around as though searching for some sort of sign. A sucking noise had him turning back to the bed to find she was already asleep, a pacifier in her mouth which was attached to a soft-looking blanket. Okay, that must have been tucked under the pillow. Both of her hands were under the weighted blanket, so at least they’d be warm.
He quickly put her panties away because he really didn’t want her to wake up and see him holding her panties like a creeper.
Grabbing a bottle of water out of the small fridge in the playroom, he walked back into the bedroom with it, setting it down next to the bed.
She looked so cute lying there. He wanted to just sit here and watch her.
But that was kind of creepy.
His phone buzzed and he drew it out. Christ.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. If he didn’t answer, it would make things worse. She’d keep calling and calling.
Moving out of the bedroom, he shut the door and walked over to the window before answering.
“Hello, mother.”
“Xavier. It took you long enough to answer. I thought I was going to be sent to your voicemail. You know I don’t like leaving messages.”
Right. He knew. Because she told him often enough.
“My apologies.”
“I’m calling because I want you to come visit.”
Of course she did.
“I’m sorry, Mother. I’m very busy at work.” He actually had a few days off, but he didn’t intend to tell her that. He thought he might spend some time with Juliet, since she obviously wasn’t doing well.
“I’m sure someone could take your shift for you. It isn’t like much ever happens in that sleepy hospital. You should never have left your job at Massachusetts General. Think about how far ahead in your career you could be if you’d stayed.”
He pinched the top of his nose.
“You know why I left.”
“Pfft, ridiculous. That girl’s death had nothing to do with you. And if you had to leave, why didn’t you take the job your father offered you at New York-Presbyterian?”
Her death had nothing to do with him? It had everything to do with him. The guilt still ate away at him.
“Father worked at Wishingbone hospital for several years,” he couldn’t help but point out.
“He was the CEO, Xavier. Not a regular old doctor.”
Right.
“And it was dreadful, living in that horrid little town. The only reason we didn’t move sooner is because of your schooling. Despite it being such a strange place, the quality of the education was impressive.”
High praise from Marigold Marson.
“Mother, I’m sorry but I really don’t have time to come home.” Not that he actually considered the apartment they owned in Manhattan to be home.
Home was here, in Wishingbone. With his friends.
“Xavier, I think you best come see me.”
Her tone of voice had him freezing. She sounded almost distressed.
“What’s wrong?”
“I’ve found a lump, Xavier.”
“A lump? In your breast?”
“Xavier!” she said in a shocked voice.
He ran his hand over his face tiredly. “Mother, I’m a doctor.”
“Yes, but you’re also my son. There’s no need to talk about breasts in front of me.”
Lord, give him strength.
“What has your doctor said about the lump?” he asked urgently. “Have they done a biopsy?”
“I’m too scared to go,” his mother whispered.
“Mother, you have to go.”
“But they’ll insist on examining me.”
“Mother, please. Get father to take you. To examine you. He’s a doctor.”
“But he’s not my doctor.”
“Then please go to your doctor,” he pleaded.
“Will you come home, Xavier? To take me? Please?”
He let out a deep breath. Then he glanced back at the doorway leading to the bedroom. He didn’t want to leave Juliet.
But if his mother had cancer . . .
“Make the doctor’s appointment for Monday. I’ll get a flight out when I can.” His phone started buzzing in his ear with another incoming call.
“Good. I knew you would come. I will see you then.”
He blinked as she abruptly ended the call. But it was just as well since he saw he’d missed a call from the hospital.
After checking in to find one of his patients wasn’t doing well, he checked on Juliet one last time.
He brushed his fingers down her cheek. He hated leaving her like this, but knew she would understand. He sent her a quick text to explain
Then before he could convince himself to linger longer, he left.
2
Brick checked his navigation system to see how far away they were. Fifteen minutes. Perfect. They’d been on the road for hours, setting out from Denver early. But they’d be right on time. He hated to be late for anything. His ex-wife had been the opposite. She’d been an hour late to their wedding. Perhaps he should have taken that as an omen.
“Earth to Brick, what’s going on with you, man?” Sterling asked in concern.
“He daydreaming again?” Elias asked through the Bluetooth system. He was in the truck behind them.
Both men were his best friends. They’d been in the marines together. And when he’d called and told them the mess Linda had left him in, they’d dropped everything to come help him.
“He’s got that line between his eyebrows which means he’s thinking of—”
“Linda,” Elias ended on a sigh. “Brick, man, you got to get her out of your head. You can’t give her any more of your time.”
His hands tightened around the steering wheel and his teeth ground together. He knew that he had to stop thinking about Linda. And Mike. The bastard.
“I know,” he said. “But it’s hard to let it go when she cost me everything.”
His house. His business. His credit rating. His reputation.
The only reason he’d managed to secure this job was because he was available on short notice. The client, Reuben Jones, needed someone to guard his sister for the indefinite future.
It likely wouldn’t have been a job he’d have touched before he’d lost everything. The client was demanding. But his money was good. And since Brick was down to his last five hundred dollars, well, he was desperate. This job was his lifeline.
His friends were right, he had to get his mind back in
the game.
“Sorry, you’re right,” he agreed, taking a right turn. “Have I thanked you guys again for helping me?”
The client wanted at least two bodyguards on site. One guarding his sister, the other patrolling the grounds and watching the cameras and alarms, even though there was an outside company monitoring the cameras and alarms.
Sterling scrolled through his phone. “Have you guys read the list of instructions and rules this guy has sent through for dealing with his sister?”
“He only sent them after I signed the contract, and then I was too busy packing everything up and getting ready,” Brick said. “Why?”
“Did you know JSI put in her current security system?” Sterling commented. “Why didn’t he go to them? They’re monitoring her security anyway.”
“Asked him about that,” Brick admitted. And he’d been sweating bullets the entire time that Jones might turn around and go to JSI. “They didn’t have anyone free, apparently. They’re still monitoring the system, though. He said we can put in our system on top of theirs if we want. He also said something about Kent Jensen being a prick.”
“Really?” Elias asked. “I’ve heard of Kent Jensen. Got a reputation as a fair man. Lots of the guys I was enlisted with talked about getting a job with him when they got out.”
“I wouldn’t put much stock in our client’s opinions,” Brick admitted as he turned into a quiet street. There didn’t seem to be many houses out here. Just a lot of fucking trees. “I did a background check on him. He’s got a reputation for being a shark. Ruthless and cunning.”
“Yeah, but he’s also loaded, I’m guessing,” Elias said, looking around him. “As long as he pays the bills, do you really care?”
Once, he would have. But he couldn’t pick and choose his jobs anymore.
“And demanding,” Sterling said. “Listen to this stuff he sent through. No touching her without permission unless absolutely necessary. No going up to the third floor unless she’s in danger. She doesn’t talk.”
“What?” Brick asked. “How the hell are we going to communicate with her?”
“Wasn’t that something he should have told us first?” Elias asked.
Brick pulled into a driveway in front of a vast wrought-iron gate. A camera turned towards his truck. He knew there was likely another camera in a hidden position. The house wasn’t visible from here. But just the gate held the promise of money.
Her Daddies’ Saving Grace Page 2
