Conom was choked up. He coughed. ‘Don’t you think for one minute you have ever disappointed me, Cass! God, no! I am so proud of how you sat on that horse with blood pouring out of your arm and not a tear in your eye, still staying to fight whatever came your way. I just didn’t understand why, until your story, and now I do. I realise I was being far too over-protective and no better than your mother. I wanted to lock you up with me as well so none other could hurt you or take you from me. I’m so sorry, Cassie. I’ve really mucked up where you’re concerned. I can’t seem to get this friend thing right.’
She hugged him, sat back and watched him. ‘You know, we both need help in that department. I know that if I muck up, Kayden has promised he will always be there to catch me when I fall. Therefore when you muck up, I will always be there to catch you too. But fall gently, I’m not as strong as Kayden,’ she playfully teased him.
‘What did I ever do to deserve you?’ he said, gently holding her hand.
She smiled beautifully at him. ‘You loved me and I knew you could never hurt me. That’s all I needed to know.’
He frowned. ‘But I’ve hurt the others by being selfish.’
She giggled and smoothed out the wrinkles on his forehead. ‘My man will know I’m in good hands. Pops, well that’s another matter. He may lock you up in a horrible old dungeon and then, well, it will be my turn to save you.’
Lepius wasn’t sure why Cassie had dragged him into their private time together but from the first day she’d arrived, she’d had a hold on him and it was only now he felt it release. He shook himself awake, finally being able to get up and walk away. Maybe she held me so I couldn’t ring Ald or maybe something will unfold in time and this is a lesson I need to learn for some unknown reason. His thoughts ran as he guessed only time would tell. He could ask her but he didn’t really think she knew what she was doing. There was one thing he was sure of. Damn, she’s good at what she does. That was so calculated and clever. With so much love in his heart, she settled Conom without sending him into a rage and left their strong friendship intact. That was definitely not the outcome he was expecting. Kayden Hunter had found himself a true gem and it was time to let him know where she was.
‘Kayden, its Lepius. I think we have a treasure here of yours that you may want to come and collect,’ he said.
‘Thanks, Lepius, I’m with her father. We’ll be there shortly. I assume she’s sorted it out with Conom.’
‘Mate, you would be proud of her! If you’d just witnessed the last twenty-four hours with her you would have seen how clever she is. She even had me locked into it, holding up my willpower until she had sorted it out. You’re one lucky man, Kayden!’ he said, ending the conversation.
Covin came in with some guards, even though Lepius didn’t feel it necessary. Conom knew Lepius had called Kayden and took Cassie up to her room for a sleep. He came back down and waited to face the music, knowing he would be in for it but also knowing that he had armed guards protecting him until he left the palace. He was a lot happier now and just grinned when their eyes met. There were no hard feelings. Gone was the angry ground-shaking fear. Cassie had replaced it with love and respect. Stealer of hearts: very fitting, he thought as he grinned back at Conom.
When Kayden and Ald arrived, they were shown in. Kayden took one look at Conom, saw his happy face and smiled. ‘You all right now, mate?’ he asked Conom.
Conom nodded. ‘I really stuffed it up, Kayden. I thought you were reckless with her but now I understand you are letting her live. I thought locking her away would keep her safe yet I was being no different to her mother and stepfather. I was an idiot and she has made me see that in the sweetest possible way.’
‘Conom, I understood why you took her but if you ever want to see her again it has to be with respect, not only for her but for both of us. I appreciate that you saved her but I would have made it in time as well. Please try and just trust me a little more too.’
‘I do, Kayden. I went crazy and I’m really sorry. You must have been out of your mind with worry.’
‘See, that’s the difference. I trusted you straight up with her. I would never have let you near her otherwise. It’s you, Conom, who had to learn trust, and I am pleased it was a quick lesson because I have to admit I missed her like hell. Where is she?’ He looked around.
Lepius gestured to Covin. ‘Take Kayden up to see his wife. I think Ald and Conom need a minute on their own,’ Lepius said, seeing the way Ald glared at Conom with eyes that wanted to squash him like a grape.