For Her Protection(48)

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“I’m proud of you, Cuz.” Alicia nudged Charlize’s shoulder.

Charlize nudged her back. “Well I couldn’t be chased out of my own family forever.” She looked out over the crowded deck, taking in every member of her extended family.

Uncle Ross turned sausages on the barbecue and Aunt Bess sipped iced tea and laughed with her sister-in-law. Charlize’s chest squeezed. She’d nearly lost them all. How could she have been such a coward?

Her gaze stopped at the half-sized basketball court her uncle had poured in the backyard years ago when she and her cousins were all kids. Somehow Connor had taken command of every male under the age of twenty-five, leading them in a game of basketball. He’d removed his shirt and ran across the court, bare chest on display. He tossed the ball toward a hoop and his muscles flexed. She breathed in deeply, needing a little more air.

“So do I get an ‘I told you so’?”

“Huh?” Charlize replied, watching Connor toss the ball to her eight-year-old cousin Jamie.

“You and Connor, I called it. Just didn’t expect it to happen so fast.”

Charlize glanced at Alicia. She hadn’t even told her about Gregory. For some reason she just couldn’t bring herself to say anything. The only people who knew were the police, Bob and of course Connor. “What can I say, he swept me off my feet—literally.”

Alicia laughed. Connor lifted Jamie to the ring and he dunked the ball through the hoop with a swoosh.

“Shit.”

Charlize blinked, dragging her gaze from Connor’s biceps. “What?”

“Just thinking it’s good to be you.”

Charlize laughed. The sound radiated louder than she’d intended, drawing gazes—including Joyce’s. Her cousin sat alone at a table, drinking soda. Not because she was outcast for what she’d done—she wasn’t. Her family rocked an “accepting disapproval” attitude toward all matters of controversy. No…Joyce sat alone for an entirely different reason. One Charlize knew well.

Simon stood a few steps behind Joyce, chatting to one of her uncles. He might not look as if he was watching but he’d see everything she did, everyone she spoke to, ensuring she did nothing to stir his jealousy. Apparently, Joyce had already learned it was easier not to provoke him.

Charlize rubbed her collarbone where everything had become painfully tight. Her anger dissipated. Joyce had saved Charlize from a situation she hadn’t known how to escape. A part of her couldn’t freaking believe it’d been her sitting in that chair only months ago.

She exhaled slowly. If she hadn’t been sixteen when she met Simon, she’d never have gotten that involved with him. She’d never have let someone else assume control of her world. Would she?

Her attention moved back across the yard to the game of basketball. But Simon didn’t matter anymore. She was free and there was no way in hell a man would ever own her again.

“I need a drink,” she said and went to the cooler. She fished a soda out of the ice and popped the lid. The drink released a satisfying fizz. She wiped her hand on her dress and took a deep swallow then turned—and nearly choked. Her aunt’s neighbor, Nate, stood an inch away from her. She barely caught her breath before he planted a kiss on each of her cheeks.

He pulled back and she couldn’t help smiling at his lopsided grin.

“Hi, Nate.”

“Hey, gorgeous. Heard you finally dumped the loser.” He tilted his head toward Simon.

Charlize shook her head. “Something like that.”

“Too bad for him,” he said and wiggled his eyebrows in a gesture that was all goofy Nate.

His unique blend of humor and awkwardness meant he could get away with just about anything. Probably why Simon despised him. Nate stretched his arms out wide then casually draped one around her shoulders. Charlize froze. Her gaze flew to Connor. Her heart rose in her chest. He’d stopped playing and stood a few yards away, draining a bottle of water in a few gulps. He swiped his wrist across his mouth and looked at her.

Her cheeks warmed then he winked—a slow, careful wink. A lazy smile revealed his laugh lines. Her held breath released. He’d winked. Not scowled or shot her any kind of look to let her know she would pay for this later.

He turned and ran back to the game.

That look said it all. The cocky bastard wasn’t worried, could tell with one glance exactly where her interests lay—knew he had no competition.

And damn him, he didn’t.





Chapter Fourteen




Charlize opened her eyes. Unfamiliar warmth surrounded her, lulled her back into sleep. A weight rested over her hip, a hand cupped her breast. Connor’s scent surrounded her. Crisp cologne, soap and a hint of sweat.