Shelter Me(78)

“Hey, brat.”

“Morning, Adam. I just wanted to tell you thank you for everything that you’re doing for me.”

“You’re welcome, and you know I would do anything for you, Shayne.”

I take a seat at the kitchen table and sigh heavily into the phone.

“Shayne are you all right? Talk to me.”

“Adam so much happened yesterday and I…um. I need to ask you something.”

“What the hell is going on? Is it that fucker Ben again?”

“No, just hear me out, okay?” I tell him everything that Vincent told me yesterday and also about the phone call I overheard from Benito. When I am done he lets out a string of curse words as I hear him pound his fist against what I assume is the dash of his truck.

“Are you fucking kidding me? Vincent knew where you were this whole damn time and never told anyone?”

“Yes he did, but so did you, so you cannot get all bent out of shape about this. You kept where I was a secret from Luke to protect me, and even though I don’t agree with it, I believe that Vincent was doing what he felt best to protect Lucy and me as well.”

He knows I am right, so he just stops and lets me finish.

“At first both Luke and I were very pissed off. Luke more so than I, but I understand why now. Luke is over there right now and hopefully he is making peace with his father. I expect him home any minute now. I just wanted to let you know what was going on. This whole thing has me scared for everyone.”

“Listen, Shayne. We are not going to let anything happen to you or Lucy, you know that, right?”

“I know that, Adam, but I am worried about everyone, not just me.”

“Nothing is going to happen to us. Just listen to what Luke tells you and let us handle this, you got that?”

Exhaling, I tell him yes, and we talk about Erin and Sierra staying at Aunt Judy’s house. Neither of us is ready to go through her stuff yet, so Adam wants to offer that Erin and Sierra stay at his house for a while. Before we hang up, we agree he will call when they get ready to make the long drive from Texas to Michigan tomorrow morning.

I stick my phone in my purse and pick up my bag for the beach just as Luke is walking in the front door. Turning to him as he approaches me, I catch my breath as he gives me a short kiss. Apparently things went well with his father, and even though his mother and Antonio are extremely upset about the entire situation, they have decided to take everything a day at a time and focus on dealing with Ben and keeping us all safe. They have no idea of what Ben has planned.

Making sure the house is locked, we walk out to the Range Rover. Luke opens the door for me to get in, then comes around the hood and climbs into the driver’s side. As we start to pull out, he looks over at me.

“When Antonio and I were talking, we thought maybe it would be a good idea if after this weekend you and Lucy stayed around the house for a few days.”

I go to protest, but he quickly cuts me off.

“Listen, baby. I know this is hard for you, but please. If anything happens to either of you I won’t be able to survive. As soon as Erin and Adam get here we can work it out.”

“I know you’re right, but I have so much to do this week for Lucy’s party.”

Reaching across the console, he takes hold of my hand and brings it up to his mouth, gently caressing my knuckles with his soft lips.

“Let me look at my schedule this week and I can take a few hours off so we can do everything together,” he offers.

“Okay, but I want you to know I hate this. I have never had anyone dictate my life and I am not about to start now.”

Luke keeps hold of my hand as we continue our drive. I lean my head back and decide that Lucy’s safety is more important. Besides, this will give me time to start looking for a job.

As we pull into Bubba and Jen’s drive and get out of the car, Lucy runs out of the house and straight into Luke’s arms.

“Hi, princess! I missed you so much. Are you ready for the beach?”

“Yes, Daddy. I love the beach just like Mommy does.”

With Lucy still in his arms, the three of us walk up onto the front porch where Bubba opens the door. Once everyone greets each other, I take Lucy from Luke and we go into the bathroom so she can change into her bathing suit. When we return to the family room where everyone is waiting, I see the three of them talking quietly in the corner. I can only assume Luke is telling them about Ben. Knowing how protective of me Bubba is, I am willing to bet Luke has asked him to check on me as much as he can. I decide I am not going to let this ruin my day with my family and friends. Jen gives us a sympathetic smile and they all turn to us.

“You ladies ready to go have some fun?” he asks.