Undeniably His(59)

I close my eyes and quietly exhale.

I take the opportunity to head to Kalin’s place and shower, eat, and change. I dial Lia’s number and update her on the traumatic events.

“Oh, my God, Belle. Are you okay?”

“Yes. I got off real lucky. The damage was done on the driver’s side, and Kalin had to have surgery to repair his lung and heart. I was so scared, Lia. But he made it! He is going to be okay.”

“That is so wonderful. God, Belle. You must have been so scared.”

“It’s okay. I’m okay now.”

“Do you think it was intentional? It sounds like they’re the same lowlifes that came here.”

“I know. We just can’t prove it. I have no idea who was driving that truck. I didn’t get a license number or much of anything.”

Lia audibly sighs on the other end of the phone.

“What?” I ask.

“You know they’re probably not done. They want you to back off of this and stay out of their way. Belle, you’re going to have to face this or get out of their way.”

I inhale a deep breath and close my eyes. I knew my feelings for Kalin were like nothing I had ever felt before, but I could not admit it to myself or to him. I was safer in my small world, and my quiet existence didn’t ruffle any feathers. But now there is nothing they could take from me that would hurt as badly as almost losing him. I am not going to let fear stand in the way of our lives anymore. I am going to face the fire and make sure they don’t get a goddamn thing.

“Lia, I was scared before. Everything was new to me. The feelings I had for Kalin, the insane amount of money he was throwing at me, and all the complications that came with it. And then what happened to you… I just wanted our lives back. I didn’t want any of this and I didn’t ask for it. But when I saw what they were really capable of, and how they could go after someone like Kalin to hurt him or worse, for money, I just lost it. I can’t run from them, Lia. They’re cowards. And they don’t deserve a penny.”

“That’s my girl. Fuck them.” Lia sniffs.

“Fuck them.” Lia and I laugh, and a sudden lightness releases the tension in my body. It’s the best I’ve felt for what seems like an eternity.

“Lia, they could come after any one of us.” My tone turns somber. “We can’t give in to them. No matter what happens, I’m determined that they don’t get a damn thing. Kalin was right. He was right all along.”

“I’m not giving in either, Belle. Don’t worry about me. Do what you have to do.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” she insists.

“You know I love you.”

“Oh, don’t get all mushy on me, Belle. You’re my best friend, and I have your back, girl.”

“I know. That’s why I love you.”

“I love you too, babygirl. And I am not just saying that because you’re worth five gazillion dollars. I’m so happy you’re okay.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey.”

“What?” I ask.

“Maybe this is what it took. Maybe this is what it took for you to see what really matters most.”

“Maybe.” I press my lips together at the thought.

“Now do what you need to do. Don’t be afraid of them, Belle.”

“I won’t. Thanks Lia.”





Chapter Sixteen


I take a deep breath and glance around Kalin’s place. My eyes drift to the large back window toward the beach where we made love just yesterday. About twelve hours ago my biggest worry was what we were having for dinner, and whether or not I could admit my feelings for him. If I thought my life was getting complicated then, just wait. I shake my head at the thought, but I also know deep down that some things worth having can test us to the limit. Now it will be up to me to respond. Like my girl said, ‘fuck them.’ They crossed the line with Lia, and I knew it. Now, with Kalin, my heart has completely turned. I am committed. Something in me has snapped, and there is no going back.

I lie down on the sofa, resting my wrist on my forehead as I think about the past twenty-four hours. Suddenly, I see a vehicle twisted against a tree, and Kalin’s bloodied, crumpled body, hanging upside down from his seat belt. I am startled back awake, and my heart is pounding in my chest. My mouth is dry and my body is shaking. I close my eyes and take a breath to calm the tension in my nerves weighing my body down. Pressing off the sofa, I amble to the kitchen to get a drink of water. The cold, refreshing water quenches my parched throat. Shaking the disturbing images from my mind, I replace the nightmares with the heartening reality that Kalin is going to be okay. After a few panic attacks from the traumatic flashbacks, I savor the thought of his updated condition, and the tightness in my muscles begins to melt way. I fall back into a deep, peaceful sleep. I am exhausted both mentally and physically.