Page 96 of Miss Treated

I cupped her chin. “You have a story you’ve just begun to share. But no matter what happened in your past, I love you and want nothing more than to be a part of your next chapter.”

“Those are the sweetest words.”

“Just you wait. I have more. I love all of you. Every piece of the good, bad, and sexy.” Although my inflection was humorous, my words were dead serious.

“I think it’s supposed to be ugly.”

“Nah, nothing ugly about you.” I leaned in to kiss her lips softly.

“I love you too. And I promise to be less scared about it.”

I tucked her hair behind her ear. “Not to sound like I’m relieved, but thank fuck. I’m proud of you for standing up to Joel and your mom.” I would forever be indebted to my brothers for hustling out here so quickly to help her. From what she’d described, she’d taken out the big dude and probably would’ve left more carnage behind if they’d continued trying to take her by force.

My lips took hers again, and I was deepening the kiss when a knock on the door broke us apart.

After looking through the peephole, she let out a breath. “It’s Chance.” She opened the door and let him inside.

He didn’t look terribly pleased when I put my arm around his sister, but he’d have to get used to it. “The police are ready for you. We’re using a conference room downstairs for their interviews. Don’t worry. Joel, your mother, the doctor, and his assistant are all in another room, so you won’t see them again.”

I sat by Kelsey’s side while she gave her version of events. It was tough to avoid getting angry while listening to how she’d almost been taken. The silver lining to it all was knowing the four people who’d tried to take her were now arrested and would be charged with attempted kidnapping. They’d probably be out on bail by this evening, but I was proud of Kelsey for pressing charges.

After it was all done and we were free to go, Chance asked her, “You doing all right?”

She blew out a long breath. “Yeah. I’m okay.”

“What are your plans now?” he queried.

I waited for Kelsey to answer him. Enough people had taken her voice. It was important for them both to understand I never would.

“I thought I’d spend some time with Dominic and then head up to your place later this week.”

He nodded, his gaze shifting to me. He spent another moment observing us together and appeared to make a decision. “You’re welcome to come too, Dominic. Tory and Daisy will be anxious to meet you.”

“I’ve heard a lot about them and look forward to meeting Penny too.”

Chance’s features softened. “Yeah, she’s a girl worth meeting.”

My phone started to chirp. “I suspect that’s my family.” I took it out and smiled at the text message before flashing it for both of them to read.

“I’m cooking brunch at your condo and would love if you brought Kelsey over. Bring her brother too.”

“My mom makes an incredible frittata.”

Once we arrived at my condo, we found the chaos which only a large family in a small space could create. Yet it was bliss to sit on my porch with Kelsey beside me and Chance across from her, laughing at something Leo was saying. I was thankful for the way my brothers acted as though this morning’s activities were just another normal day. Nobody wanted to make Kelsey feel awkward. Even my parents were getting along despite the earlier tension from this morning.

“Do you both have a minute?” my father asked, looking between me and Kelsey.

I waited for her nod before taking her hand and following my father into the house, where he led us to the guest bedroom.

Turning around to face us, my father appeared awkward as hell. “I want to start by apologizing to you, Kelsey, for putting you in a terrible position at the party. It was inappropriate to do so, both on a professional and personal level, and I’m sorry.”

“Thank you,” she graciously said, squeezing my hand.

“And I owe an apology to you, Nic. I thought I was protecting you, but I see now how I should’ve trusted you. You put in the work, and I should’ve treated you like my COO, a man who’d earned my respect. The position is still yours if you want it.”

“Thank you. I think we both know it’s better if I pass. But I will say this. Working with you the last couple months was eye opening. I saw exactly what you’ve built with your company. I respect the hell out of you, Dad.”

His eyes went misty, and he went in for the hug. “Thanks, son. It means a lot.” My dad and I might never be on the same page in our approach to business, but I didn’t regret my time with him. And I felt good about where we went from here.