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Lydia laid her head on my shoulder. “Hayden, can I be honest a moment?”
“Of course. I hope you aren’t some possessive abuser behind closed doors.”
“Baby, you came after me a couple of times now. If I was a woman abuser, I’m sure I would have hit you by now. I doubt abusers can control themselves. There are men out there who say all the right things and turn out to be crazy. I just want to get to know the woman I’m marrying. I want us to talk like this all the time over ice cream, dinner, snacks whatever. What about you? I already know you beat men. Anything else I need to worry about?”
Lydia slapped me on my chest, laughing. “No, Hayden.”
“On a serious note. I need you to meet my sister when we return. She’s trying to find out who you are. Have lunch with me on Monday then I will introduce you two.”
“Sure.”
“Baby, I must warn you. She’s a pit bull in a skirt. Keep the conversation light and airy. I will get you out of there fast. I just want you both to meet face to face.”
“Ok.” She looped her arm through mine as we began walking down the street.
“Why does your family own a farm?”
“Our farm isn’t open to the public. My grandfather likes to know where his family’s food comes from. We all help out with the farm every year. We have a staff who handles the day to day routines, but we fly down for a week every two months and help. The farm puts food on our tables. Our food is flown in from my grandfather’s farm. Ben’s restaurant is the only company that’s supplied food.”
“That’s smart.”
“When we get home, I’ll send my chef to your fathers to prepare meals for him.”
“Hayden, I can’t let you do that.”
Yes, you can. We are about to be family. In this family, we look out for each other.”
“Hmm, I don’t know.”
“I’ll give you some time.” I winked.
Our last tour of the day was Windsor Castle. Before dinner we rode the London Eye Ferris wheel over- looking London. I arranged for us to ride a private capsule. We drank champagne while enjoying the breathtaking views while the sun was setting. Lydia loved the views of Big Ben from the air. The city was breathtaking from the Ferris wheel. The old historic buildings lit up as the sky darkened. I loved holding my beautiful fiancé in my arms while taking in the views. “I’m considering buying a Flat for us here.”
“I would like that. I love it here.”
“This summer, we are traveling to Dubai. Have you been there?”
She turned in my arms, eyes wide. “Seriously!”
“Yes, baby seriously.” She hugged me tight.
~
I wish we didn’t have to leave. I don’t want to think about her stripping. Standing on the deck of a privately chartered yacht I stood watching Lydia from a distance. Staring at the side view of her face. Her eyes closed as she took a deep breath. Her eyes roamed the River of Thames. In that one moment, I’m convinced she forgot about all of her problems. All I want to do is make her life easy.
“Hayden, come here we are about to go under the bridge. Look at the beautiful lights throughout the city.”
I held her in my arms, eyes closed smelling her hair.
“Baby, are you looking?”
“Yeah, sweetheart. I’m looking.”
She giggled as we rode under the bridge. “Thank you for bringing me here. I had the best time.”
“Anytime, Lydia.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
LYDIA
Hayden and I slept most of the flight back to Atlanta. He wasn’t happy with me when I told him I was sleeping at home that night. Hayden personally checked out my apartment making sure I was safe.
“Hayden, why are you being so over protective?”
He placed his hands on my face. “I need you to trust me. We can talk about it next week.”
Hayden opened the door to leave. I slammed it shut. “I trust you and you know that. What did you do?” I whispered.
His lips latched onto mine, making me forget why I was upset. Briefly, I stopped him from kissing me. I placed my hands on his cheeks, staring into his beautiful blue eyes. “Fuck, Hayden. I hate the effect you have on me.” I hugged him tight.
