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Gathering up my handbag, I left my room and clicked down the stairs to the front hall. Merrick was still in his room, but I wasn’t worried. He’d never been late to anything in his life.
Five minutes later, he descended the stairs and stopped short, his eyes flicking over me. He looked amazing in a tailored black suit with a burgundy shirt underneath, open at the collar. His wavy hair was tamed, slicked back over his head.
“You look beautiful, Clara,” he said in that respectful tone he used when he gave me compliments. “Osian is a very lucky man. And he’d better understand that.”
“Don’t threaten him before he’s done anything,” I scolded.
He picked up his keys from the hall table and flipped them once, catching them in his palm. “Are you ready?”
I nodded, pulling the door open. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.”
“Aren’t you going to bring a coat?”
I paused, shaking my head. “It’s warm out and I don’t want to ruin my outfit.”
“Ah well, you can just steal mine later,” he said.
I stepped out onto the porch. “I promise I won’t, okay. Come on, we’re going to be late.”
He locked the doors, checking them twice, and moved down the steps on his long legs. I followed him out to where he’d parked the Audi and he opened the door for me, helping me in with a light hand on my elbow.
I watched him circle the car. Maybe part of the reason I trusted him to protect me was in the way he walked. He had a tall, lean body, dressed to kill in those custom suits, and he moved like he knew exactly what was up ahead.
Like he’d already conquered the world.
Like he had nothing to fear.
He didn’t, I mused as he pulled up the long driveway to the road. He was Edwin Merrick Llwyd, the Welsh King. He’d fought his way to the top—some people claimed with his bare hands—and now he had the world on a string.
That was part of the reason I trusted him so completely. I’d never felt safe, ever, growing up.
With Merrick, I was always protected.
A few miles down the road was the country club Merrick owned. It was a huge white house that sat at the top of a hill like a beacon. As the gates buzzed and opened and Merrick guided the Audi up the curvy driveway, a sense of calmness settled over me.
“I liked being in North Carolina for school, but I love Providence so much,” I said aloud. “I hope I never have to leave.”
“You never will,” he said.
The valet took the car and Merrick held out his elbow and I took it. We climbed the porch and entered the front room of the club. Inside, the club reminded me a bit of an upscale lodge with low ceilings and fake fireplaces. There were a crowd of people waiting to be seated, filling the dining room just beyond.
“Merrick Llwyd.”
I turned to find Lowri Bach, a stylish, willowy woman of about fifty standing beside her stoic husband, Louis. They were both prominent members of the organization, Louis having just retired from service in Merrick’s ranks. Lowri’s eyes fell on me and she offered me a warm smile, hugging me awkwardly. I hadn’t seen her in a few years.
“Clara, you look so grown up,” she said. “A real knockout.”
“Takes one to know one, Lowri,” said Merrick, offering her his infectious grin.
I always forgot what a shameless flirt he was because it was so smooth he just slipped it in there and no one was ever the wiser.
“Oh, hush,” she said, waving a hand.
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Clara,” Louis said, stepping up behind his wife.
“Thank you, sir,” I said. “It’s very good to be back in Providence.”
Lowri waved her ring covered hand again, letting it rest on her collarbone. “Are you so excited for this weekend? The party?”
