AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“And I’m really ready to fall the rest of the way in love with you.”
He saw warmth fill her eyes. He kissed her again, pulling in the sweet taste of her.
“Sorry to interrupt.” Vander’s voice was faintly amused. “I think you’d better head down and let your father know that you’re all right.”
Gemma nodded and took Boone’s hand.
Right, time to meet a billionaire. One whose daughter he was sleeping with.
Boone suddenly felt more uneasy than when he’d faced down the mercenaries. But nothing and no one would keep him from Gemma.
* * *
As they steppedinto Shep’s clearing, Gemma glanced around.
Oh, God. Her fingers clenched on Boone’s hand. The cabin closest to them was riddled with bullet holes. Another one was a wreck and still on fire.
“Shep, I’m so sorry. I’ll cover the cost of all of this.”
Boone’s friend shook his head. “It’s nothing I can’t fix.”
She saw several mercenaries sitting on the ground with their hands and feet zip-tied. A handsome black man, and a lean man with pitch-black hair were watching them. More of Declan’s team. There were also several bodies laid out under white sheets.
She averted her gaze. She was damn glad that Carruthers would pay for all of this.
Then she saw the sleek, gray SUV parked in front of Shep’s cabin—a Lamborghini Urus. Her father stood beside it with two of his security team. Her dad looked worried.
When he spotted her, his face changed. “Gemma.”
“Go,” Boone urged her.
She ran to her dad, and was engulfed in his arms.
“Jesus, we were so worried.” He hugged her hard.
“I’m all right, Dad. I promise.”
He pulled back, his gaze searching her face. “You’re sure?”
She smiled. “I’m sure. It got pretty…” Her voice cracked.
He hugged her again. “We need to call your mom. Let her know that you’re safe. She’s been worried sick. She wanted to come, but I made her stay in LA.”
Tears welled in Gemma’s eyes. For all their faults, and hers, her parents loved her. They were family. She had to stop expecting them to match some fantasy version of parents, and just accept them as they were.
“I wouldn’t have made it alone, Dad.”
“I know.” His gaze lifted and moved over her shoulder.
She turned and saw Boone standing there.
“Dad, this is Boone Hendrix. Boone, my father, Paul Newhouse.”
“Thank you, Boone.” Her dad held out a hand and the men shook. “I owe you more than I can ever tell you.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Newhouse,” Boone said.
“Call me Paul. I’ll be giving you a sizable reward.”
