for at least two years that I’ve been in Bracknell, Mom. Close enough to follow me and find out I was with Nathan.”
“Two years.” She sounded as sick as I felt. “What does this mean? What has he been doing all this time?”
“He didn’t want us to know he found me. If we did, we’d pack up and move again.” The truth settled over me like a lead blanket. “He was biding his time so when he finally revealed himself, I couldn’t get away.”
“Belle, don’t say such horrible things.”
“What if he’s here, M-Mom?” My voice cracked on a sob. “What if he’s on the island, watching and waiting again? I told you. Mal would make sure the fourth time was the last time.”
“There will not be a fourth time. That man has ruled your life with fear for far too long. I will not let him have such control that even when you’re safe, you’re jumping at shadows and looking over your shoulder.
“You’re hurt and you’re in pain,” she said in a softer tone. “That brute of a boy put you in the hospital and then you discovered Malcolm’s manipulations lost you a love. That is quite a lot for one day, my darling. Do not now rob yourself of a peaceful sleep.”
I wiped my face with my palm. “I can’t pretend this isn’t happening.”
“I’m not asking you to pretend. Your vigilance is your protection, but paranoia is your defeat. That man doesn’t want you to be happy for a second that you’re out of his presence. Do not give him what he wants.”
I nodded along without noticing at first that I was doing so. “What do I do?”
“You’ll go back to the villa and rest as the doctor commands. Your father and I will coordinate with Mrs. Desai about today’s incident, increasing security, and steps to take moving forward. She’s giving us personal recommendation for guards on her staff.”
“Giving them to you?” I tried to sit up and my aching body protested. “Preston was supposed to give me the number.”
“He asked her to do so, but she decided to speak to us directly. I suspect the detailed, full account we demanded of the island’s security gave her an inkling something wasn’t right. She asked us if the friend in fear of her life was you.”
I was quiet for a long time.
Rosalie Desai was no dummy. I could see how she’d make that natural conclusion.
“What did you tell her?” I finally asked.
“Very little,” Mom replied. “Your father and I have made enemies over the years and they’ve tried more than once to exact revenge through you. That’s all we needed to say.”
“What happens now, Mom? We’ve tried guards before. Milton handed me over to him. Everyone has a price. Mal always finds it.”
“You let us worry about that,” she said firmly. “Know one thing above all. We won’t allow anyone near you unless we trust them implicitly.”
“Okay,” I whispered.
“Now tell me what you need. Would you like us to come to the island? We can be there in a few hours.”
“No, it’s okay. You’re right that he wants to ruin every single day of our lives that I’m free of him. Dropping everything at the sound of his name lets him win,” I replied. “The doctor says I’ll be fine and now Rosalie knows something is up. It’ll be safe if I stick close to the villa.”
Mom and I talked for a little longer. A knock sounded on the door after we hung up.
Nathan stuck his head in the room. “Hey. Hendrix is wrapping it up out here. The doc says we can take you back when you’re ready.”
“Ready.”
“Before we go, we should pack up one of those backless hospital gowns. It may come in handy.”
“Behave yourself.” I held out my arms. “Will you help me up?”
Nathan draped my arm around his shoulder. I swung my legs down to stand and he hooked under my knees and cradled me to his chest. I dropped my head on him, safe, secure, and on the edge of shattering.
All this time, it was because of him. He took the friends and lives I had to leave behind with every move. He took my safety, happiness, and any chance of a real relationship. I should’ve known he’d taken Nathan too.
“Are you crying?” Nathan asked.
“Y-yes.”
“If you’re still in pain—” He turned to carry me back to the room.
I laughed mirthlessly. “I’m not crying about this little bump on the head. It doesn’t come close.”