Reid - Maddie Wade Page 0,72

time. “Come on, Callie, we need to talk. Let me in before the concierge calls the cops on me.” He took a risk with that, but if Claude were sensible, he’d take a chance on him over the cops being called.

Reid heard the lock disengage and her beautiful face came into view. He saw the fear and panic recede as she gazed at him. Her body blocked the door, and he knew Claude was behind her.

“What do you want, Reid?”

“Baby, I just need to talk to you.”

“I’m busy.”

Her eyes narrowed into a squint and she frowned at him. He could tell the second she realised he was sober, her eyes widened before she relaxed. The shadows under eyes were real though, and he knew he was partly responsible for that.

“But, baby, just five minutes. I just need to tell you how sorry I am for leaving.” Reid hated that he was apologising here and now, but he meant the words. “I fucked up, beautiful. I’m so sorry.”

Callie’s eyes softened a fraction at the intensity and truth in his words, then she twitched, and her face hardened again in fear. “Now isn’t a good time.”

“Do you have a man in there?” He allowed his voice to rise in fake anger and indignation. He needed to give Clay time to get onto the balcony and catch this fuckwit unawares. He’d had perhaps five minutes; he probably required two more.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Reid.”

“How is that ridiculous? You won’t let me in.”

“Because I’m busy and you have no right to just turn up and expect me to let you in and listen to you when you were the one that walked away without a word.”

That blow landed, and he took it, knowing he deserved it. He had a lot to make up for and he would if she’d let him.

He saw her wince and wondered if Claude was getting impatient behind her. He decided in that second it was the first thing he’d pay for, and for every second she felt fear, Claude would feel ten times that.

As he was about to shove inside, Callie squeaked and spun around at a commotion behind her. Reid took his chance and pushed the door with his body. Callie stumbled and he caught her as Clay wrestled with Claude on the floor for a few moments, the model was no match for the FBI agent.

Clay reared back and punched Claude so hard Reid heard his jaw pop and knew it would be a while before he’d look in the mirror without crying like a baby. The thought made him smile inside.

Then there was silence. Reid turned and pulled Callie to his body, holding her tight, not ever wanting to let go. He was relieved when she held him back, her fingers digging into his shoulders. Her scent surrounded him and ran his hand over her back, her hair, everywhere to ensure she was safe and in his arms.

Reid pulled back to look at her. “Did he hurt you?”

Callie shook her head. “No, just ranted a lot and frightened me.”

Reid growled and glared at the man on the ground who was still unconscious from the blow Clay had dealt him. He cupped her cheeks and looked deeply into her eyes. “I love you so much, Callie. I’m so sorry I was an asshole. Can you ever forgive me?”

She angled her head as she looked at him and then smiled as she burrowed close to his side. “You have a lot of grovelling to do, but yes, I can forgive you.”

“Thank fuck for that.”

“But if you ever pull a stunt like that again, I’m going to kick your ass.”

Reid knew then that it would all be okay because he had his sunshine back.

Epilogue

Five years later

A pool party had been Reid’s idea. As Callie looked around at the people in their garden on this hot summer day in Hereford, she realised as usual he was correct. What better way to celebrate their wedding anniversary than with everyone they loved? Although why he insisted on celebrating their fourth anniversary as if it was their silver, she didn’t know, but she secretly liked it that he did.

After their rocky start, their love had been smooth sailing. She’d sold her apartment in London and moved to Hereford and into his apartment overlooking the river. She’d loved that place, but a year after the wedding, they’d moved again, and had bought this plot. Working with an architect to build their dream home had been