Bad Boy (Invertary 5)

“What if you hate me too, once you find out my secrets?”

“What if you hate me once you find out mine?”

She jerked back to look him in the eyes. “I don’t see how that’s possible.”

“And there’s your answer. It comes down to trust. You have to take a chance on believing the other person will understand. It’s up to you whether you have the courage to try.” Her eyes welled with tears, but none fell. “You can’t compound past mistakes by letting your mother make another one. She’s wrong to go after Katy. You know it. And you can’t allow it, darling.”

“Darling?” She gave him a shy smile.

“Thought I’d try it on, see how it feels.”

“What’s the conclusion?”

“I like it.” He gave in to his need and kissed her softly. “I like you.”

They sat quietly holding hands for a long time. The soft chatter from Katy as she played was relaxing. Lawrence smiled down at the child. This was what he’d missed out on. He’d missed out on family. But if he was lucky, maybe this thing he felt with Victoria would turn into something more and he’d be allowed to become a part of her family. And by her family, he didn’t mean her mother and brother. He meant what she’d found here. A home for her heart in the Highlands—if she was brave enough to take a chance on it.

“She looks so much like her mother did at the same age.” Victoria’s eyes were on Katy. “Abby was full of life, always dancing and singing. She was cons

tantly in trouble with Mother for her inappropriate behaviour. She had the courage to be herself. And later she had the courage to break free. Such tremendous spirit. It’s irrepressible. Katy has it too, doesn’t she?”

“Yes.” Lawrence smiled.

“Even now, with everything Abby’s been through, everything that’s happening, she’s standing strong.” She looked up at Lawrence. “I admire her so much.”

His heart clenched. “Then fight for her, not against her.”

“Yes. You’re right.” Victoria’s eyes returned to Katy. “I just need a little bit more time.”

“Time’s running out. This will hit the news tonight. If you’re lucky, your mother won’t hear about it until tomorrow.”

“Then I’ll take the few hours I have until she finds out.”

“Vicki...”

“Please, Lawrence.” She looked up at him. “I know what I have to do. Just not yet. I’m not ready yet. I need a bit more time to become stronger.”

“Okay, but remember this—you aren’t facing the future alone. I’ll be there.”

“You are such a wonderful surprise,” Victoria said. “I never thought someone would be with me the way you are. I never thought I’d be given this gift.”

“It goes two ways. I see something wonderful in you. Something just for me.”

“Foolish man. I’m no prize.”

“Oh, sweet Vicki, how delightfully wrong you are.”

To his utter shock, she rested her head on his shoulder, a smile curling her lips. And in that moment, Lawrence wondered at the blessing he’d received. A second chance at life, in this woman who had yet to learn how to live.

But she would learn. They’d do it together. They’d help each other.

???

“It’s sorted,” Flynn announced as he limped back around the van to where Matt was talking to Lake.

There were several men standing around. All of whom worked for Lake’s security firm. He recognised most of them from around town and knew they were all ex-military. Including his cousin Claire’s fiancé, Grunt, who was currently frowning his censure at Flynn. It made him want to shout, It wasn’t me! He ignored the impulse for immaturity and instead joined the huddle with Lake and Matt.

“Police reinforcement is forty minutes away,” Matt said.