Cole's Mistake (Haven, Texas 8)

“He would have killed Julian eventually.”

“But he didn’t, kitten. I’m here.” He looked to Cole. “Joel gave Luis and his abuela enough money to disappear.”

Seemed he owed his brother more than he could ever repay.

“I don’t like that we don’t know where he is.” He’d need to get someone onto that. He needed this guy to pay. But, mostly, he needed to ensure that bastard didn’t get anywhere near Julian and Keira.

“Neither do we,” Julian said starkly.

Fuck. He got it now. Julian’s obsessive need to protect Keira. Keira’s fear of making the wrong decision. Yeah, he understood it totally.

“You’re scared of him finding you,” Cole whispered.

Keira shuddered.

If Vincento was eliminated would they both feel better? Probably. But it wouldn’t erase their demons. They needed help.

“You’re seeing a therapist?”

“Yes, Molly. She’s helped a lot but we still . . . we still have issues. I have nightmares. I have trouble trusting any decisions I make, even small ones. And Julian—”

“I can’t sleep. I find it hard having Keira out of my sight.” Julian looked away as if ashamed.

“Hey, look at me, both of you.” He gently took hold of their chins. “Far as I’m concerned, you’re both doing so well. That you’ve both let me in the way you have . . . it’s a wonder you could trust me even a little bit.”

“We know you wouldn’t hurt us physically,” Keira whispered. “Actually, having you with us kind of helps.”

“You wouldn’t let anyone hurt Keira,” Julian stated.

“I’d never let anyone hurt either of you. I’m going to find that bastard and I’m going to kill him.”

He stood abruptly, hating how Keira shied back.

“Sorry, baby. Sorry.” He sat next to them on the sofa, drawing them into his arms as much as he could. “I’m so sorry. Sorry I wasn’t there. Sorry I didn’t protect you.” Tears leaked down his cheeks, and, to his chagrin, the two of them dragged him close, comforting him.

He drew back, rubbing hastily at his cheeks. “The fact that you can let me in at all is amazing. I will not let you down.”

“You don’t . . . I mean . . . now that you know . . . you don’t think less of us?” Keira rushed out the words at the end.

“Never,” he said fiercely. “Never, understand me? The two of you are strong. You’re survivors and you had no blame in this. None whatsoever. It was all on him. And he will pay, even if I have to spend the rest of my life tracking him down.”

“He could be searching for us,” Julian whispered. “We don’t know where he is. If he finds us—”

“I’ll protect you both. I’m going to call a security company I’ve used in the past, Raptor Inc. They’ll have bodyguards out here by tomorrow for you both—”

“Cole,” Keira said.

“I’ll also need to send someone to Colombia to work on tracking him—”

“Cole,” Julian tried to interrupt.

“I’ll find you another therapist—”

He stilled as Keira placed her lips against his. Her touch was gentle, but effective as he quieted. She drew back and gave him a sweet smile. “We appreciate that you want to protect us.”

“And we won’t object to you sending someone to try and track him down Julian added. “But we don’t need bodyguards.

“Or a new therapist,” she said quietly.