The Heir Affair (Las Vegas Nights 5)

After taking all this into consideration, she’d decided to make her break in the wee hours of the morning. Like the escapees in any good movie, she stripped the bed and made a rope of sheets she could tie to the bed leg and dangle out the window. To her relief Craig hadn’t thought about nailing the window shut.

A quick glance at the clock radio on the nightstand showed her it was nearly seven in the evening. Had anyone wondered why she hadn’t checked in? Nate had taken Mia to visit his mother in Texas this morning. They would be too busy to think about her. As for Trent and Savannah, Craig had her phone and could have texted them that everything was fine.

That left Kyle.

The way she’d treated him the night before, she wouldn’t be surprised if he never wanted to see or speak to her again. Except that wasn’t his style. Especially now that she was carrying his daughter. But how long before he reached out? And even if he did, what sort of vile messages would Craig send in her stead? Would Kyle believe them? She hadn’t exactly fallen into his arms after he told her he loved her.

In the long hours that she’d paced this room, she’d realized just how stupidly she’d been behaving. Why hadn’t she listened

to Kyle when he told her that Hunter was interfering in their relationship? Damn. Why had she let Hunter kiss her? Kyle had every right to be furious.

She had so much to make up for. She only hoped when she got out of this mess, he would be willing to give her another chance.

A faint noise sounded downstairs. Melody began to realize how she’d attuned herself to the silence, searching for anything that would indicate Craig was still in the house, until she heard...voices? Someone was here. She ran to the bedroom door and began pounding on it. Were her frantic cries loud enough to penetrate the door and reach the people below? Regardless of who they were, surely they would be curious about the noise.

She barely heard the sound of the padlock being removed, but then the door was opening. Heart pounding, terrified that it was Craig and not someone who could help her, she retreated. When Kyle’s face appeared in the opening, pale and haggard with worry, she covered her mouth and then rushed at him.

His arms came around her body, crushing the breath from her lungs. Burying her face in his neck she held on for dear life while he soothed her with gentle reassurances.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, stroking her hair. “You’re safe.”

“Where’s Craig?”

“Some friends of mine are taking care of him downstairs.”

“I can’t believe you found me.” It was hard to get the words out between gulping breaths.

“I’m sorry it took so long.” His hands drifted up and down her back while his strong body absorbed her shaking. “Are you okay? He didn’t hurt you, did he?”

She shook her head. “No. I’m fine.”

As if not believing her claim, he held her at arm’s length. His gaze immediately went to the side of her face where Craig had struck her. She put her fingertips over the spot and couldn’t meet his eyes.

“Did he do that to you?”

“I’m fine. Really.” She touched his face, her eyes pleading with his. “I love you. I’m so sorry for what happened last night.”

“Last night?” He blinked as if he couldn’t figure out what she was talking about.

“You told me you loved me and I ran away.” She swept tears from her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Again. I’ve been so stupid. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” He cupped her face. “I’ve been in love with you since that day at the bagel place when you twisted your ankle and I kissed cinnamon and sugar off your lips. I’m sorry I haven’t told you that every day since.”

He’d always treated her with such devoted affection. Why had it been so important for her to hear the words? How much heartache could’ve been avoided if she’d just believed they truly belonged together.

“Let’s get out of here.”

Melody nodded her agreement and let Kyle guide her down the stairs. Four large men dressed in impeccable black suits and black shirts watched her approach.

“These men are from Wolfe Security,” Kyle explained as they neared the bottom.

One of them stepped forward as she and Kyle moved into the foyer. He stood significantly over six feet tall. “You okay, ma’am?”

“Fine.” Melody couldn’t help glancing at Craig.

He was seated on the floor in the archway that led to the living room, hands bound behind his back, staring into space. Melody shrank against Kyle as Craig glanced toward her.

“Make them understand I did it because I love you,” he said.