Diamonds and Daggers

Since he had no idea how much I paid Violet, I knew he was just letting off steam. “You’re coming back with me. Go pack a bag.”
“Rafe…” I didn’t get any further. He reached out and grabbed my hand. His eyes bored into mine and I saw, not for the first time, how much he cared.
“If anything happened to you…” He didn’t have to finish the sentence. I knew one thing. While I was in Rafe’s care, I’d be completely safe.

Rafe’s words floated across my mind. He’d told me that he wouldn’t let Sylvia hurt me, and I knew he wouldn’t. Still, I didn’t want to go through life safe only because I had a big, strong protector. Not that I minded having a big, strong protector. I was glad and flattered. But at some point, I needed to stand on my own two feet.

And then I found myself picked up once again and held against Rafe’s chest. I was even more like Scarlett O’Hara now, being carried into that beautiful mansion. And up those stairs.

He said, “Remember, any trouble at all, just call my name and I’ll hear you.”

I trust you with my life, my heart, everything I have to give.

I loved Gran with all my heart, but pitted against someone ruthless and violent, my sweet grandmother who’d spent her life running a knitting shop didn’t seem like the best protector.

My voice was slightly shaky as I said, “Because you showed up so fast.
“I told you. All you had to do was cry my name and I’d come to you.”
“And did I?” I couldn’t even remember. I recalled the terrible pain and the light flashing in front of my eyes and then darkness. Had I cried out Rafe’s name on my way down?
“I heard you call me.”
Okay, I could make excuses all I liked, but when I had been falling into darkness, for all I knew the last word I would ever speak had been his name.

As sure as I’ve ever been of anything. I think my track record proves that I am nothing if not a faithful husband.

Marry me. At least then I’d have you under my roof. I could keep you safe.