“Thank you,” Luke said. “We can go.”
This time, the man gave Luke a chin lift then turned to shift the SUV into gear.
“Where are we going?” I asked my brooding rescuer.
“Home.”
Chapter Two
~ Luke~
I’d thought she was dead. I’d been banging on the window for almost a full minute before she’d finally moved. The whole time, my heart had been in my throat, terror gripping me that she wouldn’t wake up.
When I’d seen her wipe the frost from the window, I’d almost collapsed to my knees in thanks. It was so fucking cold here, and without any heat in the car, I was sure she’d have frostbite at least. I refused to think about the worst.
She was safe, and she was in my arms. And I was never letting her go again. She obviously couldn’t take care of herself. She was impetuous, spoiled and so God damned beautiful.
“What the hell were you thinking?” I asked finally, unable to let the silence stretch between us anymore. The SUV was taking us straight to the airport, and I couldn’t wait to get the hell out of this cold.
“I wasn’t,” she admitted. “I mean, I was. But I didn’t expect the car to break down. And I didn’t think my dad would actually cancel my credit card. And I certainly never imagined Em would send you to rescue me.”
“You shouldn’t have needed rescuing,” I hissed. “I know you were pissed at me for what you thought was me trying to control you. But you could have been seriously hurt out here.”
“I know,” she snapped, pulling away from me. “But fuck, Luke, for a minute, try to imagine what I’m going through. Please.”
“Oh, yes, tell me all about the hardship of someone who cares about you trying to protect you.”
“My father has been trying to arrange a marriage for me since I was fifteen. The only reason it didn’t happen is because my mom protected me from it. But once I turned eighteen, the choice was taken away. The best I was offered was permission to finish college. I’ve spent my entire life being told what to do, who I could spend time with, where to go and how to act. I just wanted to escape all of it.” She shivered, and when I pulled her back against me, she didn’t fight it. “Luke, I just want to make my own decisions. I want to live my own life. Why can’t anyone understand that?”
My heart hammered in my chest. Fifteen? What in the actual fuck? How could this happen? I’d gathered she was from a culture that was stricter than I was accustomed to, but there were still laws in this country that prevented shit like that from happening. Weren’t there?
“I’m sorry,” I told her. “You warned me not to try to control you, and I didn’t listen. And you’re right. I don’t understand your situation. But when I told you to come to Las Vegas, it was only to keep you safe. I wasn’t planning to force you into a relationship with me.”
“I don’t want to depend on anyone,” she said softly. “It makes it easier for them to hold power over me.”
It was funny, but she held all the power between us. I wouldn’t move an inch without her permission. I didn’t know how to explain that to her, though, so I just let the silence take over again.
Letting her lead would be difficult. I was a take-charge kind of guy. I’d been running a multi-billion-dollar company since I was twenty-four. I had a staff of thousands. I was the oldest brother and had lorded it over my siblings their whole lives. I was bossy, controlling and demanding. And those skills would only serve to push away the one person I wanted most in the world.
“Will you come home with me?” I asked her.
“I don’t really know what you’re asking,” she admitted.
“Come to Las Vegas. I’ll get you an apartment.” She tensed, and I corrected immediately. “Or you can stay with my parents until you get on your feet. I can help you find a job. Emerson will be back soon, so you’ll have a familiar face.” I scrubbed a hand over my eyes before moving to wrap my arm around her again. “I’m not telling you to. I honestly just want to help you. My family can protect you.”
“Okay,” she whispered. “If you’re sure I won’t be an inconvenience.”
I snorted. She’d been nothing but inconvenient since the moment I’d met her. Taking off on me at the club. Running away from home and not coming to Vegas to let me protect her. Disappearing on the ship at Chase’s wedding. And now, breaking down in the middle of nowhere and calling Emerson instead of me.
“My family will love you.” How couldn’t they? I was pretty sure I already did.
We made it to the private airstrip taking care of the company jet. It had been hell to find one out here. Thankfully, my assistant, Roz, was the best in the world and had contacts I couldn’t even imagine.
The jet was fueled up and ready for us, so I helped Laura out of the car and let the driver bring the bags aboard for us. I tipped him several hundred dollars and asked him not to tell anyone he’d seen us. He agreed, promising Laura’s car would be taken care of and the shop would call my office directly to make arrangements.
As Laura boarded the plane, the driver pulled me aside.
“Sir,” he whispered. “When I was gathering the young lady’s things, I noticed a flashing light under the passenger side dash.” He hesitated. “I believe it was some sort of tracking device.”
I nodded. Why did that not surprise me.
“You left it there?” I confirmed.
“Yes, sir,” he assured me.
“Thank you for letting me know.” I peeled off another two hundred dollars and handed it to him.
“Have a safe flight, sir,” he said, tipping his cap to me before heading back to the warmth of
