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Kindle Notes & Highlights
by
Tessa Hale
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December 2 - December 8, 2024
“Do you have anything that you want to bring with you?” I glanced around the space. There wasn’t much. But I needed to take what I could in case I had to run. My gaze settled on my cat. “I can’t go without Briar.” There wasn’t anyone who would care for her without me here. Colt studied my feline. Briar bared her teeth at him.
Colt sucked in a breath, and I froze. Dumb, dumb, dumb. I hadn’t been paying attention. Too lost in the possible taste of freedom. And my shirt had ridden up, exposing the black and blue marks along my side. Slowly, I straightened and turned to face Colt. His eyes were fixed on my side, as if he could still see the marks. The gold in his irises glowed like fire. “Who. Hurt. You?”
Years of reasoning away black and blue marks had ingrained the response. Colt’s nostrils flared as he struggled to get his breathing under control. “There’s a shoe mark on your damn ribs.” Shit. This was why I kept my distance from the people around me. Then they couldn’t see what my life had become. But Colt was different. He’d always seen more.
Even though we’d only seen Colt and Andrew when they’d spent their summers in a cottage not far from our house in Michigan, he could see it all. But after my father’s funeral, Maryanne had moved us almost instantly. I’d begged her to tell Andrew where we were going, but she’d refused, saying, “You think they want anything to do with you? They only cared about your father. We’re nothing to them.” And there was a part of me that had started to believe we had been nothing because this was the first time I’d seen any sign of the Carringtons. But as I took stock of the fury still raging in Colt’s
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I moved closer to him, wanting to reach out and touch him, but it had been so long. It felt like I didn’t have the right anymore. “Please. I just want to go.”
The moment he encircled me, images flashed in my mind. Colt and I when we were younger, playing in a creek near my old house, him splashing me with a wild laugh. Then another image. Us, middle-aged, dressed in evening wear and dancing across a ballroom, the gold in his eyes glowing. “I love you, LeeLee.” I blinked against Colt’s chest. I was officially losing it. I’d gone from imaginary friends to an entire imaginary life. Colt’s arms didn’t loosen as he held on to me, and slowly, my body relaxed, melting into his embrace. For the first time in years, I felt safe.
makeshift dresser. I moved to the other end, pulling away one of the boxes to reveal a small hole in the wall. My hand reached inside and felt for the small box. It was all I had left of my dad. A couple of photos and the only mementos Maryanne hadn’t stolen to be hocked or thrown away. My fingers closed around the ornate wooden box. I knew the feel of it by heart, taking it out every time I missed my dad.
I’d found a vet that offered discounted vaccines to animals that had been adopted, and I took her there once a year. Colt grabbed the kennel in the corner and opened it.
Colt just chuckled. “She really doesn’t like me.” “Sorry,” I mumbled. “She hasn’t had much of a chance to meet other people.” “She will now.” My stomach twisted at that. I wasn’t used to people. How long had it been since I’d talked to anyone other than people at the diner or my mother when she was ordering me around or berating me? I honestly didn’t know.
Colt reached out and squeezed my hand. “This is going to be good.” A buzz traveled up my arm like a low hum of energy. Colt’s eyes locked with mine, glowing again, and I sucked in a breath. I opened my mouth to say something, but a shriek cut me off.
My feet were moving before my brain gave them the command, charging toward the house and up the back stairs that looked as if they could give out at any moment. Colt called my name, but I didn’t listen. I knew better than anyone just how vicious Maryanne could be, and I wasn’t going to leave Ronan to deal with her, even if he was a stranger.
Ronan didn’t even blink. He simply pointed to the paperwork on the counter. “Sign, and we’ll be out of your hair.” Maryanne whirled on me. “What do you think you’re doing, you sniveling little bitch? You think you can suck me dry all these years and not pay me back? You owe me.”
“One more word…” Ronan’s voice held a tremor that vibrated throughout the room. Maryanne’s eyes widened, and she went pale. “W-who are you?” “You know,” he growled. “You’ve always known. But still, you crossed us.” My brows furrowed. None of that made sense. “S-she’s not one of you.” “Shut up,” Colt snapped, striding into the room. “You’re a damned waste of space. Sign the papers, or I’ll make your life a living hell. You know I can do it.”
“Take her.” Maryanne turned those hate-filled eyes on me. “But don’t you ever come back. You’re dead to me.” I met her stare, not looking away. “Being dead to you would be sweet relief.” A growl rumbled out of Ronan’s throat. “What the fuck is all the racket?” Chuck bit out as he lumbered into the kitchen.
My body trembled. “You broke his arm,” I whispered. “He should’ve broken his fucking neck,” Ronan growled. Colt cupped my cheek, turning me toward him. “Are you okay?” “I-I don’t know.” “Breathe with me, okay?”
But the truth was, Colt could never be a stranger. So, I let myself be lulled into the warmth of his hold. And Colt didn’t let go. I didn’t even bother asking where we were going. I didn’t care, just as long as it was away from my living nightmare.
We’d come to a stop on the tarmac of what looked like a small airport. And there sat a sleek private plane with two men standing outside, almost looking as if they were guarding it. I glanced at Colt. “Are we taking that?”
“Welcome back, Mr. Carrington,” a feminine voice purred. My head jerked in the direction of the sound. A woman in a tight uniform and made up to perfection sent Colt a sultry smile. I had the instant urge to deck her. I swallowed back the instinct.
“Mr. O’Connor. Welcome.” Her gaze roamed over his body in an intimate way that had that same feral urge to warn her off flaring inside me. My fingers curled into my palms, my nails pressing into the skin there. Ronan simply grunted and kept moving.
Ronan moved to the opposite bench, settling Briar’s carrier in the seat and securing it with the seat belt. Something about the gesture tugged at my heart. That this gruff guy would go the extra step to make sure my beloved cat was safe. Briar rewarded him with a loud hiss. Ronan’s brows rose. “Not exactly the cuddly type, I take it.” I winced. “I guess not.”
“Your arm, the scratches are gone.” Colt stiffened next to me. “Told you they weren’t bad.” “But you were bleeding. Now they’re just…gone.” Colt lowered his arm so that it was out of my sight. “I can bleed a lot from just a little nick.”
“Ronan,” Colt growled. “Sorry, it’s just hilarious. She gets worse and worse.” “It’s not like I’m the only one. Don’t think I missed her propositioning you for a quickie in the back bedroom on the way out here,” Colt muttered. My stomach roiled as my gaze shot to Ronan. His eyes locked with mine, something unreadable in them. “You know I’m not interested. Not sure she’s gotten that through her head, though.” Colt sighed. “I’m going to have to let her go.”
I was putting my foot in my mouth every two seconds around these two. I cleared my throat. “I just meant, I’m glad to have a fresh start.” I cast a look at Colt. “I know you lived most of the year on the East Coast. Was it Maine?” Colt shoved the bottle into his cupholder. “Rhode Island.” He seemed to force the tension from his face. “Our place is right on the beach. You’ll love it.” I glanced at Ronan. “You live there, too?” He nodded. “We all do.” My heart thudded a little harder. “All?” The corner of Ronan’s mouth kicked up. “The four of us. Me, Colt, Dash, and Trace.”
My stomach twisted, nerves setting in. “And your dad’s okay with this?” Colt’s footsteps faltered as we hit the pavement, an unreadable expression passing over his face. “My dad passed away last year.” My chest constricted, and I grabbed Colt’s hand on instinct. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
A million questions filled my head. I wanted to know what happened and how. I wanted to know who was taking care of Colt. But now wasn’t the time. So, I just held on.
“Colt,” Ronan snapped. Colt’s hold on me tightened. Ronan moved in closer. “Get yourself under control.” Colt’s grip on me loosened, and he stepped back. But when he did, I gasped. “Your eyes.” It wasn’t the subtle flecks of glowing gold from this afternoon. His eyes were on fire.
Home. Would this place be that for me? It had been so long since I’d felt that kind of peace. But somewhere deep, a flicker of hope lit.
It was then that I saw four more people in black—three men and one woman. Two waited by the SUV while the others seemed to patrol the area. I didn’t miss the weapons holstered on their hips. “Who are they?” I whispered.
“You gonna be able to handle this?” Ronan asked so softly I could barely make out the words. Colt jerked his head in a nod. “I just need to acclimate. I’ll be used to things in a few days.” Used to what? My being here? It made sense that my presence would screw with things. Especially if he was used to living with his friends. Guilt pricked at me.
Colt’s back teeth ground together. “You don’t mess with anything. I’ve wished you lived with us from the day we met. I want you in my life. Every part of it.” My heart squeezed. “Oh.” The corner of his mouth kicked up. “Yeah, oh.”
Ronan turned as if he could feel my stare. Our gazes locked, and suddenly, I couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe. That pain was there now, in those rich amber eyes. Gold glowed in their depths, and I knew without a shadow of a doubt, there were places we were undeniably the same. We hit a speed bump, and the moment was broken.
“I have to tell my boss I left. She’ll worry if I don’t show up.” Colt’s expression softened, and he handed me his device. It was too late to call, but I typed out a text to the number I had memorized, letting Betsy know where I was and that I’d call when I’d saved up enough money for a phone of my own. I stared down at the screen, tugging my lip between my teeth. She’d still worry, but hopefully, this would lessen it.
The house in front of me was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Because it wasn’t a house at all. It was more like a palace. Floor after floor of white brick with massive windows on every story that were flanked by black shutters. Immaculate landscaping surrounded it with grounds that seemed to go on forever. It was the most beautiful home I’d ever seen, and one thing was for certain. I didn’t belong here.
The house aka palace
I was used to my junkyard safe haven and ramen noodles made on a camp stove. The only reason my little home had been mice free was thanks to Briar. I pulled her carrier out of the vehicle. Even she was quiet, as if she were taking it all in, too. Colt beamed at me as he rounded the Range Rover. “Welcome to The Nest.”
A nest was cozy, simple. This place was anything but.
“Colt, Ronan, welcome home. We’ve missed you.” There was something about the man that immediately set me at ease. The curve of his mouth instantly read as genuine, and the lines around his eyes told me he made the motion often. “And you must be Leighton. I’ve heard so much about you. Welcome to The Nest.” “Thank you.” My words came out as more of a hoarse whisper. “This is Baldwin. He runs the ship around here,” Colt explained.
Baldwin
so that we can get them stocked. Colton told me you’re partial to mac and cheese and Twix bars, so we’ve got those.” I sent Colt a look, and his cheeks reddened. “I remembered those from when we were little,” he explained. A small smile pulled at my lips. “I still love them.”
this must be Briar. I’ve got belongings set up for her in your suite. Will you allow me to get her settled?” He took the carrier from me as he glanced at the guys. “Dash and Trace are in the lounge.” Colt’s lips thinned. “I was hoping they’d be asleep.” My fingers curled into my palms, nails digging in. It was two in the morning.
Baldwin sent me an encouraging smile. “I’ll get the princess settled and leave a snack in your room in case you’re hungry. I’ve stocked the bathroom with toiletries, but if you have specific requests, just let me know.” I wanted to laugh. Specific requests? I used the showers at school and their harsh, stinging soap so that I didn’t have to risk showering at home. Whatever Baldwin had left in the bathroom, I was sure it was a million times better than what I was used to.
The first one lounged back on the sofa, one ankle crossed over his knee. There was nothing welcoming in his demeanor, yet I couldn’t help but stare. He was probably the most beautiful human being I’d ever seen. Black hair was shorn close to his head on the sides and longer up top. My hand itched to feel the buzzed sides prickle against my palm. His face was all angular perfection, with a sharp jaw and cheekbones. But it was the eyes that did me in. Violet orbs that seemed to swirl in deepening shades as he took me in. But that gaze was filled with nothing but judgment and cold disinterest.
Trace—unwelcoming/ gaze of disinterest n judgment, most beautiful human, black hair shaved on sides long on top, angular face of perfection, strong jaw, violet eyes, lip ring, tattooed hands, darkness swirling in him along with a deep sadness
His sandy brown hair lay in an artful disarray that had me wanting to tame it with my fingers. Deep blue eyes were framed by black glasses that gave him a sexy professor sort of look. As he moved, his tee pulled tight across a muscled chest. He grinned at me, and my stomach instantly tightened with a pull somewhere deep. “Whoa. You’re gorgeous,” the guy mumbled.
Dash—sandy brown hair in artful disarray, deep blue eyes framed by black glasses, sexy professor look, muscled chest, easy n warm smile
“Hi,” I said, so quietly I wasn’t sure he’d even heard me. Dash’s expression instantly softened. “Glad you’re here.” Warmth hit my chest. It was the first time since I’d stepped out of that SUV that I actually felt welcome. Violet eyes scoffed, and Colt sent a look of warning in his direction. “Trace…” The guy wasn’t cowed.
I hated how Trace talked about me, as if I weren’t even here. But I hated even more that he was probably right. This world of wealth and power was one I knew nothing about. I was sure it could be brutal and vicious. But he didn’t know I had a superpower. I was invisible.
He shoved to his feet, glaring at his friend. “You’re making a huge mistake. And you won’t realize just how badly you’ve fucked up until it’s too late.” Trace turned and stalked out of the room before Colt could respond. Dash smiled. It was the kind of smile that was easy and warm. “That went better than I thought.” I turned to Colt. “Maybe this was a mistake.”
I glanced at Ronan, who’d been silent through the whole exchange. And I couldn’t help but wonder if he was on Trace’s side when it came to me. His gaze bored into me, but I couldn’t read what was behind those eyes. It was as if he’d lowered some sort of wall, and I was on the outside.
“Don’t let Trace get to you. He’s surly on a good day.” “I don’t want to make him uncomfortable in his own home.” “You’re not, I promise. He’s just got some baggage, and it’s coloring things now.” I wanted to press, curious about the guy with the haunting violet eyes. But I didn’t. I wouldn’t invade his privacy that way. Instead, I asked another question. “What about Ronan? Does he want me here?” Colt sighed as he climbed the stairs. “He wants you here, but he also doesn’t think it’s safe.” My steps slowed. “Are you in the mafia?”
Safe with Maryanne and Chuck was the last thing I was. Whatever the risks were here, at least I wasn’t dealing with them. “Thank you. I’m not sure why you did it, but thank you.”
your room. I remembered you used to like blue, so that’s what I told the designer.” “Designer?” “We had to get the place ready for you.” Colt came to a stop at a set of double doors.
LeeLee’s new room
But the item that stole my breath was the bathtub. How long had it been since I’d taken a bath? I didn’t even know. I hadn’t been able to let my guard down like that in years.
“Do you like it?” Colt asked. I turned slowly toward him, the pressure behind my eyes building. “This is too much,” I croaked. Colt grinned. “We’re just getting started.”
