The right man for her.
Could that be possible? Could she, Eliza Birmingham, have finally been led to the right man? A man who wasn’t put off by the scar on her chest, her legs, or her effusiveness? A man who wasn’t hiding anything from her?
“Thank you,” she breathed in a prayer.
“Lizzy?” Chase hurried back out of the bathroom, his blue eyes filled with concern.
“I’m fine,” she reassured him.
“Okay.” He visibly relaxed. “I’ll wait in the bedroom while you get ready.”
“Should I shower and get ready for the day?”
His brow knit. “Let’s wait and see what we’re going to do today.”
His tone made it evident he didn’t plan on touring around while there might be danger. Could they hunker down in the house and simply be together? Yet she’d been attacked in this very room. It made her sick to think one of their guards might be in on the attack.
Lizzy smiled at him and hurried into the bathroom. She used the bathroom, washed her hands and her face, brushed her teeth, combed out the rat’s nest in her hair, and put on minimal makeup. Finally, she walked into the attached closet and changed out of her pajamas and into a T-shirt and flowing pants.
Chase’s phone rang, and she heard him answer. Easing to the bathroom door, she opened it, hoping not to disturb him but to get some answers. His back was to her, and his posture was rigid.
“You swear to me this wasn’t you?” Chase demanded.
Lizzy stepped farther into the room.
Chase turned, his expression softening when he saw her. He gestured her over, and she went willingly. He held his phone out with his right hand and pushed the speaker button, then took her right hand with his left and squeezed it gently.
“Brandon, I have Lizzy here. Will you please repeat what you just said?”
“Lizzy! Ah, Lizzy, I’m sick about all of this,” Brandon rushed out. “I swear to you this wasn’t me or my men. I like to pull pranks, but I’d never do something like this. Rock was up all night and woke me early this morning. We’ve been on with Aiden Porter, Sutton Smith, and the FBI.”
Chase studied her, very serious.
“We believe that Grady Worthen flew into Salzburg yesterday morning,” Brandon continued. “The man in custody, a Tate Heiner, former Army lieutenant, admitted to being lifelongfriends with Worthen and attacking you for him. Heiner pretended to be a lost Uber driver and distracted Joshua while Worthen knocked him out. They tied him up, used his face to open his phone and retrieve the password to your front door, then Worthen watched the cameras and instructed Heiner when to sneak in and come for you.”
It was a lot of information to process. There were answers there, but also terrifying information. “Grady Worthen is here?” she squeaked out, leaning against Chase as the room started to spin.
Chase released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, pulling her in close. His strength and support helped her stay upright. The knife wound on her chest ached, and she rubbed at it.
“He may be in the vicinity, but I assure you he’s being hunted down. We will keep you safe, Lizzy. Chase will keep you safe.”
She glanced up at Chase. That last line, she believed. This man had worn a blindfold until he gained her trust and then he’d told her she was beautiful inside and out. He’d come for her when she needed him most, and his blue eyes swore to protect her. Chase was a gift from heaven above.
“Can you two hunker down there today while we get more help?” Brandon continued. “Sutton Smith has operatives in Italy who are headed your way. We’ll catch Worthen and you can finish your week out together. Unless you’d rather come back to America. We can get you in protective custody, Lizzy, or hire more men to protect you around the clock.”
Lizzy was overwhelmed by all of this. Her anxiety spiked. The only thing that felt solid was Chase. She prayed for help and insight.
“Up to you,” Chase said softly. “I’ll stay with you no matter what you decide.”
She felt his devotion deeply. How long would he stay by her side? Did she dare hope forever?
“I want thatSound of Musictour,” she murmured.
Chase smiled.
“And I want to be with you even more,” she admitted.
His smile grew.
