Rafe folded his hands together like he wanted to toss a baseball. Galen stood and paced as Rafe said, “I’m guessing jealousy or money. As for how, that’s easier. Please sit.”
Galen glanced at them both and then took a deep breath, joining her on the couch. “Okay, I’m sitting.”
She squeezed his hand.
Rafe took his tablet and flipped through pictures until he stopped at one of them. “These are photos of you two.”
She met Galen’s gaze. His dark eyes were intense, but this time she understood. They both then turned toward Rafe. “Our first real date.”
He flipped the pictures forward and showed them another picture of Alison and Rocco. “Rocco showed up the next morning, right after we went skating.”
Her heart felt like it stopped. She’d let that man, that killer, in her apartment. She should have known better. Her parents taught her better.
Her mind screamed at her that she could be dead.
Galen stroked her arm and brought her back to the present. “And here he is at five that morning, with Alison.”
She swallowed, unsure of what she’d see, but Rafe flipped the picture and she recognized the parking lot she flew through every morning while she skated. Her throat tightened and she managed to say, “That’s super creepy. They were both at the park?”
Galen touch on her arm warm made her feel safe. “I’ll build you a skating park over the basketball court that I never use anyhow.”
Right. She needed to be brave and not let crazy win. She blinked and prayed her logic returned. “So it’s clear she handed him cash. How do you know its purpose?”
“I have a confession that you were to be the target.” Rafe put the tablet down and continued, “Rocco is in custody now, though it’s possible one of his associates will continue the job.”
At least Rocco would never get the chance to grab her again. She nodded even though she wasn’t sure what she was agreeing to. Galen said, “These photos don’t explain how you know. What if she paid him for something else?”
A fresh round of goosebumps grew on her goosebumps. Galen might be right.
Rafe gave them a curt nod. “As I said, my detective friends already have a full confession from Mr. Dubois. He was paid to kidnap you and sell you for the highest bid he could get. She even paid for the auction the Perez family intended to hold.”
The mental image of what he just said played in her mind. Her skin felt clammy and her nose wrinkled. “Ick.”
Galen hugged her and his closeness was all that mattered.
Rafe said, “Alison wanted you out of Galen’s life.”
Perhaps she regretted what happened in their past, but that didn’t matter now. Natalie was happy where she was.
An idea formed in her mind. No one was going to get to her and she’d never be that stupid again. She sat straighter, stared at Galen and then leaned forward. “Is she desperate for that?”
“Probably,” Rafe said.
An idea formed. Would it work? It had to. Confidence gave her courage. “Galen, I think you need to get me a ring today, and we need to put in the papers the biggest wedding announcement we can.”
His eyes narrowed but he didn’t move. “What are you saying? You still want to marry me?”
Last night should have convinced him she wasn’t going anywhere. “Yes, I do, Galen. So how about we set a trap for your ex? If she wants to stop us then she can stop our wedding. Can we have a small but well-publicized wedding tomorrow with enough security in place so we’re good?” She couldn’t imagine living her life under threat.
Galen’s brow furrowed. He had to understand she needed him in her life and in time he’d see what he felt was love, but for now they had to stop his ex and her plan would force Alison’s hand.
At last Galen said, “I’ll have my mother get the vendors Damien used for his quick wedding.”
Once Rafe left, she’d explain to Galen if he didn’t understand. Pride filled her at finally being able to do something to help herself and Galen. “Somehow, I’d like my parents here for a few hours, if we are getting married.”
“I’ll have my security team arrange it with the hospital,” Rafe said.
Good. Her mother wanted to see her wedding and she couldn’t do this without both of her parents.
