The comforting rumble of the car’s engine started up, and as Mack drove us back to Roman’s house, I didn’t dare look back.
Not even when I thought I heard the muffled sound of a gunshot in the distance.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
KATHERINE
It had been about twenty minutes since we had arrived back at the mansion and were waiting in the study for my father his men to return.
While Drew and Mack talked quietly by the bookshelf across the room, Pearl and I were relaxed back into the deep, pillowy cushions of the couch with ice packs on our faces and my shoulder.
“Tell me about your new life in Oklahoma,” Pearl inquired softly.
As I filled her in, I couldn’t help but notice the dark bags beneath her eyes and how her voice had softened with each question she asked. Even though the last few days were catching up with her, she was still more than eager to know about my life.
So, I spared no detail.
I told her about Leah and how we’d met.
I told her about the self-defense classes with Drew, and then how I’d pushed him away because I was scared.
But Drew never gave up on me. He fought for me to give him another chance and then stayed by my side when Adrian found me.
Recounting it all, I realized that fear had prevented me from finding any true happiness in life.
As I looked into Pearl’s kind, blue eyes—despite what Adrian had done to her—she hadn’t lost her spirit. She was still here, holding on to my every word. And the small smile that formed the wrinkles around her mouth made me grateful for that.
After I caught her up on everything in the last year, Pearl motioned over to Drew.
“You got yourself a good one there.” She gave a knowing smile. “Easy on the eyes, too.”
I stole a glance at Drew who leaned against a bookshelf with his arms crossed over his chest, nodding at whatever Mack said.
I shamelessly admired the bulge of his biceps as they peeked out of his short-sleeve shirt. That combined with the smattering of dirt along his jaw, he looked dangerous and utterly handsome.
I practically melted in my seat.
As if he could feel my gaze on him, he looked over at us and winked.
Swoon.
A blush heated along my cheeks. The corners of my mouth pulled upward. I couldn’t help it. His smile alone made butterflies flutter inside me.
I brought a hand up to my chest as a familiar warmth spread there.
“I’m just glad you found someone worthy of you,” Pearl said. My attention moved back to her. “Someone like that is few and far between. They’re worth holding on to. Fromwhat little I’ve seen between you both, your love is genuine, and I’m so happy for you. Your mother would be proud.”
Her supportive words brought tears to my eyes, and I nodded. Mom would be proud of me, and I wished she were here with us.
The slam of a car door outside made us all turn toward the open doorway. Drew and Mack flanked Pearl and me as footsteps approached out in the hall.
A few seconds later, Roman walked into the study alone. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, exposing his forearms. Despite the dirt and the few drops of blood that stained his shirt, he looked unharmed and slightly annoyed.
When his hard, dark brown gaze landed on mine, his features softened.
“I’m glad to see you’re all right.” Roman’s gaze shifted to Pearl beside me. “I’m sorry for all the trouble you went through for helping my daughter, but I’m glad she had you to look after her when I couldn’t.”
“It’s a shame you couldn’t.” Pearl kept her chin high as she addressed him. “But we all make mistakes. It’s what we do to fix those mistakes that matter. Taking care of that troubled young man was a start.”
