Page 42 of Hidden Desire

She smiled. “And you think that’s a bad thing?”

Robert growled, yanked her against his chest, bent his head, and kissed her. It went on and on and she thought they were close to stripping when the doorbell rang. She instantly stiffened.

“Easy. All you have to do is stay by my side and tell your father you love us and want to stay with your family here,” Robert told her.

Grace nodded. “I can do that.”

Robert reached into his pocket and pulled out her wedding ring. “This stays on.”

Even though his tone was gruff, she knew it was emotion—positive emotion. She watched him slide it on her finger. That little deed settled something in her. She was home and where she wanted to be.

Robert wrapped an arm around her waist. “Are you ready?”

Grace nodded. “Yes. Let’s get this over.”

One of the security men stood just inside and off to the side of the front door. The man’s eyes were glued to her father who stood stiff and angry.

“Are you ready?” Emmet said.

Robert squeezed her waist. She hadn’t realized she was shaking and just his grip was enough to settle her.

She shook her head. “No. I’m sorry I called you to come and get me. I misunderstood a few things.”

Her father scowled. “We can talk about this at home.”

“No. I’m not leaving my family.”

“I am your family, you stup—” Emmet stopped abruptly when Robert growled.

Emmet gritted his teeth. “Okay. You’re the only family I have left.”

She could tell Emmet was trying to look pitiful and sad, but she wasn’t buying it. “I’m sorry, but you’ll have to get used to it. I’m never going home with you. I’m married.” She raised her hand to show him the ring.

Grace stiffened when her father got the violent look he always had before hurting her. She realized he couldn’t touch her and that she’d never have to fear him again, especially with Robert and the other man standing there.

Robert kissed the top of her head. “Say goodbye to Emmet and go in the kitchen with Taylor. I want a word with your father before he leaves.”

Grace looked at Emmet. “Goodbye. I don’t ever want to see you again.” She turned and walked out. She heard her father start to yell, but it was abruptly cut off.

Grace stopped around the corner.

“I’m only going to tell you this once,” Robert said.

His tone was dark and cold, and she’d never heard it before and hoped he’d never use it with her.

“If I ever catch you around my family, I will take you down so fucking fast.”

Emmet snorted. “What exactly do you think you could ever do to me?”

“Hammond Project,” Robert said.

Grace didn’t understand, but it seemed her father did because it got eerily quiet for a moment.

“How…” her father started to say.

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is my family, and I’ll do anything to protect them,” Robert said. “Do you have any questions?”

She could hear her father get agitated by his mumbling.