7

Monica was on pins and needles after Kiera broke and told her what was going on. She worried for James, but not as much as she would’ve. She felt better knowing that both Garret and Jared were there with James and his father. It was almost dinner time by the time they came back. Kiera ran to Garret and he led her out to the garden. Jared rolled his eyes but let it slide. John left James in the hall with Monica.

“Why wouldn’t you tell me.”

“And have you worried like you were?”

“Garret told Kiera.”

“They are too open with each other.”

“He was in her room last night.”

“Again?”

“They just talked.”

“Oh?”

“I heard what he said to her and now I’m kind of envious of what they have.”

“Most people are. If they aren’t meant to be together then I don’t think there is a thing such as soul mates.”

“No kidding.”

“I will be honest and open with you, but I didn’t want to tell you, and have you come over and possibly get hurt.”

“I understand why you did it, but it doesn’t mean I like it.”

“We will have to sit down and explore possibilities now that we are to be married.”

“I agree.”

Before they continue the conversation, Kiera ran in from the garden screaming and Jared had a pistol drawn. John came out and asked what happened.

“A man came out of nowhere. He jumped us. Garret told me to get inside.”

“Dale wouldn’t…”

“It’s not Dale. They are here for her. I am so sorry, your grace.”

“Don’t be, Jared. Kiera, where is Garret?”

“Out there.”

John and Jared cautiously approached the door in time to Garret snap the would-be kidnapper’s neck. He threw the man off of him and walked inside, pushing past them. He walked up to Kiera and took her in his arms. She clung to him and everyone in the room knew she would be safe. John looked at his son.

“Garret, you just killed a man and you don’t even seem phased.”

“It was him or her. Choice was easy.”

“Garret, you killed him?”

“Yes. Would have done the same to Dale that day if I had to.”

Garret then led Kiera upstairs to rest. Jared followed to speak with them both.

Monica stared in shock as law officials took the body away. Garret killed a man for her. James almost seriously hurt Dale for her and broke off the engagement to protect her. She never felt the tender strings tug her heart like this before. As she looked at John and Candice, she could see that the Bradford men would do anything for the women they loved. James came up behind her and she turned to face him.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah. I just can’t believe he killed him.”

“Father once said if he didn’t have Kiera, he was afraid of Garret turning pirate.”

“I believe it.”

Olivia stood in shocked as the body was carried out and she ran from the room. Candice went to go after her until she saw Jared walk after her. She knew the way Olivia felt about Jared. A mother could hope for her children. Monica saw Jared holding Olivia and calming her nerves. Garret was doing the same to Kiera, but for a different reason. She was no longer safe here.

“Kiera. You could always stay with me at my place. It’s just next door, but if they try again here, you won’t be here, and they may not know where to look next.”

“That’s actually not a bad idea. If you are not here, they may try London next.”

“Garret, I…”

“I will ask to go with you.”

“Thank you. And thank you, Monica.”

John and Jared agreed. Men and a few women to hired to take the girls places. Olivia was also being moved to Rydellshire. Daniel was a generous host and Sophie took Kiera to a hidden room upstairs to stay in. Garret hardly left her side, so he almost never left the room.

Over the next couple of weeks, the attacks increased, but were all dealt with. Monica and James learned much about each other and they got closer. James was now being a bit reckless; sneaking her into the garden or other private places to steal a few kisses. Monica found she had this desire for James. Around him, she had this feeling she had never felt before. They knew each other for some time, but now they both realized they had sexual desires for each other. They wanted to act on them, but James was gentleman and Monica was grateful.