Chapter 54
Blair barely had time to prepare herself before Roman’s mother, Eleanor, enveloped her in a warm embrace the moment she got within reaching distance. The embrace was warm and welcoming, and it surprised the hell out of Blair.
“Blair, darling.” Eleanor said as she pulled back, keeping Blair’s hands in hers as she scanned her over with a keen eye. “It’s so good to finally meet you face to face, though I wish it were under better circumstances.” Curving an arm behind Blair’s back.
Before Blair could respond, James Kingston stepped forward, his presence just as commanding as his son’s, though far less intimidating. “You gave us all quite the scare,” he said, his sharp gaze flickering to Roman. “I assume you’re handling this situation.”
Roman gave a curt nod. “It’s being handled.”
James sighed, rubbing a hand over his jaw. “I trust you are taking every precaution? This wasn’t just a random accident, not after it happening twice within twenty–four hours.”
“I know that,” Roman said tightly. “I’ve got Peters looking into it. Plus, Blair has protection.” Roman pointed to the men getting out of the second car, which included Ethan.
James gave a slow nod. “Good. Because from what you have told me, whoever this is, they aren’t just trying to intimidate, they’re trying to eliminate. And I don’t like that they’ve gotten this close to do exactly that.”
Blair shivered at the weight of his words. Eleanor immediately noticed and squeezed her hands gently. “Enough of this grim talk. Blair needs rest, not a security briefing.” She turned toward her son, leveling him with a look only a mother could give. “Roman, go to work.”
Roman frowned. “I’m not leaving her.”
Eleanor scoffed. “Nonsense. Blair is in good hands here. Between me and Rose, we’ll take care of her. You have an empire to run, and it won’t manage itself.”
Blair glanced up at Roman, watching as his lips pressed into a thin line. It was clear he didn’t want to leave.
“I’ll be fine, Roman,” Blair reassured him, squeezing his hand. “Your mum is right. You would only be watching me rest. There is nothing you can do.”
Roman’s grip on her tightened slightly before he exhaled, clearly unwilling but conceding. “If anything happens…” But seeing the benefit in heading to the office. He can focus on finding out who wanted to hurt Blair.
“We’ll call you immediately,” Eleanor finished for him. “Now go. Blair’s security is here.”
James clapped a firm hand on Roman’s shoulder. “Your mother is right. She always is, well that’s what she tells me, anyway. You’ve done what you can for now. Get back to the office.”
Roman looked like he wanted to argue, but thought better of it. With one last lingering glance at Blair, he leaned down, brushing a soft kiss against her lips. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Blair smiled, warmth spreading through her at the gesture. “I know.” It had to be more than just warm regard. He had been so caring and worried about her.
With one last wary glance at his family, Roman finally turned and made his way toward the door. Blair could see the tension in his shoulders as he walked out, as though leaving her behind was the last thing he wanted to do.
Eleanor linked her arm through Blair’s as she led her further inside. “Now, let’s get you settled, dear. You need proper rest, and I suspect my son has been hovering over you since the moment this happened.”
Blair laughed softly. “You wouldn’t be wrong.” She felt that he blamed himself. Everything had been fine until they had started seeing each other… sleeping together. What had changed?
Rose appeared at the foot of the staircase, grinning. “Oh, we know. And now that he’s gone, we can have some fun. Welcome to the family, Blair.”
Blair gave a tentative smile. She had spoken to Rose a few times on the phone, usually when she called the office looking for Roman, but this was their first face–to–face meeting. And now, standing in Roman’s home with the Kingston family, of the man she was sleeping with, engaged to… even, Blair felt a wave of nervous energy ripple through her.
Rose, however, didn’t give her time to overthink it. She strode forward and pulled Blair into a quick, gentle hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay. Roman’s been acting like a lunatic, and when that man starts pacing, be warned if you see him do that there is going to be murder.”
Blair laughed, easing a little. That sounds about right.” She had seen Roman pacing at the office normally when someone had messed up.
Rose pulled back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Don’t worry, though. You’re officially under my protection now. And I fully plan to take advantage of your presence here to get all the dirt on my big brother.”
Blair raised a brow. “That sounds like something my sister Keira would say.”
Rose grinned. Then she and I are going to get along just fine.”
Something in Rose’s tone, the lightness, the unfiltered wit, it put Blair at ease. She could already imagine Keira and Rose teaming up, full of sarcasm and playfulness. It was weird how easy this felt.
Eleanor returned with a soft throw blanket and motioned to the cozy sitting room off the main hallway. “Come on, let’s get you off your feet. I’ll make tea, and Rose will entertain you with embarrassing Roman stories.”
“Oh, I’ve got an arsenal,” Rose said with a dramatic wink. “Then you can tell us what you know.”
Blair followed them, her steps slower than usual, but steadier with each passing moment. Maybe being surrounded by Roman’s family wasn’t going to be as overwhelming as she’d feared.
AD
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