15. Chapter Fifteen

15

Chapter Fifteen

Clara

W hen Rowan stopped us from going too far in the bathroom, and said we needed to talk, I'll admit it. I freaked out. I'm still unsure of what's going on. Rhett and I stayed in Rowan's room and had a movie day because we didn't know what to do. I'm now realizing that wasn't the best choice. I know logically Rowan isn't Preston. He's not going to reign down furry and fists on us. However, when he stopped me a few minutes ago my mind just slipped back into that fight or flight mode. Rowan leads us out of his bedroom door and stops in front of what I know is Declan's room. I'm so confused, but taking a calming breath and looking up at his relaxed face I follow him. He walks through the door pulling me behind him and hits the light switch on the wall .

My eyes practically bug out of my head. My brain can't compute what my eyes are seeing. This is definitely not Declan's room. The room itself is a mirror layout of Rowan's. Except for THIS room is a three year old little boy's dream room. The right side of the room is decorated with so much of those four turtles Rhett is obsessed with. Big murals of them in action are on the walls. A full sized bed complete with those same turtles on the bedspread, pillow, and stuffys of each one. A night stand with a small nightlight placed directly in the center of it. The dresser is on the wall closest to the bedroom door. The closet door is a little closer to the center of the massive room. The bed frame, night stand, and dresser are all a beautiful mahogany color. A white envelope sits on top of the dresser, but I don't dare touch it.

Instead my eyes flash to the left side of the room which looks like a play gym threw up in it. There's an indoor trampoline, a freaking rock wall, tumble mats, an indoor slide. My jaw is on the floor. Not to mention the overflowing toy box on the wall closest to what I'm assuming is the bathroom. When did they have time to do this? How? Why? I have so many questions. My eyes fly to Rowan's and on a choked sob I manage to get out, "What…What is this?"

Smiling he brings his big hand up, cupping the side of my neck, "It's Little Bear's room. He can sleep with us as long as he wants to, but he has his own room now, too. He has his own play set outside, and a pool he's free to swim in as long as one of us is out there with him. He can run around the house whenever and in whatever way he likes. So can you, I don't bring business in the front door. There's no meetings conducted in this house. You two don't have to tiptoe here." I let out a shuddering breath and feel a weight lift off my shoulders. He heard me last night and a few minutes ago.

Without me even having to actually say it, he heard me, and much to my surprise he fixed it. He's making it so we don't have to walk on eggshells, he didn't take his anger out on anyone or anything here last night. He wants us, just us, no strings, no conditions. He didn't say it but I know, now that I've opened my eyes to everything this wonderful man has said, and done for us it's clear as day. He loves us. "Thank you." I throw myself in his arms and his free hand instantly snakes around my waist to hold me tight. His lips meet mine in the most slow and sensual kiss he's ever given me. Every kiss is like the first all over again. When we finally pull apart he slowly opens his eyes and smirks, "There's one more thing."

Rowan picks up the white envelope and hands it to me. Perplexed, I look to the envelope then back to him. "Before you open I want you to know that this is just an option that was taken from you. You don't have to do anything with it, you're not going to offend anyone. I just want the option there if you want it." He's shuffling nervously now. His eyes are a little wild, and a lot resembling something akin to fear. Even more confused, I open the unsealed envelope and pull out a piece of paper folded in threes. I unfold and read it.

Before I can process what I'm reading Rowan cuts in, "It's just an appointment, we don't even have to go. I know you said your ex refused to let him get the surgery, I just want that to be your decision. The love I have for him wont change one way or another." I'm in pure shock. In my hand I'm holding an appointment confirmation for a consultation with the best Neurotologists on the East Coast in three weeks. Looking into Rowan's gorgeous green eyes all I can get out is, "There's no way." He's looking at me with so much love, but also so much hesitance. I wrap my arms around his neck and pull his lips down to mine, kissing him with every emotion pulsing through my body. I've never felt anything like this before, then it hits me like a freight train. I love this man, all consuming, give him everything we've got, trust him with our lives and safety kind of love.

* * *

I've started cooking to keep my mind off the whirlwind that is my life. Kieran and Rhett are off somewhere doing something. If I had to place my guess I'd say they're either in the gym or outside. Since Rhett has decided that other than Roe and I, his favorite person in the world is Kieran, he hasn't left him alone. Kieran's taken to working out outside lately while Rhett plays. As my attention turns back to the stove footsteps heading my way splits it again. I'll never get this Marsala done at this pace. Turning around to greet Roe I'm surprised to find not him, but his best friend and my former boss walking in the room.

"Mr. O'Brien." He gives me a million dollar smile that all the Byrne men and their associates seem to have.

"Please, Clara, call me Kellum or Kel. You don't work for me anymore and my best friend is obsessed with you."

Giving him a friendly smile I shake my head, "I'm sorry, of course Kellum. How can I help you?"

"I was actually looking for Roe, is he in his office?"

Turning back to the stove my head shakes. "No, he's actually out with Declan. Kieran, Mac, and the twins are here though." As if on cue the twins come barreling down the stairs and into the kitchen .

They hug me from each side and both kiss the top of my head, "Hey, Mama Bear. Need help?" I can't help but laugh at the ridiculous nickname Rowan's brothers have taken to calling me.

"No, thanks for asking. It's almost ready. Kellum stopped by to talk to Rowan."

Thinking about how this could look bad, me in the kitchen alone with a man, panic fills me. "I told him he wasn't here though. You can maybe help him, or maybe he can call him. I don't know, but that's all we talked about. He told me to call him Kellum, but I can still call him Mr. O'Brien. That's actually a good idea, I'll just do that." Turning my attention back to the stove for the third time, I can hear the guys talking behind me in hushed voices. Footsteps retreat back the way Kellum came. My body relaxes knowing he's gone. He's not a Byrne man so I'm not sure of the protocol. He also doesn't give me the same relaxed feeling as the others.

"Clara." Flynn's voice comes out gentle, but still startles me.

"I'm sorry I talked to him. I know you have to tell Rowan. It's okay, I don't want you to get in trouble. It's fine."

Flynn takes a minute before trying again, "Clara, you can talk to whoever you want to. Has Rowan said you can't? If he has tell me, I'll fuck him up for being an idiot."

Shock takes over my features as I look over to him. "No, I just know I'm not allowed to."

Footsteps come down the hall once again before Rowan appears. His big smile takes over his face as he lets out a "Pretty Girl." on an exhale. Making his way over to me and gathering me up in his arms, his face goes into my neck as he breathes in deep, "Dammit, I missed you. How was your day?"

Deciding to rip the band aid off especially while Rhett's outside I word vomit everything. Rushing out when I'm finished, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have spoken to him." Rowan's face is as hard as stone. Shit.

"Pretty Girl, you can talk to anyone you want. I'm not him, you can do what you want to." He tries to soften his expression but the only hint of softness is in his eyes, those are always soft for me.

"I'm sorry, it's a habit. I've probably scared away your best friend." This time he laughs and the hard lines of his face disappear.

"Good, he's been too needy recently. Do you need help with dinner?"

"No, I'm just about done."

"Okay, baby. I'll set the table." Without giving me a chance to respond he heads to the cabinets, and I'm reminded how kind this man really is under all his layers.

* * *

The days that follow are peaceful and somewhat normal. Rhett is obsessed with his new room, all his new toys, and most importantly his new Uncles, who worship the ground he walks on. The guys have a tutor who comes to teach them new signs five days a week and they all take it extremely seriously. It's a competition on who can learn quicker. Rowan is of course in the lead, but surprisingly Kieran is right behind him.

Rowan works from his home office except for the one time he had to go meet with some guy named Rossi. He answers whatever questions I have but I'm not much for digging into his business. What I am much for is getting out of this house. Rowan walks out onto the patio where I'm relaxing with a book while Rhett plays on his play set with Safe. Rhett didn't freak out about the loss of his turtle like I thought he would, Safe is the new obsession and we go nowhere without him.

Rowan walks up behind me and pulls on my ponytail so my head leans back and I'm looking up at him. "Hey, Pretty Girl. So I have to go handle an incident at one of our businesses. Killian and Nolan are going to stay here with you, you'll be safe, but call me if you need me. Let Rhett call me if he needs me."

I nod slightly, "Okay, I'll miss you."

He gives me that dirty smirk, "Maybe you can show me how much tonight." My spine tingles and my whole body heats. He chuckles then leans down and kisses me. "I'll see you soon, Pretty Girl."

Smiling a megawatt smile back at him, "I'll see you soon, handsome." He gives me one last lingering kiss before going over to Rhett to tell him bye, too.

I watch them exchange goodbyes, hugs, and a kiss to the top of the head from Rowan. As Rowan's walking away Rhett starts clapping. Confused, I meet Rowan's eyes, his look equally as confused as he turns around to Rhett.

"What's up, Little Bear?"

Rhett lifts his hands and solidifies that I need to tell Rowan how I'm feeling soon, because my four year old just beat me to it, "I love you. Be safe."

I see Rowan grab his chest and let out an emotional breath, "I love you too, Bear. Safe, Promise." He turns back to me and I swear I see the tears forming in his eyes. He locks eyes with me and takes a calming breath before quickly wiping his eyes and leaving.

It's been hours since Rowan left, and it seems all of his brothers are gone too. Rhett and I are bored, and tired of being cooped up in the house. I can't go back to work until Preston is found, Mr. O'Brien was so understanding about it, and I'm assuming that's because Rowan called him instead of me. It's been a weeks since the night at my apartment. Nothing has happened, it's been quiet. So Rhett and I decided to go scheming. We find Killian in the living room on the phone. His voice is hushed so I can't hear anything until he spots me and says, "Yeah, I got it. Soon. Okay, I'll call you later." and hangs up. "Hey, what's up?"

That was odd, but whatever. "So, did Rowan say we couldn't leave, or just that we can't leave without you and Nolan?"

Killian's eyebrow hitches, "The latter, why?" Smiling Rhett just watches between us. He's amazing at reading lips but Killian doesn't enunciate enough for Rhett to pick up on anything.

"Rhett and I want to go to the ice cream parlor by the apartment. It's our favorite, and we're going insane just being here." Killian doesn't acknowledge me but does type something on his phone.

When it pings with what I'm assuming is a response he nods at me. "Okay, Let's go." Rhett and I already have our shoes. Rhett is armed with Safe and myself with my purse.

We walk out to a black escalade, and I strap Rhett in then move to sit beside him. Killian drives and Nolan is in the passenger seat. They talk in hushed voices the whole way there and Rhett and I play with Safe and giggle together. When we arrive at the parlor Killian parallel parks in front of the shop, he and Nolan get out to survey the area. Once they deem it safe I unbuckle Rhett and move us inside. We get in line and get our favorite Mint Chocolate Chip in a waffle cone then make our way to a back table. Killian and Nolan sit in a seat across from us constantly scanning the small crowd.

We take our sweet time just enjoying being out of the house and people watching. Rhett's finishing up his ice cream when he gives me those puppy eyes he knows I'm a sucker for.

"Mama, can we go to the park?" Before I'm able to answer him I hear Killian's phone going off, then Nolan's. I turn and watch them just in time to see both their faces pale.

Nolan grits out, "I'm getting them back now." Killian finishes up with whoever he was talking to and they both turn to me with sunken expressions.

Nolan breaks the silence first, "Clara. We have to get back to the house now. It's the Boss." Grabbing Rhett and Safe we're rushed into the Escalade and before we pull off I hear "What the fuck." At the same time Nolan rolls the front window down and pulls Rhett's prized stuffed turtle off the windshield. Only instead of the turtle being in the same condition we last saw him, this time his head is missing and pinned to his shell is a piece of paper, ‘You can't hide from me.' We take off in the direction of Rowan's house, and I think every higher power that exists Rhett is still rear facing and has no idea what we've just discovered. Whatever is happening with Rowan we'll handle. Unless one of the men says something about it, I'll handle this Preston thing on my own.