Uncovering You 8: Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page A

fashion. And before you start—” He cuts me off just as I’m about to open my mouth. “—you need to understand that I knew exactly what I was doing. Exactly what it would appear like to Fey, when I cut off your communication with her. You are not to question my intelligence again.”
    I swallow. When Jeremy’s insistent like this, I feel shades of Stonehart coming out. Maybe this is even full-on Stonehart. He certainly has the intensity and forcefulness right now.
    “I told them nothing you wouldn’t want me to,” I say. “I held back everything. They came because they were terrified for me. I tried to assuage their fears. I told them I am in no danger from you. I told them that I am safe.
    “Of course, they weren’t convinced. Robin called me. His call didn’t go through. They didn’t understand—and I still don’t—why my cell phone was blocked.”
    I exhale. “But I trust you. If you say you had your reasons, I believe you. I wouldn’t be standing here of my own free will if I felt otherwise.”
    Jeremy’s features soften. He does not look so angry anymore. Or so determined.
    “Lilly…” he says tenderly. He glances over his shoulder at Hugh, who is busy pretending not to listen by examining his shoes.
    In two strides Jeremy is to me. He wraps his arms around my body and holds me to his chest.
    “I love you,” he whispers.
    I love… the feeling that I get, being held like that. The knowledge that comes from being more than merely the object of desire for such a strong, powerful man. The sense that somehow, no matter what has happened between us in the past. No matter what may yet come in the future, I am safe in his arms.
    I don’t need to feign strength. I don’t need to pretend to be someone I’m not. I can just be me , the woman Jeremy Stonehart fell in love with. Somehow I have to be confident in the knowledge that, for him, it’s enough.
    Our brief moment is interrupted when the interloper in the room coughs.
    I push off Jeremy and look into his eyes. “I’m sorry,” I mutter, “for springing all this on you.”
    He touches my cheek. “Don’t apologize,” he says. “It was expected.”
    “You’re not mad?”
    “Mad?” he gives a soft chuckle. “I was never mad, Lilly. Not at you. Emphatic, yes. But truly angry?” He touches his lips to my forehead in a brief kiss. “Never.”
    I’m about ready to melt on the spot.
    But I cannot. We have things that need dealing with. Jeremy was right. Time is of the essence.
    “Fey and Robin want to meet you,” I tell Jeremy. “They said it’s the only way I can get them to leave me alone. They want to see us together.” I pause. “It’s probably not such a good idea for them to know you’re here.”
    Jeremy chuckles. “You’re ready to return to them, then?”
    “Are you ready?” I ask. “What are we going to do next?”
    “Your friends want to meet me. But you came at a bad time. Even this little excursion…” He looks around the room. “…has cost me. I’m working on a huge deal, Lilly. A massive merger. I want everything in place just before the IPO. Then, when news comes out, the day before, our stock will sky rocket.
    “That’s why I’m in Boston. And while I was forced to make time for you, I cannot do the same for Fey and Robin. Hugh…” He does not look at his father. “…and I left the negotiating table to come find you. That type of disrespect, even in an emergency, weakens my bargaining position. It puts a stop on the progress we’ve made over the course of the day.
    “It is the eleventh hour. I need to be back. The deadline we set to grant Stonehart Industries exclusive bargaining rights ends Monday at midnight. If a deal is not struck before them, other vultures will come swooping in—especially since word has already leaked of my interest in the acquisition.
    “So if we’re lucky, my first spare moment will come then. If not…” His jaw tightens. “…well, contingencies must be made. If