Thea fidgeted with the straw in her drink, swirling it around between the ice cubes, staring at it, but he could tell her mind was somewhere else.
Ronin knew nearly everything there was to know about her. She’d been allowed to work part-time as a waitress at local diners near her last few homes. The choice had been a foolish one. Being in the open made her an easy target. If not for the fact any money the sympathizers had managed to get from the sale of family jewels and salvaged belongings had long ago run out, it probably wouldn’t have even been considered. Although he’d only known Thea for a short time, he could imagine she’d been very stubborn about wanting to pay her own way.
Foolish or not, the job might have saved her life.
“I worked as a waitress.” Thea pulled her hands back and placed them in her lap. “I wasn’t home when they came for me. A coworker asked me to cover a shift and I snuck out. I was at work. I came home and found them...” Her words trailed off.
Ronin reached across the table, willing her to take his hand so he could pull her from the terrifying memories she was lost in. Just then, the waitress reappeared, pad and pen out in front of her ready to tally up their meal and any extras she might be able to talk them into. “Can I get either of you some dessert?”
Thea jumped in her seat. For a brief moment he thought she might get up and run.
“I’m sorry, hon. Didn’t mean to startle you,” the waitress said, noticing Thea’s edginess. “The pecan pie is very tasty and made fresh this afternoon. We even buy the pecans locally from a grove down the road.”
“No nuts, thanks. We’re allergic.”
Thea eyed him from across the table. The fear seemed to change to suspicion.
“I think we’re about finished up here,” he said, glancing over at Thea. “Unless you would like something else?”
“I’m fine, thank you,” Thea replied guardedly.
“Just the check, please,” Ronin requested. The sooner they got back on the road, the better.
“Sure thing,” the waitress replied. “You two aren’t from around here, are you?”
“Just traveling through.”
“We don’t get many travelers this time of night, especially with this weather.” She rambled as she totaled up their order, ripping the paper from the pad and laying it on the table next to his plate. “Now, in the summer, that’s a different story. We have some of the best catfish fishing spots around just a few miles down the road.”
Ronin pulled out a few bills, with a large tip figured in, and laid them on the table.
“I’ll be right back with your change.”
“You can keep it,” Ronin replied.
“Thank you. That’s mighty kind of you.” She flashed him a big smile. “You two be careful out there. We don’t usually get storms like this one this late in the year. Even so, it’s turning into the worst storm in years. Many of the highways will be shut down soon if it keeps up.”
“I’d like to use the restroom before we get back on the road,” Thea stated after the waitress had gone.
Ronin wasn’t sure if she was asking for permission or voicing a fact. The tone in her voice was one he hadn’t heard from her yet. It left no room for argument. As she brushed past him, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d just been put in his place.
With large strides he caught up with her just before she entered the bathroom. Blocking the door, he flicked the light on and checked out the small room before letting her pass.
“I think we need to get something straight.”
“We do?” Her eyebrows raised in question.
“Yes, we do.” Ronin took a deep breath. “This is the way it’s going to be. While I am protecting you, I am in charge.” He paused, waiting for the argument he was sure would come before adding, “You will do as I say.”
She crossed her arms in front of her and stared but said nothing. Was she mulling his words over in her mind or had she already totally dismissed them?
“You’re not thinking of coming in here with me, are you?” she finally said.
“Not at all,” he replied. He enjoyed the flash of fire in her eyes as he teased. “Just checking for windows.”
Ronin leaned a shoulder against the wall by the door and waited. He might appear relaxed, but he kept his eyes and ears tuned to any movement and noise around them. That conversation had gone better than expected. There was a storm brewing in her mind, though. It was just a matter of time before she let it all loose on him.
He smiled. He rather enjoyed the idea of that. He admired a woman who wouldn’t just sit back and do as she was told. But the pluck had to be tempered with just the right amount of wisdom. There was a time and a place. He could only hope she fully understood now was the time to listen and do as she was asked.
Whether she liked it or not, he had to take the lead. His first priority was keeping her safe. He couldn’t do that properly if she were questioning him at every turn or trying to run. The earlier attack proved how real the threat was. They had just been fortunate that the men hadn’t used their guns earlier. He had seen one of the men pull his weapon. Then they’d argued. Probably about the police and the scene it would cause. But another attack was inevitable.
Now that rumors were circulating about the long-thought-dead prince and princess being alive and hidden away in the United States, there would be more attacks. They wouldn’t stop.
If that information had stayed safely hidden away like it had for the past fourteen years, this would be a walk in the park. He would have stayed with Leo, and his brother Jarrod would have come for Thea. That had been their plan. But things hadn’t gone according to plan. Leo had been shot, and more men had been sent to him. Then word had leaked about the prince and princess being alive. Ronin was the closest and had learned of her plan to meet her brother, so he’d come for Thea.
The person responsible for the information coming out early was just as guilty as the men who had attacked the safe house and killed innocent people. When the leak was found, he or she would be tried right along with the assassins.
He heard her shuffling around inside. He imagined her indignation at being watched over and told what to do. Like it or not, he would watch her a lot more closely now. When he was positive she was safe and sound at the royal estate just outside Denver, she could order him to take a very long hike if she wanted. But for now, she would do what he asked.
The door creaked open and she emerged. Without a word he helped her into her coat and they made their way outside. Only a few trucks and trailers were parked along the edges of the parking lot, and his car stood alone near the front. The wind blew with such force it was a struggle to walk a straight line. He wrapped his arm around Thea and together they trudged, heads down, to the car.
Out in the open and exposed as they were, his senses were on alert. If anyone were going to make a move, this would be the perfect time. Arriving at the car, he opened Thea’s door and helped her inside before moving around to the driver’s side. Quickly, he scraped off the snow and ice that had accumulated on the windshield before joining her inside. They might be safe now, but at any point another attempt could be made on Thea’s life.
Despite the circumstances, he was actually looking forward to the long drive. She surprised him. In the short time he’d spent with her, he’d already begun to admire many things about her. One couldn’t help but be drawn to her passion for life and caring spirit.
He glanced in her direction before pulling out onto the highway. Thea’s eyes remained focused out her window. It was probably for the best. He needed to keep the distance