Longing For The Beach Billionaire Daddy
Chapter 226

*Shelby*

My heart began to race as I sat down, a feeling of dread suddenly taking over. I had lost myself making dinner, and the apprehensions about my job had eased somewhat. Hearing the trepidation in Michael’s voice had all of those feelings crashing back on my head like a wave during a hurricane.

I nervously asked, “What did Delaney tell you, Michael?”

My brain ran through a million different emotions, and I stared at my fingers and picked my cuticles while I waited for him to divulge what he’d learned. I was grateful that he wanted to work with me on this case, and it shouldn’t have surprised me. He always wanted what was best for me.

I hadn’t realized the potential danger this case could bring not only to me, but also to my family. Michael had proven time and time again that I was important to him. He’d slay a dragon if that meant keeping me and the twins safe.

Michael took a deep breath and braced his shoulders, signaling this wasn’t going to be a pleasant revelation. “Delaney dug into Lane Henderson, the owner of Henderson Chemical. As you know, there are plants across the United States, and they’re all run by Lane and his family.” He paused and took a sip of water from the bedside table. “There was evidence that there have been investigations into murders associated with civil cases that have been filed against Henderson. Delaney found intel that there have been suspicious deaths in Georgia, Maine, and Oregon.”

“Murder?” I asked incredulously. “How is it possible that a man is getting rid of anyone who stands up to him? How has nothing been done by the police or the FBI?”

It was at this moment I realized the gravity of our situation. We had moved past intimidation and arson. I realized I was entering a showdown with a man who was willing to kill to silence people.

But Michael was there to hold my hand and reassure me. “As far as anyone knows, Henderson’s record is squeaky clean. It’s all just whispers of allegations, and no one can prove anything. Delaney seems to believe Henderson’s records and background have been professionally scrubbed. There’s nothing on him anywhere. Delaney has connections. I told him to do a deep dive and find something. In the meantime, I’m going to keep you safe.”

I sat with my thoughts for a few minutes and ran over scenarios in my head. “What should we do? How can we best keep our family from any potential threats?”

Michael’s facial features hardened, and I could tell he was bracing himself for an argument. He carefully said, “The safest option would be for you to back out of the case.”

“I can’t do that,” I replied, heat rising to my face at the suggestion. “I’ve made promises. I’m going to make sure Henderson is held accountable for his wrongdoings.”

“I understand your dedication, I do. But what are you willing to sacrifice to win, Shelby? I don’t want something bad to happen to you. I almost lost you when the twins were born, and I can’t go through that again.”

I looked into Michael’s eyes, and I knew he was right. I couldn’t risk my life and leave our children without a mother. But I also couldn’t let this go. It wasn’t just about the case but about justice, and I wasn’t willing to back down without a fight.

“I won’t drop the case, Michael,” I said firmly. “But we need to be smart about it. We need to make sure we are protected, and we need to come up with a plan.”

Michael nodded, his eyes softening. “I know you won’t, Shelby, but we need to think of something. We can’t sit around and wait for something bad to happen to us. We need to take action.”

I took a deep breath and began to think about our options. We needed to protect ourselves and find a way to expose Henderson’s wrongdoings without putting ourselves in danger.

“What if we move?” I asked. “Temporarily, kind of like the safe houses we suggested for the clients.”

Michael sat back on the bed and thought, then answered, “Are you sure? You love this house.”

“I do, but our safety is more important than a house. We can always come back after we’ve dealt with Henderson,” I replied.

Michael nodded and stood up. “Okay, I’ll start looking for places. Somewhere safe, secure, and off the grid.”

I smiled, feeling a glimmer of hope, “Thank you, Michael. We’ll figure this out together.”

He slid over and wrapped his arms around me. “Always, Shelby. Always.”

As we stood there in each other’s arms, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for Michael. He was my rock, my partner in every sense of the word. And together, we would protect ourselves and our family, no matter what it took.

“I’m going to talk with Delaney about helping us find a place to stay. This may be outside of our comfort zone. I’m going to keep the details close to my chest until we move. I don’t want you to know anything you don’t need to, okay? I just don’t want you to think I’m being secretive, it’s for your protection,” Michael explained.

I nodded, understanding the importance of secrecy. “I trust you, Michael,” I whispered, feeling a wave of fear wash over me. We had never been in a situation like this before, and the realization of our vulnerability hit me hard. With Marmie, we were in danger, but this felt different. This felt like it could be organized, and Henderson was already living a life without repercussions or consequences. And Blane was dangerous but not a professinoal crimal like Henderson apparently was.

I had to be strong. For Michael, for our children, for myself. I couldn’t let fear consume me, not now. I took a deep breath and held onto Michael tightly, letting his strength and warmth reassure me.

“I’m going to go take a shower. Why don’t you sit and read for a little while? It always helps your brain settle. Then, when I get out, you can take a lavender bath, and you’ll hopefully be able to get some sleep.” Michael was the best at making sure I de-stressed when I was struggling with anxiety. I appreciated him more than words could describe.

“That sounds great, babe. I’ll try to focus and get some reading done, but I can’t make any promises,” I answered.

As Michael made his way out of the room, I sat down on the bed, my mind racing. We were essentially going into hiding, leaving everything we knew behind. It was a frightening thought, but we had no other choice.

I began to make a mental list of everything we would need to bring with us, trying to stay organized and calm. Thank god the babies were so young. tThey may be a little thrown off because of a lack of routine, but they wouldn’t be scared. I was still laying in the same spot when the bathroom door opened, and Michael emerged.

“Hey, are you okay?” he asked, his voice laced with concern.

I looked up to see him standing in front of me, a towel wrapped around his waist. He must have just gotten out of the shower.

“I’m fine,” I lied, not wanting to worry him any further.

He could see right through me, though. He sat down next to me on the bed and put his hand on my knee.

“Talk to me,” he said softly. His brow was furrowed, and his eyes poured out concern as he looked over my face.

I let out a sigh and looked into his calming brown eyes. “I’m just scared, Michael. This whole thing is so overwhelming, and I don’t know if I’m ready for what’s to come.”

I didn’t want to give up on the case but everything was starting to get really serious. I had no idea what kind of man was running Henderson Chemical when I took the case. I knew it was going to be tough, but I had no idea what Lane Henderson was capable of.

Michael pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly. “I know, baby, but we’re in this together. We’ll get through it, I promise.”

I buried my face in his chest, taking in his comforting scent. “I just don’t want to lose you,” I whispered, my voice breaking.

“You won’t. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep us safe,” Michael said, his voice firm with determination.

I looked up at him, feeling a surge of love and gratitude. “I don’t know what I’d do without you,” I said, my eyes filling with tears.

“You don’t have to find out,” he replied, leaning in to k**s me softly. We stayed like that for a while, lost in each other’s embrace until Michael pulled back.

“Come on, let’s get you that lavender bath. I promise you’ll feel better afterward,” he said, standing up and pulling me up along with him.

Michael got to work, quickly preparing a warm bath with Epsom salt and lavender oil. He lit candles around the room, doing his best to create a relaxing atmosphere. After he helped me strip, I sank into the fragrant steamy water, feeling my stress starting to melt away. Michael knelt next to the bathtub and started washing my hair with gentle hands, slowly massaging my scalp in soothing circles. I closed my eyes and let out a deep sigh of contentment as I leaned into his touch, letting it wash away all my worries.

Once he was done washing my hair, Michael poured a small amount of massage oil onto his hands and began running them along my skin in long gentle strokes. He worked diligently over every part of me–from fingertips to toes–until each of my muscles felt soothed and relaxed. Finally, he turned his attention toward rubbing calming circles against my temples with soft fingertips, bringing a wave of calm throughout my body that I didn’t know was possible. All too soon, he stopped massaging me, leaving me feeling generally rejuvenated and ready for whatever tomorrow had in store for us both.

After the bath, Michael dried me off with a thick, fluffy towel and helped me into my pajamas. Then he tucked me into my bed, fluffing up the pillows and adjusting my covers to make sure everything was just right for a good night’s sleep. He lay down next to me, and he kissed my forehead lovingly.

“I love you,” he said in a voice so soft it felt like a breeze against my cheek.

“I love you too, babe. Thanks for always taking care of me,” I whispered back.

I fell asleep shortly after that, feeling like I was cocooned in safety and comfort–secure and loved beyond measure.