The Rose He Killed novel Chapter 62

Chapter 56: Caleb Protection

Bella pov

“I don’t know yet, but I’m going to find out,” Caleb said, his voice hard with controlled fury. “Bella, I’m sending a security team to the hotel right now. They’ll create a perimeter and extract you through the service entrance. My car is waiting two blocks away.”

“Extract us where?” I demanded. “Where are we supposed to go? They know which hotel we’re in, they probably know my office location, they.”

“To my penthouse,” Caleb said. “It’s the most secure location in the city. Private elevator, 24/7 security, completely isolated from the street. They can’t get to you there.”

“I’m not going to your penthouse,” I said automatically. “Caleb, that’s not”

“Bella, this isn’t a negotiation,” he interrupted, his voice firm. “Those reporters aren’t going to leave. They’re going to camp outside that hotel for days, weeks if necessary. Every time you try to leave, every time Tom sticks his head outside, they’re going to be there with cameras. Is that what you want for him? To be hunted like an animal?”

I looked toward Tom’s room, imagining my son’s face when he realized strangers were taking his picture, shouting questions at him, treating him like a spectacle instead of a child.

“No,” I whispered. “That’s not what I want.”

“Then let me protect you,” Caleb said, his voice softening. “Both of you. Please, Bella. Let me do this one thing right.”

“Fine,” I said, hating how defeated I sounded. “But this is temporary. Just until the media circus dies down.”

“Whatever you need,” Caleb agreed. “My security team will be there in ten minutes. Pack essentials only, nothing that will slow you down. And Bella? Don’t let Tom near any windows. Some of these photographers have telephoto lenses.”

The thought made me sick. “They wouldn’t photograph a three-year-old through a hotel window.”

“They already photographed him at the aquarium,” Caleb said grimly. “They’ll do whatever it takes to get their story. Ten minutes, Bella. Be ready.”

He hung up, and I stood there for a moment, processing what I’d just agreed to. Moving into Caleb’s penthouse. Living under the same roof as the man who’d destroyed me. Letting him protect us, provide for us, play the hero he’d never been when I actually needed him.

But what choice did I have? I went to Tom’s room where Maya was sitting on the floor with him, both of them watching animated penguins on the tablet.

“Mommy!” Tom looked up with a bright smile. “Aunt Maya says we’re having an adventure today! Are we going somewhere fun?”

“We’re going to stay with a friend for a little while,” I said, forcing brightness into my voice. “Remember Caleb? We’re going to visit his house.”

<Chapter 56 Entel Protection

“Mr. Grey Eyes?” Tom’s face lit up. “Really? Does he have toys at his house? Can we do puzzles?”

+25 Points

“I’m sure he has lots of fun things,” I said, even though I had no idea what Caleb’s penthouse looked like now. “But we need to pack some of your things first. Can you help Mommy pick which toys to bring?”

While Tom excitedly pulled toys from his toy chest, Maya pulled me aside,”Are you sure about this?” she asked quietly. “Moving in with Caleb?”

“No,” I admitted. “But I can’t let Tom be chased by paparazzi. This is the safest option right now.”

“Okay,” Maya said. “Then I’m coming with you. No arguments. You’re going to need backup, and I’m not leaving Tom in a strange place without me there.”

I hugged her, grateful beyond words. “Thank you.”

Exactly ten minutes later, there was a firm knock on the door. I looked through the peephole to see four men in dark suits, professional security with earpieces and the kind of presence that said they knew how to handle threats.

“Ms. Hart,” the lead guard said when I opened the door. “I’m Marcus, head of Mr. Black’s security team. We’re here to escort you to safety.”

“The reporters”

“Are being handled,” Marcus said. “We’ve secured the service elevator and the loading dock exit. My team will surround you and your son, keep him completely shielded from cameras. There’s a decoy car leaving from the front entrance right now to draw attention. By the time they realize you’re not in it, you’ll be safely inside Mr. Black’s vehicle.”

The efficiency was impressive and terrifying. This was Caleb’s world, where problems were solved with money and security teams and strategies I couldn’t begin to comprehend. “Tom,” I called. “Come here, baby. We’re going to play a game.”

Tom appeared with his stuffed penguin clutched in his arms, his eyes wide with excitement. “What kind of game?”

“A hiding game,” I said, kneeling down to his level. “These nicemen are going to help us sneak out without anyone seeing us. Can you be very quiet and do exactly what Mommy says?”

“Like ninjas?” Tom whispered, clearly thrilled by the idea.

“Exactly like ninjas,” I agreed.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify