Escape to Heaven (Heaven on Earth Book 1) by Reana Malori Read Free Book Online Page A

them understand, she tried another approach. Adele explained that Stefano was new to the area and needed to meet some people. She went on to explain that she had seen him in the market earlier and since it was the Christian thing to do, she had invited him over for lunch. With all the guys here, she felt it would be a good chance to introduce him to everyone. It was a plausible story and for anyone else, it probably would have worked. However, after her impassioned speech, all of them had given her looks of disbelief and shock. Not surprisingly, none of them had believed a word she said.
    The worst part was when Noah cornered her in the kitchen. He lightly placed his hands on her shoulder and turned her around to face him, not letting her escape. His words put it right out there on the table for her to deny.
    “Adele, I know what you’re doing. We get it. You’re ready for us to stop hovering.”
    “Noah, it’s not that.” She sighed deeply and knew she had no choice to be honest. Confrontation was not her forte, and she really didn’t want to force the issue. However, she did need them to give her some freedom and let her do her own thing.
    “Well, maybe it is a little bit. But Noah, you should have seen the three of them in the gym yesterday. They were like a pack of wolves protecting their lone pack cub. Stefano seems like a nice guy, and he just wanted to talk to me. Why can’t I get to know someone new?” Adele knew she sounded like a child, but damn, enough was enough. Everyone looked up to Noah as the unofficial father-figure of the group. It wasn’t that he forced the issue or tried to take control, but he was the oldest of the group and it just seemed natural to everyone, including him. As a result, when he called her to task, it never felt good.
    “Adele, I won’t push you on this. But you know you threw us for a loop inviting him over here today. Next time, just give us a little warning, okay?” Noah pulled her into his arms for a big bear hug. Considering that he was six feet five inches and all muscle, that’s exactly what it felt like. She wrapped her arms around him and smiled secretly. While he was the one each of them looked up to, he was also the one who gave her the most freedom.
    “I will, Noah. I really like him, though, and I want to get to know him better. Although I don’t think I’ll be telling the guys that bit of news anytime soon. They might try to skin him alive, and I don’t want them chasing him away.”
    His deep chuckle reverberated throughout her body. “They’re just looking out for you, little one. So, this is the guy from the gym yesterday? Tyler, Ethan and Tony all called me yesterday about him. I think Ethan hates him the most, but that’s to be expected. Since Daniel only met him today, he’s still undecided. Then again, you know he doesn’t like meeting new people.”
    “Yeah, well, Ethan can be a big bully sometimes. I should kick his ass for the comment he made earlier. How rude was that, insinuating that Stefano was in the Navy instead of the Marines. I thought they were going to come to blows. Being a Navy SEAL, Ethan should know better.”
    “Well, I think Stefano handled himself quite well. I wouldn’t worry about him too much.” Sighing deeply, he tightened his arms for a fraction of a second before he loosened his grip. “All right. I’ll get the guys to lay off of him a bit, but only on one condition. Next time, you warn us first. You may be grown and we may only be a hodgepodge family, but we protect what’s ours. The guys and I still feel it’s our right to protect you, even though you don’t think we need to.” Noah set her back from him and looked into her eyes, giving her his “don’t test me” glare, which in the past had resulted in quite a few confessions she’d never meant to give.
    “Got it. I will next time. Promise.” She gave him a grin and punched him lightly in the arm. “So, where have you been anyway? I know you