Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 134598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134598 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 538(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
“Baby, are you sure you’re not mad at me? I just want you to be happy and safe. And I couldn’t sleep knowing they were getting away with what they did to you.”
“I’m not mad. I think I might be relieved. I know you were just looking out for me. Like you always do.”
“I’m glad you think that. Because I have something else to confess.”
Cate sucked in a breath. “What is it?”
“I got Rhodes to tell me the name of the guy who kissed you. Fucking asshole.”
“Rhodes told you!” She narrowed her gaze at him. “What did you do?”
Ethan grinned. It almost looked evil. “Since Brody was busy with your aunt and uncle, I paid an investigator to look into your ex. Turns out, that the bastard is living his worst life. Divorced three times. Living in a run-down shack. Most of his money goes on alimony. No friends because apparently he’s borrowed money from them all and never paid it back.”
“That sounds awful.”
“And just what he deserves.”
“I can’t believe you did all of this. Are you going to get revenge on anyone who wrongs me?”
“Baby, I’m going to dedicate my life to making sure that no one ever harms you again. That’s my number one job, along with making sure that you’re the happiest woman in the world.”
“Job well done, then.”
EPILOGUE
Ethan pulled the bike into a driveway.
The wooden house ahead of them looked modest. There was a large shed off to the right. Getting off the back of his motorbike, she glanced around but couldn’t see any houses because of the trees surrounding them.
But she knew that the house Rhodes had bought was just a five- minute drive down the road.
Ethan got off, then helped her remove her helmet.
Cate had discovered that she loved riding his bike. It was so freeing. She almost felt like she was flying. Although he kept insisting that she wear a helmet, even though he didn’t.
Apparently, she was precious cargo.
Yes, that made her go all warm inside every time he said it.
She’d hadn’t thought she’d liked his bike, considering it was quite loud. But Ethan had bought her a noise-canceling helmet, which helped muffle the noise.
“I still think I should buy my own bike,” she said, running her hand over his.
He’d caught her looking at bikes online yesterday and he hadn’t been happy.
Ethan cupped her chin, staring down at her sternly. “You buy yourself a bike, and you won’t sit for a week. Also, you’ll never get to ride the bike before I have it crushed and melted down.”
“Seems like a vast overreaction,” she muttered.
“It’s a promise, not a threat.” He leaned in and kissed her. “You only ride with me, so I know you’re safe.”
He always had to be in control. Cate shook her head at him.
They’d been in Billings for close to two months now. Rhodes had bought a house but hadn’t moved in because he was busy filming. But she and Ethan had gone back to Los Angeles and packed up her stuff. Everything she’d wanted to keep had been shipped here.
There hadn’t been much.
Now, she was working from his apartment. Which was all right, but she had to use the spare bedroom, which was a bit cramped.
Still, she wasn’t going to complain.
She loved Montana, despite the cooler temperatures. Especially now that it was getting close to winter.
But all she really cared about was being here with him.
Ethan.
She was slowly getting to know his friends. But she had to admit she had a fondness for Royal, Baron, and especially Zippy.
A few weeks ago, Zippy’s former foster father had disappeared, and no one knew where he was.
Ink had gone on high alert in case he’d been coming for Zippy. But then one day he’d just decided to relax security. He’d told everyone that the former foster father wasn’t a threat.
Which was odd.
She didn’t get it. But she hadn’t asked any more questions.
Ethan’s family was planning on visiting soon. They’d been talking about coming for Christmas. Something she was extremely nervous about. But Rhodes had promised her he’d be here by then and that he would help her.
Plus, she knew that Ethan would never allow anyone to harm her.
“Fine,” she muttered. “Why are we here?”
“This house is for sale.”
“Okay.” She still didn’t get it.
“It’s a bit older. And it will take some work, but I figure we can work on it slowly. It’s still liveable as it is. And it has the most amazing views. And a room that I think will be perfect for your painting.”
She’d started painting more. And not just when she was Little. She found it soothing. Relaxing.
Ethan grabbed her hand and drew her toward the front door.
She tugged her hand free, and he turned to her. “Cate? Too much change? We don’t have to buy it, but I figured with it being so close to Rho—”