Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
“One of the least romantic proposals in the history of proposals.”
Her point is valid.
My tongue darts out to trace the seam of her lips, tasting the berry of her lip balm. “One of my favorite tastes.”
“Stop sweet-talking. You’re in trouble.” Her tone loses its edge, her body melting a little.
“I accept that. You can give me more etiquette lessons tonight.”
“Tonight, I’m taking care of Talon.”
“He can take care of himself.”
Her gaze flings to mine, blazing again. “That may be true, but he has me to help.”
Something in her tone tells me this is about more than helping a friend. “Want to tell me what’s really on your mind?”
Hesitation crosses her features, setting off alarm bells. “Rowan, what’s happening inside your head?”
“I want to be that person for you.”
“What person?”
“The one who settles you, who takes away all the bad.”
“Baby, you are. Where is this coming from?”
“Alex and Cruz enlightened me on a few things. You men are intense and, even if I can’t know everything, I can be that person who grounds you when things go to shit. I thought I was that person. The night you got home, it was written all over you. Exhaustion, anger, frustration, so many emotions playing in your mind. But you seemed to let it all go.”
“Because of you, Rowan.”
“Yes, but your best friend was sitting in the house with a bullet wound and you didn’t tell me because you’re always worried about protecting me.”
“That will never change.”
“I may have a shaky past, but I can handle it.”
“It’s not about your fragility; it’s about keeping the darkness from seeping back into your world.”
“There will always be darkness, Ford. I can handle it because I have you.”
Shit, the woman brings me to my knees.
“I’m sorry for not sharing.”
“If this is our life, trust I can handle whatever happens.”
I brush my thumbs over her cheeks. “There is no ‘if’. This is our lives, and some things can’t be shared. But you need to know one thing. You are that person for me, Rowan. Whatever I’m dealing with, you clear the shit up just by being you.”
“Don’t shield me from your life. It hurts to think there are secrets.”
“Protecting you is ingrained deep in my soul. It’s who I am. If I can protect you from the ugliness and dangers in this world, I will.”
She studies me, the storm clearing from her eyes. “I’ll protect you, too. In any way possible.”
I run my lips across hers again, this time with no resistance. “Baby, you want to take care of my best friend, I’ll deal. But I’d be grateful if you can do that without rubbing your hands all over his chest.”
I hiss at the burning sensation stabbing my side where she’s pinched the skin. “You are incredulous.”
“I’m a jealous fucker, even over the uncle to our children.”
Her breath hitches, and she grips at my sweater. “Slip of the tongue,” she repeats the earlier sentiment.
“You’re marrying me. Get used to the idea.”
“Bossiness will not earn you any points.”
The sass in her tone has my cock hard. “Keep it up, babe.”
“We are not discussing this here.”
“You’re right. Don’t think Robbie would appreciate me fucking you on his conference room table.”
I seal my mouth over hers and drown her argument.
There’s no doubt it’s her.
Waltzing directly into the building in a skintight dress, stiletto boots, and her head held high. The screen changes to the inside, where she stops at the information desk, presents her ID, and logs into the directory.
A few minutes later, a man in a suit comes to greet her, and she flashes another ID before following him behind the secure doors.
I glance at the copy of the visitor’s log in my hand, the anger thundering in my veins.
Tera fucking Sails walked right into the jail to visit Craig Johns.
Three motherfucking times.
“We making a visit?” Ace asks, already knowing the answer.
“I am.”
“Coming with you.”
“I’m good alone.”
“No telling what that bitch has up her sleeve. Besides, I’m in the mood.”
Disputing will do nothing but waste time. “Let’s go.”
He follows me to my truck, his anger obvious by the way he slams the door with such force the cab rocks.
We ride in silence, him only speaking when we park at the television station.
“Man, you know I got your back, but you gotta calm that rage or they’ll call security before you get answers.”
Staring at the building, a thousand possibilities go through my mind, all of them ending with the image of Craig with his gun to Rowan. Her beaten and bruised, resigned to defeat.
“The bastard almost raped her.”
“You saved her.”
“But he got to her.”
“Which is why he’s in jail.”
I glance at my friend, forcing myself to remember he’s on my side. “Jail is too good for him. He shouldn’t be breathing.”
His hard eyes flicker in agreement.
“Let’s do this.” I haul myself out of the truck, clipping my gun and badge on my belt. This may not be an official police visit, but I’m not dealing with any bullshit from security.