Page 50 of Dignity

Expectant.

Except regret has branded deep marks in my soul, leaving guilt in its wake. “I know.”

“From this point forward, I’llneverwalk away from you, but I won’t let you go, either. Hell and Heaven go hand-in-hand though. I’ll put you at the right hand of a woman who is very possibly soon to be the most powerful person on Earth. But youhaveto trust me. Even more importantly, you have toobeyme. Shecan do this with your help. I know she can.”

I hate to ask it, because even as I do, I realize I probably won’t like the answer he gives me. “Do you love her?”

He smirks. “That’s a loaded question.”

“Do you?”

“We have an ongoing…mutually beneficial arrangement. I give her what she needs, and she gives me what I want.”

I have a feeling I know what she needs—based on the rumors I’ve heard—andit’s the same thing I currently need. “What is it you want?” I ask.

He nuzzles his face against mine before he presses his lips to my ear, and the hand cupping the nape of my neck tightens, squeezing.

“I wantyou, Kev. I’vealwayswanted you. I’ve neverstoppedwanting you. And now that you’re mine, likehellam I ever letting you go again.”