Page 35

35

HARPER

“ I don’t want you to see the dress before the ceremony.” I squeeze Ford’s thigh as he drives us to my parent’s house. “Allie will be here soon. She and I will pick a dress while you and the guys get fitted for your tuxedos.”

Ford gives me a long look.

One I instantly recognize.

“I do not have cold feet.” Leaning over, I plant my lips against his cheek. “How about this? I’ll have Allie take a picture of me in the dress. You’ll only be able to see the neck up, though. I’ll be sure to have the veil on.”

He turns his eyes to mine, a hint of fear flashing before it disappears.

I bite my lip to suppress my smile.

My future husband is worried I won’t go through with the wedding.

I understand his concerns, but I’m all in.

Once I stopped denying my feelings and admitted how much I love this man, how much I’ve always loved him, and how much better my life is with him in it, even when it’s a crazy, chaotic mess, wild horses couldn’t stop me from marrying him.

As soon as he pulls into my parents’ driveway, I unfasten my seat belt and straddle his lap.

My hands cup his face. “I love you, Ford. I can’t wait to be your wife.”

He blows out a breath, his face relaxing. “Two weeks is a fucking eternity to wait.”

I laugh, pressing my forehead against his. “It’s honestly not long at all. Just gives us time to get our marriage license, flowers, the rings, the dress and tux, and a cake.” I kiss the pout from his lips. “The time will fly by, and soon, I’ll be Mrs. Brooks.”

His grip tightens on me.

His intense eyes bore into mine. When he sees the promise and love shining in them, he relaxes slightly.

At least, as much as Ford relaxes around me.

He always holds me like he’s afraid I’ve got one foot out the door.

“I’m not going anywhere.” I rub my nose against his. “Sure, you’re an intense psycho who is obsessed with me, but you’re my intense psycho.”

A feral growl escapes him before his lips curve into a smile. “As if I’d let you escape.”

His lips claim mine, the promise in them contradicting the teasing expression on his face moments ago.

When he pulls back, his voice is raspy. “You forgot one very important thing. I’m not just obsessed with you. You’re the love of my fucking life. The heart that beats inside my chest belongs to you. The air I breathe, yours.” He rubs his nose back and forth against mine. “We’re forever, hummingbird.”

My heart gallops inside my chest. “I love you, my obsessive hockey center.”

I roll myself against his hard cock, forgetting where we are.

And that there’s a work crew that will be here any minute.

“Mmmm. I should take you inside and make you scream before the men arrive.”

A salacious smile curves my lips. “I wouldn’t say no?—”

He shoves the door open, balancing me on his lap as he climbs from Gram’s vehicle.

I laugh, tightening my legs around his waist and neck.

His long strides carry me to the porch and front door.

His lips are on mine, the kiss hot, passionate, and full of ownership.

I melt against him, not caring about anything except how he makes me feel.

But then he stops kissing me, his lips resting against mine.

My eyes fly open. “Ford?”

He pulls back slightly, his brows furrowing. “Why’s the door unlocked?”

Dread courses through me as I look over my shoulder, seeing the door slightly ajar.

A rush of fear bursts from my lungs as I look at him. “We locked it the last time we were here. I know we did.”

Ford lowers me to my feet. “Stay behind me,” he barks.

I nod, gripping the back of his sweatshirt.

The earlier desire I felt for him vanishes in the face of fear and dread.

He pushes the door open, unmoving for a moment.

He mutters curses as he walks inside.

I gasp as my eyes dart around the room.

No.

Why would anyone do this?

All the hard work and progress of the renovations—gone.

Someone vandalized the house, using spray paint to write horrific things on the walls that say, “Harper is a slut” and “That fat slut will fuck anyone.”

My mouth is dry, nausea welling inside me as I blink back tears.

Why would anyone say those things about me?

I’ve had sex with two people in my life.

Ford and the guy I dated who works on campus, Jeffrey Morrison.

Jeffrey.

I haven’t thought about him in a long time.

He was hurt when I ended things with him, but he was getting too serious about us too quickly. He was monopolizing all my time, showing up at my apartment unexpectedly, leaving me flowers and notes constantly, and demanding to know my whereabouts.

For the first time, I wonder if we were wrong to blame Todd.

I snap out of my daze when Ford moves to the smashed coffee table and bends down to grab something.

Peering over his shoulder, I gasp when I see what he’s holding.

Pictures.

Of Ford and me in the woods.

My back against the tree, Ford’s body shielding most of mine, ecstasy all over my face as Ford fucked me.

“Oh, God.” I slap my hand over my mouth, feeling the bile rising. “S-Someone was w-watching us?”

Ford blows out a breath, his tone murderous. “Obviously.”

His hand shakes, his face red from rage. “Todd is gonna fucking die.”

He pulls from my grip, pacing around, surveying the damage in the living room.

His energy is frenetic, and his thirst for vengeance is so strong that it chokes me.

“F-Ford?” My voice shakes. “I-It may not be Todd.”

Ford whips around so fast that I gasp, cowering beneath his glare.

“What. Do. You. Mean?” he growls, his eyes narrowing, his expression murderous.

“I-I dated someone on campus. We broke up seven months ago.”

I blow out a breath, my hands going through my hair.

I can’t look at Ford right now.

Forcing the words out as fast as I can, I give Ford a brief history of Jeffrey and me.

When I tell him my reasons for ending things, I finally glance at him.

His knuckles are white, and his jaw is clenched so tightly, I’m shocked his teeth haven’t shattered.

Even though I’m shaking, I slowly approach him. “I’m sorry. This was before you and me?—”

“Don’t care. I’m gonna fucking kill him.”

“We don’t have any proof?—”

“I’ll get fucking proof ,” he roars, losing his composure.

The rage swirling off him is deadly, scaring me, even though I know Ford would never hurt me.

“And I’m taking these motherfuckers down. I don’t care what it takes. They fucked with the wrong man, and they’re about to learn what happens when someone comes for what’s mine. ”

I nod, my hand moving to his bicep. “Ford. I-I’m scared.”

My words have the effect I was hoping for.

His eyes drop to mine. Instantly, his expression morphs to concern.

He grabs me, crushing me to his chest. “I won’t let anything happen to you, hummingbird.”

His warm lips press against the top of my head. “I’ll keep you safe. I promise.”

I cling to him, believing every word he says.

No one can protect me like Ford.

I’m certain of that.

He pulls back slightly. “I’m sorry if I scared you.”

My hand cups his face. “I know your anger isn’t directed at me.”

He hugs me, caressing my back. “I’d never hurt you, baby. You’re my whole fucking world.”

I nod, hugging him tighter. “I know.”

Pulling back, I stand on my tiptoes, my lips meeting his.

He moans, his lips devouring mine.

God, I’m so lucky to have a man who’s so ferally protective and in love with me.

When our lips part, I tell him that.

A genuine smile curls his lips. “Now you’re finally getting it.”

He winks at me, but the tension lingers in his muscles and posture.

He’s bothered by the events that happened here.

“You’re mine, Harper. All fucking mine.”

My hands slide to the back of his neck, and I press myself against him. “Yours. Always, yours, Ford.”