Page 27 of Mine To Break

“It takes a very confident man to make himself vulnerable. To give up his weaknesses to a woman. It’s encoded in your brains from childhood by society to be tough, not act like a girl, not show your feelings. Which is bull shit. What we had two nights ago was great. I’d do it again if you asked me very nicely and promised to let me try a little rope for round two. See how many knots I really can tie on you. But if that’s all you can offer me, the fun times are just that. Fun. And over before you know it.”

His tongue stumbled over the words, but he had to say it. “I don’t want this to be over. Not anytime soon.”

She reached out and took his hand, pressing her lips against his palm in a kiss. “Neither do I, sugar. So you think about what I said earlier. Come back for some fun times. But if you want to take it to the next level, you know what I’m going to expect. Fair warning.”

All or nothing. No secrets. And she wasn’t going to play around or step around his issues. He liked that. Even if it sucked too. “When can I see you again?”

She pressed her teeth gently into the thicker pad at the base of his thumb. A promise. “How long are you going to be stuck at the office today?”

“A few hours.” As long as another gang war didn’t erupt. Then she wouldn’t see hide nor hair of him for days at a time.

“Then come back tonight, detective.” Releasing his hand, she laughed softly and picked up her coffee cup, giving him a sultry look over the top of the mug. “If you’re brave enough.”