Page 153 of Release

Sploosh.

“I guess this is where you put your money where your ass is and decide if youreallytrust me or not,” Declan softly says. “I knoweverything,” he adds. “George and I talked last week, and he told meeverything. About one, two, and three.” Then, after a beat, while I’m still processing that, he adds, “As you can see, I’m still here. Because Iwantto be here. Because Iloveyou, and you aren’t scaring me away. But I won’t keep chasing someone who doesn’t want to be caught, Case. So ifyouwantme, and you wantGeorge, and you want to be withusfor life, then for tonight, and tonight only, I needyouto get onyourknees and begmefor it.”

My knees weaken as his brown gaze remains fixed on mine, unwavering, steady.

Strong.

In this moment, he’s not my boy—he’s not even George’s boy.

He’s notanyone’sboy.

He’s a man who’s ready to take what he wants.

The question is, can I give it to him?

Because I damn sure want to.

I want him to be strong enough to take it from me.

I look to George again. His gaze is dark blue now, midnight and deep pools of water. He slowly shakes his head. “Listen to Declan. Do as he says, hon. Or not.” He shrugs. “It’s your call. He’s right—we won’t chase you if youreallydon’t want to be caught. I gave you a weekend. We’ll give you forever. All we’re asking is for you to give us tonight.”

My gaze returns to Declan and I stare into his eyes. This man isn’t the boy who once sat across the table from me at the barbecue joint. That boy died a long time ago, over a decade ago.

This man has survived a trial by emotional fire more than once.

I want to speak but I don’t know what to say.

“Just drop to your knees, baby,” Declan whispers. “Drop to your knees andask.Justfor tonight. That’sallyou have to do. We’ll do the rest.”

I look at George again, but he’s obviously not moving, not responding.

He’s abdicated all control to Declan for tonight, and I can see it.

Feelit.

I want it.

I wantthem.

My boy has learned well from his Sir. Or, maybe, he’s learned well fromme.

Declan releases my hands and steps back, his hands slipping into the pockets of his slacks. He looks damned handsome in his tux tonight, and I know all I have to do is this one thing.

I miss you, girl.

Blinking back tears, once Ellen’s on my mind, I can’t get rid of her. “I love you,” I whisper.

“I love you, too, Case. So does George. But youhaveto meet us halfway. We’ve both knelt for you.Please.”

Tears roll down my cheeks and he makes no move to wipe them away. I stand there, a cruel detente giving me no respite from my mental prison. “What if he takes you away from me, too?” I finally manage.

“Iwon’t,” George says, stepping forward, his hands in his pockets. “I promise, Case, Iwon’t. That’s why I put that ring on your hand. This is thethreeof us, and we can put it in writing, if you want. I love you. He loves you. If I need to grab my computer right now and type up a damned prenup, I will. Whatever it takes.”

I can’t even make myself admit to Declan I filmed us that night. That I have evidence against both of them—that I still haven’t been able to make myself destroy yet—that could ruin them.

Shame fills me over that thought, that I did that. Because I know Ellen would sadly shake her head at me over not trusting them.

They’ve both trusted me.