Page 194 of Severed Heart

Just after, and as I bury myself inside her again and again, a euphoria lights up in my veins. My whole being harmonizing with the completion of the mission I started long ago—by becoming a loyal man for her to entrust, the man she reaches for.

Andthe only fucking manfor her.

Chapter Fifty-Two

TYLER

2015

BLINK.

Barrett and I glance over the pesticide schedule on our phone screens as he nurses a beer.

“As it turns out, being alfalfa desperadoes is a lot more complex when it comes to maintenance,” I jest, nudging him where we’re perched against his Ranger. “Do you remember that day?”

“Yeah,asshole,invivid detail.” Barrett speaks up instantly with a dead stare. “And do you know why,‘oldest cousin in charge’? Because I was terrified my balls woulddrop right offmy fucking body for nearly a year until I finally asked my dad,” he spouts before we both burst into laughter.

“So yeah, I remember the day that you not only robbed my pockets and sanity, but I damn near cracked my neck thanks to your ‘be a man and work your own land’bullshit before your dad caught me.”

Our conversation stalls, and so do our smiles, as it always does when Carter is mentioned. I continue to scroll my screen, stumped on the state of some of our low-die trees. I can feel Barrett’s weighted stare on me as he takes another pull of his beer before he speaks. “I owe you an apology, cousin. One that’s long overdue.”

“Nah, man, it’s not that kind of night,” I say. “We’re good.”

“Sorry, I’ve got to get it off my chest,” he says as I lift my eyes to his.

“I shouldn’t have shut you out for his bullshit. You were going through enough. It was fucking selfish of me to hold his shit against you, so I’m sorry. And I owe you for introducing me to the love of my life after getting her offthe streets.” He takes another sip, his tone turning heavy. “And now that Charlie and I have our son”—he shakes his head—“and remembering who Carter was before, I can’t imagine how you felt back then.”

“I’ll admit it stung, but we got through it. We’re good, cousin.”

“I’m glad you’re back in our lives, that you’re here,” he states, “and that Elijah really knows you.”

“Me too, man,” I tell him. “He’s my little buddy.”

“You, uh, planning on having kids?” he asks carefully. “Can you?”

“No, we can’t,” I tell him honestly. “Which is fine. I’m happy with the way things are and always will be.”

“So, really, no kids?”

“No. Even if we could, I wouldn’t at this stage in my life, and you know why.” I swallow. “Sometimes I think I should pack us up to protect yours.”

“Hey,” he snaps instantly, and I meet his gaze. “I might not have taken you up on your invitation to ink, but I’ve benefited because you’ve paid the tax bill without fail on the entire fucking farm for going on ten years. I can’t tell you how that’s saved us. I would have gone under by now. This place is your fucking home as much as it is mine. I know you would never intentionally jeopardize our family or put them in harm’s way,” he emphasizes. “Besides, it’s common knowledge that if you cross into Jennings territory with any ill intent, you won’t have enough time to wonder if you fucked aroundas you fucking find out... so if the time ever comes where you need us, I can guarantee you we’ll all have your back.” He glances down at the ink on my arm. “I’m proud of what you do, and I’m behind you.”

“So then.” I flash him a smile to lighten things up. “I can just borrow your kid when I need to scratch the daddy itch?”

“Any. Time,” he states without humor. “I mean that.Any. Fucking. Time. Like tonight would be good.” He breaks into a smile.

“Nah, I’m good having sex every night without a kid puking SpaghettiOs on me.”

“I puked on you once, and you act like it was trauma,” he snorts. “And fuck you, I get mine.”

“Uh-huh,” I say as the screen door slaps at our collective backs. At the sound of it, Barrett and I turn to see Delphine standing on the porch,glaringat me from feet away.

“Hey, General, what’s up?” I ask, confused that not long ago—when we parted—that glare wasn’t at all present. I wince as I try to remember if I put down the toilet seat. Having never lived with a woman before, I’ve been schooled by my general on a few things. And judging by her expression, she might have a lesson plan tonight. I bite away my smile at her open contempt as she addresses me.

“Tyler,” she clips in the no-bullshit tone she uses when she’s thoroughly aggravated, “I amyour womanas you say.”

“No question, baby.” I can’t help my answering chuckle.