Page 149 of Take My Name

“I know, but the last thing you need is to go to jail for assault. Not that I wouldn’t bail out my husband, but it wouldn’t be a great fresh start for us.” And would only add to the rumor mill that’s bound to happen once everyone knows we’re back together.

He tips my chin, studying where I’m sure a bruise is forming. It happened so fast, I didn’t even have time to react or get out of the way.

“I love when you call me that,” he murmurs, brushing the pad of his thumb along my other cheek.

Grinning, I set the ice pack down so I can lean in and kiss him. “Thank you for comin’. I’m sorry I didn’t respond to you but now you know why. A few minutes before you showed up, my dad threatened to shove his boot up his ass.”

Warren snorts. “Does that mean he’s finally found someone he hates more than me?”

“Daddy doesn’t play around with money or blackmail, that’s for sure. He already called his attorney several times. If you hadn’t shown up, Hayes woulda become a missing person’s case.”

“Now that’s a good idea.”

I playfully shove his arm. “Warren!”

“If there’s one thing your father and I have in common it’s doin’ whatever it takes to protect you. Hell, we could bond over diggin’ his grave. Although I can’t really see your dad gettin’ his hands dirty. He’d probably make me do it while he micromanages and scolds me for doin’ a shitty job.”

“Jesus Christ.” I shake my head. “You’re more insane than I realized.”

“Only when it comes to you, my love.” He tips my chin, softly pressing his lips to mine.

“And I’m afraid to say it runs in the family. Bodie offered to kick his ass if I needed him to.”

That makes him laugh for the first time. “Bodie woulda throat-chopped him and then kneed him in the balls. He’s a dirty fighter like Posey.”

“So you’re all unhinged? Bless whoever makes an honest man outta Bodie.”

“I doubt it’ll be anytime soon.”

Warren glances at my dresser and notices the lid with our names on it. “Is that the box with our notes and photos?”

“Mm-hmm. I was goin’ through it again last night.”

Rereading all our notes, reminiscing over the photos, and overall wishing he were with me.

“To make sure you were makin’ the right decision?”

I can’t tell if he’s being serious or if he really thinks I was having second thoughts.

“No, ’cause I missed you.” I frown, grabbing his hand. “I’m sorry if I made you doubt my feelings.”

“It’s not that, Maze. I’ve been goin’ stir-crazy for two days, not knowin’ what was goin’ on. Not hearin’ from you or gettin’ to see you made me fear the worst, like he was sweet-talkin’ you into stayin’ together or somethin’. I dunno.”

He hangs his head, and I hate that I’m the reason he was so stressed.

I bring my hand to his face, forcing him to look at me. “I apologize for not lettin’ you know sooner. I wanted to handle this on my own. I got myself into thismess and it was my responsibility to take care of it, so I didn’t wanna involve you when things were going so well between us.”

He takes my hand and kisses across the knuckles. “But that’s my job. We’re a team. Let me help, or hell, fight your battles for you.”

“Well, you kinda did without permission.” I snicker, but I’m not mad about it.

“You left me no choice,” he quips. “And now you know—ignore me and I’ll burn down the world lookin’ for you.”

My erratic heartbeat pounds even harder at the—although probably unintentional—sexiest thing I’ve ever heard him say.

“Duly noted.” I smirk.

When there’s a knock on the door, my mother enters, looking more cautious than usual.