Page 43 of Tempted

***Gage***

There. I said it. Now let’s see what shedoes with it.

She takes a deep breath, expelling it throughher mouth, then walks over to me. Like she always does, she slidesher hands under my cut and around my waist, hugging me tightly.

“I know.”

“Look at me, doll.”

I run my fingers through her hair as sheraises those gorgeous eyes toward me.

“You need to go into this with eyes wideopen. Being with me won’t be easy. You want to know something, youask me.”

“Okay. No secrets, Gage. I meant it when Isaid you can tell me anything.”

“I can’t. There are things I need to keepfrom you for your own safety.”

She releases me and takes a step back, givingme a stern look.

“No. I’m not some delicate flower you need toprotect. If we’re going to do this, I need to know you’re nothiding anything from me…especially if it’s messing with your head.I want to help, even if it’s just listening.”

“I can’t promise anything, but I’ll try.”

She folds her arms under her breasts andnarrows her eyes.

“Do you want me?”

“You know I do.”

“Then you won’t try. You’ll do it.”

In her eyes, I see a strength I haven’tseen—or maybe just never noticed—before. A strength that makes mefeel like she can take whatever I throw her way. A strength thatmakes me think I can lean on her if I ever feel like I can’t standon my own.

“Doll –”

A knock on the door interrupts me and sheopens it. Millie steps in with a questioning look.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah…I explained everything,” I tellher.

Raven looks from me to Millie.

“You knew?”

“He asked for my help. My friend Nita…that’shis aunt. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for that boy and hisfamily.”

She’s right. Nita and Millie have been bestfriends forever. She’s practically a member of the family.

“Raven, give us a minute, will you?” Iask.

She nods and closes the door behind her.

“She all right?”

“Yeah, she’s good.”

“Still gonna tell me there’s nothing goingon?”