Page 21 of Wild Card (Men of Action #4)

“Before Ford, Rowan was hooked up with a narcissistic asshole who cheated and beat her. He didn’t take their break-up well and kidnapped her to get her money.”

“She’s been kidnapped twice?”

“You’re right about one thing. I do love her.” He disregards my question. “I love her for many reasons. She’s one of the finest women I know, and most of all because she makes my brother happy. That’s where it ends.”

“And that’s why you didn’t tell me. You don’t think I can handle it? After all we’ve been through?”

Her statement takes on a new meaning.

“You have a strong bond.”

“No matter what happened to me that day, Rowan was my priority. She heard and saw things no one should ever have to. But Rowan is the other half of Ford. Same with Jewls and Major, Ace and Harley. One meeting and you’ll know what I mean.”

“You saved her life. Like a hero.”

“She’s family.”

She’s family… a simple proclamation that speaks volumes.

He’s a born fighter and protector.

Abe’s statement from weeks ago replays in my head.

I swipe at my cheeks, knowing my face is a wreck, but the tears won’t stop. Shame fills me and my mouth takes on a mind of its own.

“I didn’t love Joseph. When the truth was exposed, that much was obvious. It was my mom and sister who broke my heart. Then the embarrassment set in.”

“Explains a lot about that scene at the hospital.”

“Even with them out of my life, it was easier to beat myself up for being stupid.” I stop, then decide to give him the entire truth. “But never did I feel like I did this morning, seeing and hearing you and Rowan. It was like the world was closing in. I can’t be second-choice.”

“You’re my only goddamned choice.”

At his words, all the hurt and confusion evaporates. I rush forward, launching myself around him. He rocks back, steadying us right as my mouth covers his.

My tongue plunders between his lips. He grabs my ass, growling down my throat as I pour my apology into the kiss. Stroke for stroke, our tongues battle for control until we’re both breathless.

He spins, pressing me against the wall. One of his hands threads through my hair, slanting my head and delving deeper. I whimper, grinding down, feeling the hardness against my thigh.

“Fuck, baby, gotta stop that,” he groans into my mouth.

“No, I want this. I want you.”

“Not fucking you against a wall the first time.”

“I’m not complaining.”

He twirls again, and in two strides my back hits the bed and his hard body is pressing me to the bed. His hips dig into mine, his erection hitting almost the perfect spot. I shift, bringing my pelvis flush, and moan when he pivots forward.

God, that feels so good.

He stills. Did I say that out loud?

“Swear to God, Willow, need you to stop this.”

“No, I’m done stopping this.”

He growls, his mouth moving against mine at a bruising pace. I try to keep up but give over control when his hand slides up my shirt and cups my breast. He thumbs across my hardened nipple, and I have no choice but to tear away and arch into his touch.

“Please.” I barely recognize my plea.

He braces up, searching my face. His gorgeous eyes are a shade of the sky, full of hunger, but still unsure.

It hits me, he looked at Rowan with affection, but not passion.

The way he’s looking at me is so much more.

More than anyone has ever before.

Like I’m precious to him.

Even cherished.

To my horror, the tears return.

The lust and desire in his gaze transform to apprehension, and he shifts to his side, his hand spanning my torso.

I’m so fucking stupid!

“I’m—”

“Shhh, we’ll take this at your pace.”

“It’s not that. I’m overly emotional.”

“Been a rough few days.”

“It has but that’s not the reason. This morning, I woke in your bed, feeling better than I have in weeks. So many things became clear. You’re a really great guy who didn’t blink an eye with all my drama. You stood up for me with my dad and my mom.”

“Your dad was being a dad. Your mom—we’ll discuss her another time.”

“You took care of me.”

His palm cradles my cheek, his thumb wiping my tears. “I’ll always take care of you.”

“I’ve been difficult and you’re still here.”

“Not going anywhere.”

“Thank you for your persistence.”

“You’re worth it.”

More tears fall. “I was wrong. Joseph isn’t anything like you. I was trying to guard myself. Your job scares me. You’re larger than life and I’m a bore.”

His lips tip up on one side, his eyes filling with amusement. “You’re not a bore.”

“I told you in the hospital I was scared.”

“And I told you not to be.”

“This all feels different than anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s so much so fast, and yet it feels natural.”

“You’re finally cluing in. It is natural because it’s meant to be.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because when I saw you across the room at Tom’s, my heart woke up.”

“Oh, shit.” A sob breaks free. “I almost fucked this up. I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions.”

He lays his forehead to mine. “You couldn’t fuck this up.”

I take my time, kissing each scar over and over until I’ve memorized them.

“I should go apologize to Rowan. Try to redeem myself after running out in theatrics.”

“Rowan and Ford went to visit her family in Alabama for a few days. It’s one of the reasons she is upset about not meeting you sooner.

After our incident, she’s inserted herself into my life like a sister.

A meddlesome sister. Which is why, when Ford learned you were coming here, he planned this trip.

He knew I needed a few days with you to myself. ”

A bubble of laughter creeps up. “Scheming sneak.”

“I like to think of it as conspiring brilliance.”

The tears stop and I snuggle into him, running my fingertips across his scars. He goes to move and I snap my hand back.

“Sorry, I should have asked if I could…”

His head jerks. “You never have to ask to touch me, but I know these freak you out. I was getting my shirt.”

“Don’t cover them up.” My fingers trail back over his skin.

He remains uncertain, his jaw locked tight with each skim of my touch. I realize he’s gauging my reaction. I lean in, kissing each one gently. “I hate this happened, but they are a part of you.”

“Willow.” My name is almost guttural, his hand lacing in my hair.

“And they represent beauty. They aren’t chasing me away because I’m done running.”

In a flash, we are off the bed and I’m over his shoulder. “We are leaving this room.”

“Why?”

“Because I can’t be responsible for what happens next, and I swore I wouldn’t be a savage beast the first time I fucked you.”

My insides dip, liking his reaction.

“Swore to who?”

“Myself.”

“That was a stupid thing to do. Maybe I want the savage beast. It would be a first for me. Bestiality may be my new kink.”

He growls, banging his door open and stalking down the hall. “You are trying to kill me.”

“Nah, I’m not into necrophilia.”

He stops, sliding me down his firm torso, but curling my legs around his waist. The heat in his eyes intensifies as his eyes roam over my face. I remember my crying jag and realize I’m a mess.

“I need to wash my face.”

“You’re gorgeous. And, babe, I need you to try and reel it in.”

“What did I do?”

“Sweet, sexy, smartassed—all things I like a lot. But more so, we had a rough start to the day, so we’re doing it over. Beginning with me making you breakfast.”

My stomach grumbles and I blow out a breath, conceding. “Fine, but one condition, you let me help.”

“We’ll see.” He drops a kiss to my nose and squeezes my ass.

And he doesn’t let me help.