Page 133 of Yearn

“Why not?”

“Because sometimes when a person talks like that. . .they slip up and actually do it.”

“I’ve got more than enough money for bail and a legal team that can keep me out of jail—”

“We’re not going there.”

“Notwe, butme.” I crossed the room and planted my palm on the wall above her shoulder—not touching her, only remaking the space.

She watched the line of my muscular arm like an answer she wasn’t ready to give.

I matched her breathing for three full cycles, then slowed mine, pulling hers down by degrees until her shoulders loosened against her will.

“What you did tonight was dangerous.” Her bottom lip quivered. “The children were upstairs. Plus, like I said. . you could get in trouble for something like this and you have your whole life ahead of you, Dominic. Think of yourself and leave my drama alone. You’re supposed to be a doctor, not a prisoner.”

“I’m supposed to protect you.” I didn’t blink. “I sent my legal team to help you today.”

“I talked to one of them. They wouldn’t tell me how much they will charge—”

“Because I’m paying, and before you say no, understand that for me there is no other option,” I spoke through clenched teeth, “Use the team to gethimthe FUCK out of this house.”

“I will. . .thank you for the lawyer.”

“My legal team updated me on the bullshit court order. Scott bribed a judge on the golf course to sign it. They can provide proof and tear the court order apart.” My mouth went hard on the next part. “But they’re saying seven days—that’s their guess.”

“That’s what they told me. Although. . .they left the bribe part out.”

“They have ways of finding things that others can’t.”

“Still. . .how did they find it—”

“That doesn’t matter. I don’t intend to wait seven fucking days to havemyfamily back.”

She widened her eyes. “Dominic. . .”

Rage rose within my chest, but I made sure to steady it. Teyonah wasn’t the target, and I didn’t want to scare her anymore.

“Dominic. . .we can wait seven days and do this the right way.”

“Since the first night I kissed you. . .I’ve been a locked animal out of its cage. I can only hold myself back one more night. That’s it.”

“We can wait. . .”

Not me.

Seven days was a lifetime when a wolf was staring at raw meat.

Plus, seven days of Scott's voice in J's head, rewiring everything I'd spent months healing.

Fuck no. He has to go.

Danger and devotion rattled within my chest. “He spoke to you like you were replaceable. You’re not. You’re a queen.Mybeautiful queen.”

She bit her lip.

“I will tear down any man who forgets that.” My voice dropped into the truth’s darker register. “I will kill him.”

“Don’t say that. . .please. Don’t make threats like that—”