Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Jesus Christ, she reliving the nightmare that fucking asshole put her through.
As if she reads my thoughts, she snaps, “I-I-I just think…”
I frame her face as she tries to look away, forcing her to see me. “You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. In my thirty-one years, I’ve seen and done a lot of shit. Shit that can scar a man. Never believed someone so unbelievably perfect was out there for me. Now I know differently, and I’m not willing to waste a fucking minute. You think the newness is ever going to wear off of us living our life together?”
Her gaze fills with remorse. “I wasn’t comparing you to anyone.”
“Good, because no one will ever compare to you.”
Her face softens and she relaxes into me. “I’m taking the offer on my house.”
Her immediate change of subject is a good sign. “You should.”
“Dad thinks I’ll get multiple offers this week.”
“We knew it was coming.”
The interest in Rowan’s place started pre-list. It’s only been three days since Cassie and Hotch left, but word spread wide and quick. Neighbors came around asking and then the calls started. Considering the area of town and the work she put into it, the bungalow is highly sought after.
“I don’t want to drag it out. The couple who viewed it, they had this aura about them. Her reaction reminded me of how I felt the first time I walked through the door.”
“Then it’s meant to be.”
“You don’t think it’s rash to make such a big decision so quickly?”
I immediately see where she’s going with this. Clever girl thinks she has me. “Not rash when I know I’m right.”
“Sexual manipulation isn’t going to work on me.”
“Next time, I’ll rachet up the orgasms.”
“It’s no hardship, considering how explosive we are.”
“Babe, no fucking lie, you’re the best I’ve ever had. But explosive sex and phenomenal blow jobs aren’t why I want you under my roof. I’m done waiting for the rest of my life to start. I’m a master at precision. The timing is right.”
“We’ll see.”
“I’m also a man who doesn’t back down when he knows what he wants. Fair warning, you’ve thrown down a challenge.”
“Convince away, honey. I look forward to it.”
The glint in her eye and the roll of her hips have me hard and ready to go again.
Two weeks. As soon as the wedding is over and we’re back from Kentucky, Rowan’s ass will be in my house.
Even if I have to play dirty.
17
FORD
The hair on the back of my neck stands when I spot Rich, Hal, and Pete, Ace’s dad, coming through the door.
“Shit.” Ace shares the same sentiment.
Years ago, Pete was an ugly drunk, but losing his son to the military and almost losing his wife set him on the straight and narrow. Alcohol is no longer his crutch, and his being here isn’t out of the ordinary. But the three of them coming in together raises eyebrows.
Especially since it’s ladies’ night and none of the wives are with them.
“My office,” Tom barks, passing by.
“Be right back.” I bend to kiss Rowan’s cheek and she glances up curiously.
“Everything okay?”
“Perfect. Don’t leave this seat.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically, focusing back on whatever Ginger is saying.
Ace, Talon, Major, and I file to Tom’s office, finding the four men.
“This a private party?” Talon leans against the wall, crossing his legs. “Because, honestly, the company is much prettier in the bar.”
“Always the smartass,” Tom grouses.
“We want to know what you’re getting into with Hayes Security,” Rich asks point blank.
“Rich—”
“No.” Rich throws his hand out at Ace. “For as long as I can remember, you’ve been like a son to me. Most of that time, there’s been a hole in my gut, worrying you’d get yourself hurt or worse. Lived through your deployments, wondering if that was it. You came home and went and got yourself shot. Didn’t feel I had the right at the time, but a few months ago, you made it official and became my son. Now I have the right to ask what the hell you’re doing getting into bed with one of the deepest operation security groups in the country?”
“Special assignment,” I answer.
All eyes swing to me. “Yes, Ford, well aware it’s a special assignment.”
“Well then, you know it’s also confidential.”
“Cut the shit. Are you in danger?” Tom loses patience.
“We’re in danger every time we put on the uniform,” I come back with something he already knows.
His eyes blaze with irritation.
“We made a commitment a while ago to keep this city safe. That’s what we’re doing,” Major adds.
“Tom, do you want to turn around in a few months and have drugs running out of the back of your bar?” Talon goads.
Tom slices his angry glare to him.
“Didn’t think so.”
“We’re working alongside many agencies. They contracted us for a reason.”
“Your special skills,” Pete speaks up, eyeing his son. “You have something they need.”