Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 119184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119184 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
The words don’t feel real, but when he says it, when he calls me the love of his life—
Eek!
I’ve never seen the kind of sincerity written on his face. And even though there’s a camera going, still filming this moment for the world to see, he’s talking directly to me.
Woman, how can I ever win you back?
Doesn’t he know?
Doesn’t he realize he already has?
He didn’t need to go out of his way to do it, either, because I forgave him the minute I walked through the door.
I can’t stay mad at a man who went out of his way to save me from a monster. You don’t go off on a knight when there’s a dragon at his feet, thrashing and almost slain.
But it’s too much for words. Too much for anything coherent.
I’m not sure if I jump up first or if Queenie beats me to it.
I just know I’m almost airborne as I launch across the room and throw myself at him.
His arms snap closed around me just in time.
It’s like we were never ripped apart.
His embrace feels warmer and more familiar than coming home.
I don’t care how crazy that sounds.
I also don’t care about a million online strangers watching us, never mind Luis.
The only thing that matters as I pounce on him, clinging to his neck, is the wall of man under me. The handsome beast who tucks me against my chest with such huge, strong hands that aren’t steady.
“You . . . you never lost me,” I whisper before reaching up to kiss him.
Sticky as sin and sweet as longing.
His hands frame my face, fingers wavering until he presses them to my temples, smoothing my hair.
His smile could rival the stars.
But my mouth says everything silently. I don’t have words, and this kiss will have to do.
I’m here, Brady.
I missed you so much.
And yes, I love you.
“Didn’t know if you’d ever forgive me,” he says with a guttural laugh as he pulls back.
“You donut!” I whack him playfully on the shoulder, laughing and crying simultaneously.
Harry Jay hasn’t won a damn thing.
He can’t, not when I’ve got Brady Pruitt on my side.
So, I bury my face in his neck, inhaling his masculine scent and just breathing until Luis clears his throat.
“Live stream ended,” he tells us, breaking new limits in human awkwardness. “If that doesn’t get you guys some relief, nothing will.” He coughs and shakes his head, smiling. I get the distinct impression he’s almost as emotional as we are. “But I’ll leave you guys to it. I’m sure you have a lot of talking to do.”
“Yeah and not for your ears. Shut the door on your way out,” Brady orders.
I laugh too hard, reaching across to where Queenie snorts. She’s trying to wedge her wet nose against my face. Her tongue laps at my damp cheeks until I’m in such a fit my belly hurts.
“It’s okay, sweet girl, I’m back. I missed you too,” I murmur, scratching her between the ears.
“It’s really okay.” Brady sounds almost as relieved as I feel. His hand travels up and down my back.
“I’m sorry for running,” I say.
“And I’m sorry as hell for pushing, for lighting him up when I should’ve known better. I should’ve listened.” He kisses the end of my nose. “Are we even, though?”
“Even.” I smile and lean in for another kiss. For a few blissful moments, we’re lost in each other’s arms, kissing like the ship is going down.
“Sass.” He leans back, his sky blue eyes so serious.
“Brady.” I trace the line of his mouth with my fingers, loving how his eyes darken from summer sky to winter storm in seconds.
I thought I was hungry, but I’m nothing against the look in his eyes.
“I have something else.” His eyes brighten even as his mouth stays almost still under my softly moving fingers.
“Talk,” I whisper.
“I love you. Longer and harder than a hundred billion dog years.”
My face screws up.
For a second, I’m sure my heart stops.
I’ve never been great with words unless there’s a lot of swearing involved, but I think I can handle this.
“I love you too. I love you so much.” When I smile, it feels like I’m throwing my whole body into it.
“All I ever needed.” He sucks my finger into my mouth and bites down gently, holding me. From the look on his face, he’d like to do a lot more.
But then he pauses and frowns. Some of the light in his eyes dims.
Oh no.
I know what he’s thinking. The pictures.
The disgusting slop Harry kept waiting all these years. The smut I never should’ve been stupid enough to let him capture on film.
All the ways my naked body has been seen by any creeper in this city willing to take a look.
My body isn’t just his anymore, even when I’m offering my whole heart, and it kills me.