Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 63842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 63842 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 319(@200wpm)___ 255(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
“Keep this covered until tomorrow. Then try to keep it clean and dry until the skin heals. It’s not really much more than a scratch, so you should be fine. Just watch for signs of infection and let me know immediately if something doesn’t feel right.” Pain gave me a reassuring smile. “If it worries you, you ask. Asking is the only way to reassure your mind.”
“Thank you. Everyone here has been so kind.” I looked from Pain to Rip. “Can we talk, Rip? It’s important.” I gripped his hand where he held mine, clinging as tightly as I could.
“Take as much time as you need,” Pain said as he stepped into the hallway and quietly shut the door, leaving us in the small room alone.
“I want to take my life back,” I said quietly. “All of it.”
He looked up at me, his dark eyes intent on my face. “You’re already doing that. Doin’ a Goddamned good job of it, too.” His expression grew intense, his brows drawing together in concentration.
“Not completely.” I took a deep breath. “You told me once that when I was ready, when I was actually ready and not just emotionally fragile, you’d be there. You said we could find happiness.”
His expression didn’t change, but I saw hope and maybe even longing he probably didn’t intend to show me.
“I meant it,” he said.
“I know you did.” I tightened my grip on his hand. “I don’t know where we’ll end up. I don’t know if I can be what you need. But I want to find out if we can have that happiness you talked about.”
Rip went completely still. “You sure about this, Jade? Because I don’t want you doing this for any reason except it’s what you truly want.”
“I’ve spent three years having my choices taken away,” I said. “This one is mine. Completely mine.” I leaned forward slightly. “I choose you, Rip. Not because you saved me or protected me. But because of who you are. Because of who I am when I’m with you.”
His free hand came up to cup my face, thumb brushing across my cheekbone. Rip touched me with such deliberate gentleness, my breath hitched and warmth spread through my insides.
“I’m still learning who I am,” I continued. “Still figuring out who I want to be. But I know I want you to be part of that journey.”
Rip leaned forward slowly, deliberately, giving me every opportunity to pull away. His eyes held mine, watching for any sign of hesitation or doubt. I didn’t move away. Instead, I closed the distance between us.
His lips touched mine, gentle at first, testing. I pressed forward, my uninjured hand moving to the back of his neck. The kiss deepened, weeks of tension and restraint dissolving between us. His hand slid from my face to cradle the back of my head, fingers threading through my hair.
I felt the controlled power in him, the careful way he held himself back. And for the first time in years, I didn’t fear that power. I welcomed it.
When we finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, I kept my forehead pressed against his. His hand remained at the nape of my neck, warm and steady. “I meant what I said before,” he murmured. “We take this at your pace. No matter what. Even if we have to stop, I’ll never be upset with you. I’ll figure out what I did to trigger you and fix it.”
“I know.” I smiled against his lips. “But I’m done letting fear decide what I can and can’t have.” I pulled back just enough to look into his eyes. “Eric took enough from me. He doesn’t get to take my future too.”
Rip’s answering smile transformed his entire face, softening the hard edges, lighting his eyes. “No,” he agreed. “He doesn’t.”
I kissed him again because I wanted to. Because I could. Because every choice I made now was mine alone. And this choice felt exactly right.
Chapter Thirteen
Jade
Rip led me through the courtyard to the Kiss of Death compound, then to the warehouse with his apartment. My heart pounded with each step. I’d made my decision without fear driving it. I felt no desperation or anything other than pure want coursing through me. My fingers trembled slightly as they wrapped around his, but not from anxiety. This trembling came from anticipation, from knowing exactly what I wanted and finally feeling brave enough to take it.
He pulled me inside and closed the door behind us, turning the lock with a soft click that echoed in the quiet room.
The lamp on the nightstand cast long shadows across the bed, bathing the space in warm amber light. Rip stood just inside the doorway, his large frame somehow making the room feel both smaller and safer all at once. He waited, watching me with those dark, calm eyes that seemed to see right through me. I knew he wouldn’t move first. He’d promised to let me set the pace, to make my own choices. So I chose him.