Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 22708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22708 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
“Well, like my mother, I picked the wrong person.” I shake my head at myself. “When the trial was over, he kept pushing for more, but I knew I wanted to leave town. Plus, I never saw him that way. In fact, he was kind of a reminder of what happened, and I wanted to move on.”
"I'm guessing he didn't like the idea of you leaving."
"No, he did not." I let out a humorless laugh. "That’s when he started showing up everywhere. No matter where I went, he was there. The coffee shop, the grocery store, the library." I take a breath and lock eyes with Rhodes. "My bedroom."
“Quinn.” Rhodes's whole body goes solid next to me.
“I’m okay,” I rush to reassure him. “I managed to talk him down and convince him that we could try to date. When I finally got him to leave, I packed everything up that night and ran. I knew the police couldn’t do shit because I’ve seen it before. I was witness to how a restraining order played out for my own mother, and I promised myself I won't be like her." I swallow down the emotion that’s trying to make its way up my throat. “To not end up like her.”
Rhodes cups my face between his hands, his green eyes staring straight into mine. “I promise you, Quinn, that will never happen. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”
I want to believe him so badly, but my past is quickly catching up to me. I'm not sure there’s anyone who can stop it.
Chapter Eight
RHODES
The tears in her eyes that have been threatening to fall finally do. I wipe them away before leaning in and pressing my lips to the wet trail they left behind.
“You trust me?” I ask, and she nods. “Then you let me worry about everything from now on. You’ve carried this burden by yourself long enough, and it’s time to let me carry it for you.”
“I’m not sure I know how.” She gives me a soft smile.
“You’ve already started by telling me and letting me keep you safe.” I brush away another tear and press a kiss to her lips. “Have you ever let anyone keep you safe before?” She shakes her head. “And you haven’t told anyone else this story, have you?” She shakes her head again. “See, you’re already taking some of the weight off.”
“I feel bad about it, though. You’re such a sweet man who has done so much for me. It’s not fair that I come in here and—”
“And what? Make my life better?” I grin at her, and she huffs a laugh.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“But it’s what’s happening.” Her soft brown eyes look up at me tenderly. “You can see the worst in people because it’s what you’ve been shown. Meanwhile, I can spot a pure heart a mile away because I’ve known people with bad intentions. When I look at you, I don’t see a burden. I see someone who hasn’t had the same advantages as everyone around her. I see someone who wasn’t protected by the people that loved her. I see a woman who is strong, and determined, and against all odds, is still fighting.”
“You do?” Her sweet voice is so hopeful it almost breaks my heart.
“I do.” I nod. “And I’m willing to do anything to protect that.”
“How are you real?”
“I ask myself the same thing about you.” I grin at her. “I keep thinking that one day I’m going to wake up and you’re going to have been a dream.”
Her hands come up to my chest, and I pull her closer. “Then I guess it’s okay to admit you’ve been featuring in my dreams lately.”
“Oh really?” I slide one hand around her waist and brush my lips against hers. “Anything you care to share?”
“Maybe not with the lights on,” she teases.
“What you’re saying is I need to add voice-activated lights to the shopping list.” Her squeal of laughter turns to a moan as I drag her across my lap and deepen the kiss.
Her body fits perfectly against mine as my hands go to her ass and my fingers grip her soft curves. When her lips part and her tongue slides against mine, I moan into her mouth. Her hips rock forward at the same time, and it’s like she can’t help it.
“Rhodes,” she breathes, and it sends a hot shiver of pleasure straight to my cock.
“Easy, sweetness.” I grip her hips to slow her down even though I’d love for her to speed up. “I don’t want to take too much.”
“Take it all.” Her lips move to my neck, and I grunt at how fucking good it feels.
“I, um, didn’t plan for this.” Her body stills, and then she tries to back up.
“If you want to stop, it’s fine—”
“No!” I shout and then shake my head. “No, I meant that I don’t have condoms.”