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John can get fucked. He may have an army of lawyers and millions to throw around, but his name doesn't carry half the weight in this town that Riley's carries. For now, Kenna is untouchable where he's concerned. If he tries to destroy her career, he'll be sinking his own.
I doubt he'll slink into the shadows that easily, but one of her problems just became a whole lot lighter. Equally as important, she now has someone in her corner who will have her best interests at heart. And Riley damn sure won't be trying to sleep with her. She's happily married to one of the biggest billionaires in the state. A guy.
"Yeah?" I grin. "How about you say that again later when you're naked and riding my cock, Sparrow?"
"Put me back in my seat and drive fast, Marine."
"Fuck. I love you."
She goes still on my lap, her eyes wide.
Shit. I didn't mean to say that. I've been trying like hell not to say it until she was ready to hear it. She isn't ready. I see it written all over her face. The first inklings of panic. Fear. But I see hope mixed in there, too. She wants this. I know she does. She's just terrified to let herself have it.
"It's true," I say quietly. "I love you, Sparrow."
"You're not supposed to," she whispers.
"Not supposed to what? To love you? To say it? To mean it? Too bad, Kenna. Said it. Meant it. Would say it again. I love you."
"Gideon." Tears well in her eyes.
"I know you feel it, too. I'll wait a fucking lifetime if that's how long it takes you to find the courage to tell me."
She sobs, burying her face in my throat.
I hold her against me as she falls apart, crying for the first time since I met her. It breaks my fucking heart listening to her cry like hers is broken. I suppose in a way, it is. Has she ever properly grieved her dad? Has she cried for any of the things happening in her life now? I don't think she has. She's held it all up and held it all together, trying to be strong for everyone else. Because that's who Kenna is. That's what she does.
She's Atlas, balancing the world on her shoulders so no one else has to do it.
She's still bawling when her phone rings. As soon as it stops, mine starts. I ignore it, and then hers starts again.
"Fuck," I growl, fishing it from her back pocket.
Kane's name flashes across the display. I swipe to answer, holding it to my ear.
"What's up?"
"I need Kenna over here," he says. "It's important."
"Can it wait? We're kind of busy."
"No. They just sent a revised contract for the charity event. They want it faxed back tonight. And I just got an email from Saunders Management we need to discuss."
"Shit." I glance down at her. "We'll be there soon."
"Everything okay?"
"Yep," I lie and then hang up before he can ask any questions.
I toss her phone into the passenger seat and tuck her chin beneath my chest, rubbing her back. "You're going to be okay, Sparrow. Everything is going to be okay."
"I'm s-sorry," she cries quietly.
"You don't owe me any apologies, baby. Not now, and not ever." I press my lips to her crown and hold her.
An hour later, I drop her off at Kane's to deal with the contracts and then head to the office to check in with Zayne and Zion. It's been a good week since I've been there. I've had other shit to do.
Zion is MIA, but I find Zayne getting ready to head out.
