Page 109 of My Favorite Kidnapper

I spun on my heel and headed back to the kitchen. She was still standing there, her shoulders hunched. Her voice had dropped, barely a whisper escaping. I cleared my throat. She looked up, the tears on her cheeks slamming into me, breaking me open.

“Your time away hasn’t taught you any respect. You referred to my age twice already. We talked about that.”

She wiped her eyes on her apron like a child, the action endearing her to me all over again.

“Then stop acting like you’re sixty.”

“Stop being so damn sexy.”

“That is impossible. I know someone who thinks I am.”

I nodded. “He does. He thinks you’re the most incredible, vexing, stubborn, sexy, wonderful woman he knows. He loves you very much, but he is afraid to admit it. Worried that loving you will put you in danger. Terrified to admit to needing someone. Worried you don’t need him the same way.”

“I do. I need you more than I can express.” More tears coursed down her cheeks. “No one else would put up with my brand of crazy.”

“I like your crazy.”

“It likes you, old man.”

I lifted an eyebrow. “What did you say?”

“Old man,” she mouthed.

“You know the rules.”

“So you keep repeating. Maybe I need a reminder.”

I stepped closer until I was in front of her. Close enough to smell her. The light, alluring scent that clung to her skin that had nothing to do with the sugar she worked with.

“You sass off and call me that, you get fucked, Little Bee. Until I’ve had my fill. You’ve been warned.”

She tapped her foot. “And I’m waiting.”

I had her in my arms in a second.

Chapter Twenty-Six

BRIANNA

I was in his arms. Held tight to his chest. Encased in his warmth. His scent. I was home.

I gripped his neck, listening to his heartbeat under my ear. He carried me upstairs, his mouth pressing kisses to my head repeatedly. He lowered me to the bed, hovering over me. “You were supposed to stay away, Little Bee.”

“I couldn’t.”

“I can’t give you up again.”

“Then don’t.”

“I love you. I fucking love you so much, I have no idea how to deal with it.”

I cupped his face. “I love you too. We’ll figure it out. Promise me we’ll do it together.”

“Always. I’ll never let you go.”

“Stop worrying about what could happen and instead enjoy what we have now,” I urged. “Be with me. Here. Now.”

I could see his emotions. They poured from his liquid gold gaze. They dripped inside me, bringing me back to life.