Page 48 of Full Throttle

I grabbed his hand. “You saved me.”

He didn’t answer.

“You saved my life, Dom. You risked your own to save me.”

“I had to.”

“Why?” I asked, the echo of the memory I was trying to recall last night reverberating in my mind.

He met my gaze, his eyes tired. Bloodshot. Filled with tenderness. “You know why, Cherry G.”

“Please.”

He leaned close. “I saved you for myself. I had to. I love you.”

Hearing the words was like small explosions going off in my head. My heart jumped, my breathing picked up, and my hand trembled as I cupped his face.

“I love you too.”

It was slow to start, then it grew. Wide. Surprised. Pleased. It was a different smile than I had ever seen on his face. One I had a feeling was only for me.

“Then for the first time, we’re on the same page,” he said quietly.

“I think we always have been. I kinda like to argue.”

He bent low, pressing his lips to mine. I was sure I reeked of smoke and my breath was equally terrible, but he didn’t care. “Never change.” He smiled against my mouth. “I love that stubborn part of you.”

“Good.”

“But you’re not going to argue about the fact that I’m taking you home. With me.”

“No. Hannah will look after me.”

“No. I will.”

“It’s not your place,” I argued weakly.

“I disagree.”

“I don’t think⁠—”

He cut me off by placing a finger on my mouth. “I have room. Time. Hannah and Chase both work. They’re young and developing a relationship.”

“You work,” I mumbled against his finger.

“Yep. And General Charly has it all figured out. I’m going to work scattered hours. She’s going to help me. Hannah will come and look after you when she can. So will the other girls. They all want to help.” He smirked. “They’re already organizing meals. We both benefit, Cherry. Besides, as your husband, it’s my job to look after you.”

I narrowed my eyes. “We haven’t discussed that lie yet.”

“I wasn’t staying away from you. It was either tell them I was your husband or beat down a few security people to get to you. Either way, I was coming into the room.”

Something in me melted at his possessive tone. His insistence he cared for me. I kissed the end of his finger that still touched my mouth.

“I’m going to look after you, and that is all there is to it.”

“You’re not the boss of me.”

He hovered over me, all levity gone. “Not the boss, but the man who loves you. Who you love. I almost lost you last night, and I am not letting you out of my sight. Understand?” He swallowed. “Don’t ask that of me right now.”