Page 129 of Lost Trust

One minute ago, I was ready to strangle her.

Now?

I’d let her use me however she needed if it meant making that hurt disappear from her eyes.

I open the passenger door wider. “Get in the truck.”

She doesn’t move.

My voice softens. “Please, baby.”

Still nothing.

I take another step toward her. “Please, baby, get in the fucking truck.”

Her chin trembles.

I reach up slowly, giving her every chance to pull away, then rest my hand against the back of her head.

I lean down until my mouth is beside her ear.

“I’m a jealous fucking asshole,” I murmur. “And I’m sorry.”

Her eyes close.

I swallow hard. “I should’ve known better.”

I pull back just enough to look at her.

“Please,” I say again. “Just get in the damn truck.”

Royce

Marina relents and scrambles into the passenger seat.

I close the door, walk around the front of the truck, and climb behind the wheel.

Neither of us says a word.

I start the engine and pull out of the parking lot.

The drive back to the ranch is silent. Not peaceful. Not comfortable. Just heavy.

Marina stares out the window the entire way.

I keep stealing glances at her, but she never looks at me.

When we reach the ranch, I pass the main house without slowing.

She doesn’t say anything.

I take the left turn toward the academy, park across from the clinic, and shut off the engine.

For several seconds, neither of us moves.

The only sound is the echo of my own damn heart hammering in my ears.

I reach across and release her seat belt.