Page 78 of Auctioned to the Devil

Silence.

Her lips part.

There.

Said it.

Can’t take it back.

“I love you, Emily. That’s why I lose my fucking mind when you’re in danger. That’s why I check the locks. That’s why I notice where you are in every room.”

Her eyes fill.

“That’s why I nearly killed a man tonight.”

She touches my face. “Caleb.”

“I don’t know how to do this halfway.”

“I don’t want halfway.”

“You sure?”

She gives me a watery laugh. “I was kidnapped today. You’re still the most terrifying thing that’s happened to me.”

My mouth twitches. “Smartass.”

“I love you too.”

Everything inside me stills. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“Say it again.”

Her smile comes slowly. “No.”

I grip her hips. “Emily.”

“You’re very bossy for a man who just confessed his feelings.”

“Say it.”

“Make me.”

There she is.

I step between her knees.

Her breath catches.

“You sure you want to play that game tonight?”

Her hands slide around my neck. “I love you, Caleb.”

I kiss her.

Not because she’s vulnerable.