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His hands settled on her shoulders. “Talk to me.”
“You should go.”
He nudged her around to face him. “Why?”
“Because.”
“I need more than that.”
“I’m going to hurt you,” she mumbled, staring at the second button of his shirt.
“So you keep saying.” His fingers brushed beneath her chin, lifting her gaze to his. “It’s a risk I’m prepared to take.”
“Not a wise choice.”
A corner of his mouth lifted. “But it’s my choice.” His thumb stroked lightly across her jaw, his eyes searching hers.
Steady. Patient. Determined.
She squeezed her eyes shut, lest he wrench the ugly truth right from her dark soul. “Dammit, Ronan. There’s no tomorrow for us. No happy ever after waiting around the corner.”
“I don’t believe that for a second.”
Her laugh was brittle as she stepped away from him.
Away from his touch.
Away from those all-seeing eyes.
“I have plans, Marine. They don’t include you.” Felicity wrapped her arms around herself, already missing his warmth, and strode to the kitchen, the dogs right behind. She unlocked and opened the back door, and the dogs rushed past as she stepped onto the deck, triggering the security lights.
“Plans can change,” Ronan said, leaning against the doorjamb, arms crossed.
“Not these.”
“Then include me in them.”
Her gaze snapped to his. “What?”
He pushed away from the doorframe. “You don’t want to stay in Clearbrook? Fine. We’ll leave.” He spread his arms. “I’ll follow you to Timbuktu if that’s where you want to go. Just tell me where and when, and I’ll be ready.”
He truly meant those words, determination underscoring each one. She gave a harsh laugh. “Hell.”
His brow furrowed. “What?”
Felicity lifted her chin and met his gaze. “That’s where I’m going. Hell. It’s where people like me belong.”
Ronan studied her for a long moment before stepping out onto the deck. “Good thing I’m stubborn enough to follow you there.”
She groaned. Did this infuriating man never give up? “It’s not a joke, Ronan.”
“Never said it was.” His gaze never left hers. “But you need to understand something. I’m like a sticky weed. Once hooked, I’m damned hard to get rid of.” He took another step closer. “And, Lissy-love, I sure am hooked on you.”
Despite herself, her lips twitched. It was the perfect analogy. “You are as annoying as a burr.”
His expression softened. “For the next few weeks, we’re going to be spending a lot of time together.”
She huffed. “I know.”
