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Instinct kicks in. This is my woman. I grab the man by the shoulder and my fist flies before rational thought can take control. He rocks backward, totters and then falls to the ground.
Rose screeches behind me. I bundle her up and shove her into the first cab. She gazes at me with wide eyes.
“I’m sorry! I can’t… I can’t see another man lay his hands on you. I don’t want to own you, Rose. I don’t want you to feel imprisoned, but I want you.” I cup her shoulders. “I’ve wanted you from the first time I saw you.” The guilt tying me up inside draws tighter. I push the words out. “I’ve wanted you more than I’ve wanted revenge. Yeah, your brother is an asshole, but I targeted him because you existed. I’ve only ever wanted you and I know you hate that, but I can’t help it. I have to have you, Rose. I have to because you’re the only thing in this world that makes me get up in the morning. If I don’t have you…” I trail off because I can’t even put those words into the universe. “I need you, Rose. I need you. Don’t leave me.”
Chapter 16
Rose
My mouth opens as I try to think of something to say, Hunter’s words having shocked me into silence. My mind can’t catch up to the present. Five minutes ago I was trying to escape him and now all I want to do is be closer to him. His harsh words in the restaurant sliced through me more than anyone else’s ever have. I never care what my brother has to say. His words never hurt me. I simply let those roll off me but Hunter’s have power. I’ve given him that by caring. His opinion matters to me whether I intended it to or not.
His words in the restaurant stung, but the ones he spoke just now made my heart flutter. Thinking back to the conversation we had in the store, when he basically told me he’d give me everything, it all tumbles together now. Don’t leave me, he all but pleaded. I didn’t want to leave him but I was running scared. I knew mentally I could survive whatever he could throw my way but my heart is another story. I’d never be able to withstand it if he crushed that. The thought nearly brings me to tears. I’ve done well safeguarding it but Hunter has pushed through those walls.
“Say something.” It’s not a demand this time. It’s a plea. He looks anxious as he awaits my response. His fingers reach over to caress my face but I remain silent. My eyes take in every part of his face. He really is handsome. He doesn’t need money and I’m sure he doesn’t need to buy a wife either. What stands out more than anything, though, is the look of fear written in his eyes. I’m sure mine look the same.
My silence has him gently sliding me into his lap, where he holds me close to him. I lay my head on his shoulder. His mouth angles down toward mine while his arms provide me with the comfort I seek. His lips brush mine, begging for acceptance.
“I’m sorry. I need you,” he whispers. “Please forgive me.” His lips caress mine again. “I’m trying. I swear.” My mouth gently moves against his, wanting to relieve some of his pain. He groans at my acceptance of his affection. Hunter tries to deepen the kiss but I pull back, needing to express my feelings for him before we can move forward. He begins to speak but I lift my two fingers, pressing them to his mouth to silence him. I need to say this. I think we both need it.
“I need you to stay quiet while I talk, Hunter.” I try and give him a stern look. He nods his head slightly and presses a kiss to my fingertips, which are still on his mouth. “I have so many questions that I want to know the answers to. You don’t have to answer them all today but I need a promise that you will at some point tell me everything.”
He nods in agreement.
“There are some that I need answers to now.” I trace his beautiful lips. I drop my fingers and press a soft kiss to his lips, encouraging him to open up to me. My eyes lift to his again, hoping he’ll let me in.
“All you have to do is ask. I don’t think I could stop myself from answering you if I wanted to.” His eyes stay pinned on mine as he speaks. I visibly relax in his hold, realizing that he is going to give me what I want. He was right. I haven’t been asking questions. He hasn’t once said no to me since I became his wife. Anything I have asked has been answered. His demeanor has been less than favorable at times but he’s always responded if I asked a direct question.
