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Just like the man himself.
“Come on, little family. We have a lot to explore.” His entire demeanor had changed, his laugh full of happiness.
I eased out, taking a deep whiff of whatever incredible fragrance was wafting in the light breeze. “This is beautiful.”
“I’m glad you like it,” he said as he let Princess off her leash. “Take a look around back, sweetheart.”
“Can I?” Lily asked as she clapped her hands.
“Of course.”
Lily and Princess raced off together. Almost immediately he came for me, grasping my hand into his. For a man who told me once he had no romantic bones in his body, he sure was faking it well.
“Confess. What is this place?”
He took a few seconds to answer, drawing out the anticipation like he did every time before he gave me a spanking, and there’d been a few of those lately. “I bought the place. Frank and Carrie found it. I thought it would be perfect for Lily.”
“It’s amazing. I’m so happy for you.”
“Hmm…” he muttered as he turned toward me. “For a smart woman, you can be very dense.” He followed his tease by rubbing his knuckles across my lips.
“Very funny. What do you mean?”
He pulled me onto the front porch toward the swing, waiting until we were both settled before he answered me. “You wanted a swing.”
“Yes, I did, but this isn’t about me.”
“Like hell, it’s not. I’m probably not the man you need, Harlow.”
“Don’t say that.”
“It’s true. I haven’t been completely honest with you about everything.”
“Meaning what?”
He squeezed my hand, taking a deep breath. “I was in jail for six months.”
“When?” I wasn’t completely surprised, nor did it bother me.
“After I pledged my loyalty to the Silent Kings,” he admitted.
“That’s one reason you didn’t want the police involved.”
“Partially. I couldn’t risk someone trying to say I was an unfit parent. I couldn’t lose Lily.”
I thought about what he told me. “What did you do?”
“I didn’t do anything. I caught Cage’s seventeen-year-old kid stealing jewelry from a woman’s house. Even though he was underage, he had a record that meant he’d go to prison if he was caught again.”
“You took the blame.” That was so like something he’d do.
“Yeah, I did. At that point, I felt I had nothing in my life that mattered. Cage had been good to me, taking me under his wing, treating me better than I’d experienced in a couple years. There was no question I’d admit guilt.”
“That’s why Cage came to Vegas,” I breathed.
“The Kings pay their dues. I know I lied to you, but I honestly didn’t want to lose you.”
I shifted in order to look into his eyes. “What you did was admirable, stupid but admirable. Why do you think I’d believe any less of you? I’m not that kind of woman in case you haven’t figured it out by now.”
