Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45284 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 226(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Vincent has a slight smile on his face, but it’s like he’s fighting it, not wanting to fully give himself to the feeling.
“What are you asking me, son?” he says.
I swallow, looking down at Buckie curled at my feet. His eyes are closed, but it’s like he sees me watching, peeping his eye open to look up at me with encouragement.
“I’m asking…”
I stop, my voice hitching. Since meeting Luna, I feel things more deeply. I thought I had to run from that at first. That opening up would split me down the middle, but the more time we spend together, the sillier that seems. She’s opening me up, yes, but in the best way.
Taking a breath, I look at Vincent steadily.
“I’m asking for her hand in marriage,” I say. “I know it’s fast. I know people will say we’re crazy. I’ve got no doubt in my mind, sir… zero. It’s the same sort of clarity I felt when it was time to do my duty. There’s no hesitation. Just my mission, and my mission is to make your daughter as happy, fulfilled, and loved as I possibly can… every day of our lives.”
I trail off, waiting.
Vincent gives little away, though his smile hasn’t wavered, so that’s something. I have to believe that’s a good thing. He leaves me hanging for a while, the sound of Jodi and his friends laughing, Buckie letting out a tired breath, and my heartbeat thudding in my ears.
“It is fast,” Vincent says after a pause, “but I know you’re a good man. You served, and that’s no small thing, but it’s more than that. I want Luna to be happy, and ever since she met you, she’s seemed different… far happier than I’ve ever seen her. She seems like she’s found her place.”
“She has, sir,” I say, hoping I’m right.
I still haven’t shared any of this with her. What if she says no? I’m rushing ahead. Vincent hasn’t even given me his blessing yet.
“Other fathers would say no. It’s too fast, they’d say, or there’s too much of an age gap, but I trust my daughter’s judgment, and I trust my own. I know you’re a good man.”
Vincent looks down the length of the yard, giving my nerves a chance to tighten. This could be a buildup to him politely saying no.
Finally, he looks at me again. “Promise me you’re fully committed. You’ll never hurt her. You’ll never abandon her.”
“I promise,” I say fiercely. “I’ve never felt so sure about anything in my entire life.”
Vincent stands, offering me his hand. Buckie watches me as I rise to my feet, head tilted, a doggie smile twitching his mouth like he knows how significant this is.
I take Vincent’s hand, shaking it.
“Then you have my blessing, son.”
My heart soars.
CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
Luna
As my man sleeps, I prop myself up on my elbows, looking down at his back, at the tattoo I finished yesterday. It’s still sore and healing, but Sergeant is there, next to Gunner on the opposite shoulder, both of them testaments to Kayden’s service.
Morning sunlight spills in through the window, bathing his back. He rolls over, sitting up, his naked torso tense with muscles bulging. Ever since our first time, I’ve wanted him even more, as though knowing I can give him what he wants has lit fresh passion inside of me.
“I’m glad you agreed to take a morning off,” I murmur.
He leans over, kissing me on the lips. I sink against him, my hands clutching onto his torso, sliding down to his belly. The lust never stops springing awake.
“Why?” he asks.
“It means I get to watch you sleep. You’re so peaceful.”
He wraps his arm around me. We’re close to each other, his breath teasing me.
“That’s only since you came along,” he says. “I want to take you somewhere today.”
“Where?” I ask.
He shakes his head. I wonder if I’m projecting the nerves I read in his face, or if they’re simply a reflection of the nerves writhing through me. Each day that passes, it becomes more difficult not to tell him I want to move faster, difficult not to share the desire cascading through me.
Not just for the physical heat, but the love, the future…
It’s too fast, I tell myself. Try to tell myself, anyway. I shouldn’t push it. I should be grateful I have this, at least.
“It’s a surprise,” he says, kissing my cheek softly. “Do you trust me?”
“With everything I have,” I reply.
“Then let’s get ready.”
“No, wait…” I trail my hand down his body, stunned at my forwardness, but loving the way it makes his body tighten, his eyes getting that extra glint of savage obsession. “I think we’ve got something to do first…”
***
After the sex, he drives me across the city, his forearms tensing as he squeezes the steering wheel. His jaw is tense, too. His temples are pulsing.