Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72156 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 361(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
When she gave birth to Bethany, she truly believed she’d never be near or see Preacher again. She never for a second thought she’d fall right back in love with him, desperate for his touch and his love.
Now, she also held that love for Reaper. Yes, there were the bad memories, of course there were, but this, it wasn’t right.
“Would you like to hold her?” Robin asked.
“When she’s awake, maybe. Excuse me.”
Preacher left the room. She listened as he talked to her father downstairs and flinched as the door to the house closed.
This was all a little too much for all of them.
Tears filled her eyes. The slamming of the door had unnerved her daughter. Humming softly to her, she made sure she felt safe.
Reaper stepped forward. He put his hands on her hips and her first instinct was to pull away but she didn’t.
“You were at the supermarket,” she said.
“I knew they were planning something for your birthday. I’ve kept a close eye on you. As much as I could without being caught.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I didn’t know if seeing Bethany would help you to remember. I knew you needed to have some catalyst.”
“It didn’t.” She blew out a breath. No, all of her memories returned when she’d stepped inside Bishop’s room. Of all the places for her to be reminded of everything that happened. At least it explained her nerves about being around Bishop.
“I know. Don’t get me wrong, I was hoping for a little of that love action to help us. You know, the shit you like reading about. Guy meets girl and all of that.”
“Don’t cuss, please.”
“You think that’s the worst Bethany is going to hear? You grew up in this world, Robin.”
“She doesn’t need you. You said that.”
“I said a lot of things, like you’d be safe, but we both know you weren’t.”
She turned toward Reaper and he groaned. “Shit, baby, don’t cry, please.”
She pulled away from him. “It’s fine.”
“It’s not fine. I’m not going to hurt you.”
“I know that.” She walked over to the window.
Preacher’s bike was gone. He’d left without another word. This was all a little too much for him. “You know he could have killed you today.”
“I know, but I also know he loves you as much as I do, and he won’t do anything to make you sad or angry. It’s the way of the world. Love wins over all.”
“Does it? I’m starting to doubt that.”
“You told me that all it takes is having some faith in others. It’s why I came back here, Robin. To show you I have faith in you, in us.”
He had faith in her? Love. The one feeling that should make all others go away. Love should be easy. She no longer believed that. If love won and if it was easy, then she wouldn’t be in this predicament. She released a yawn and realized how tired she was. “I need to get some sleep. I don’t know how long she’s going to be out for.”
“Bethany sleeps well. She’s never a bother. We’ve been lucky with her.”
“Did you have other women taking care of her?”
“No, I took care of her. She’s my girl, and you know there’s no one else I’d trust with her safety. I knew you wouldn’t be happy with anyone else taking care of her.”
“Thank you.”
“I’d never replace you, Robin. You know that.”
“I’m sorry. I guess I’m really tired. Please don’t be angry with me. A lot has happened tonight.”
“It’s impossible to be angry with you.”
She reached out to touch his cheek and hesitated.
Reaper cursed, grabbed her shirt, and pulled her in close. She let out a moan as he took possession of her lips in a searing kiss.
It was the first time they’d kissed in so long. At first, it felt awkward. This man had been part of her other life and now, he was there kissing her, loving her, and it was just a little too much, but she responded.
Her body … didn’t. There was something missing. She cupped his cheek and pulled away. This was Preacher’s house. Reaper, her feelings for him, it wasn’t … right. She didn’t know what was suddenly missing.
You’re no longer a captive, and he’s no longer in charge. You’re safe now, and you don’t have to make sacrifices to live or to be happy.
“Fuck, I’ve missed you.”
“I’m going to go say goodnight to my dad. You can sleep in Bishop’s old room or on the sofa. I don’t know where else you’d stay.”
“I’ll take the sofa. I’m not sleeping in that guy’s cum dump.”
She couldn’t help but chuckle. “Goodnight.”
“Goodnight. I’m just going to watch her, make sure she is settled.”
Robin nodded. She went to her room, changed into a pair of pajamas, and went in search of her father. She found him passed out in the chair. The bottle of water half-empty beside him.