Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 118780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 594(@200wpm)___ 475(@250wpm)___ 396(@300wpm)
Cruz stares at me a beat, working through something before he replies. “Don’t hurt her, Ford. I know from personal experience even the strongest women who learn to survive have a breaking point. She trusts you, and her love is a gift. Don’t mess that up because she may not recover.”
“Been in the thick of combat, made split decisions that meant life or death. Men I consider brothers came home in boxes. Watched helplessly as two of my best friends were shot and fought for their lives. But never have I felt as powerless as when Craig Johns had her at gunpoint. The scene I walked in on will haunt me forever.”
“You saved her.”
“Yeah, but the fucker had his hands on her, shoved down on the bed. Even in the darkness, I could see she’d given in to his evil and resigned to what was happening. He shouldn’t have gotten that far.”
I immediately catch the apprehension in his eyes. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“I know that. And every time I look at her, knowing what she means, it helps calm the vicious rage that lives inside me.”
“Damn, man, never been sentimental, but you even have me choked up.” Alex scrubs his hand over his chin. “Know she’s always in good hands. We love having her around.”
“Don’t get too used to it. Appreciate any help you can give in swaying her to see my way.”
“What are you going to do when she buys another house?”
I pin them both with my glare.
“She’s not buying another house, is she?”
“Not alone.”
“Damn, man, you better up your game.”
“It’s not a game when it’s forever.”
“Then sharpen your powers of persuasion and do it quick. She’s eyeing a townhome in this neighborhood.”
“I’ll start sharpening right after I take that dog for a run.”
“You are a godsend. That last gimlet is kicking my ass this morning.” Cruz sighs.
I grab the leash from the wall and whistle, Pepper bounding back in. “See ya soon.”
“She doesn’t stand a chance.”
“Cruz, she never stood a chance. These men may be dense…”
I tune out the rest, shutting the door and leading Pepper through the back.
“Short run today, girl. I have a woman to wake up.”
The dog turns her dark eyes to me, her tongue wagging, and I swear she smiles.
I sense his approach, keeping my eyes on the horses roaming the field.
“Quite an event.” Hotch steps to my side.
“Yeah.”
“Cass and I have money and connections, but not sure even we could pull off a wedding at Churchill Downs.”
“Few people can.”
“Then again, getting to know her, not sure anyone would want to piss off Margo Keller.”
I glance over, taking in his solemn expression. The same expression he’s had the last few days when he thinks no one is watching. “Something bothering you, Hotch?”
He takes a large gulp of his whiskey and turns to face me. Yeah, definitely something on his mind.
“Is it that obvious?”
“Figured you’d talk when you were ready.”
“Rowan’s happy.”
“That’s my goal.”
A roar comes from behind, pulling our attention. All the women are on the dance floor around Jewls, who is dancing with Nate and Cooper. They take turns twirling her between them while the crowd cheers.
My eyes immediately go to Rowan. She’s next to her mom and Harley chanting.
Her hair is swept up in some kind of twist with rhinestones, the strapless blue dress hugging her curves and flaring at her hips. Her neck and ears sparkle with jewels gleaming under the lights.
It’s not only the jewels, it’s her. She’s beaming. A halo of beauty radiates around her.
Fucking breathtaking.
Since the second she stepped into sight at the end of the aisle, I’ve fought the urge to steal her away.
For the past five days, family and friends have surrounded us. Event after event, she’s been in the thick of things.
The selfish bastard in me wants her alone.
“Definitely the fanciest wedding I’ve ever attended.” Hotch is back on this subject.
“That what’s on your mind? The wedding?”
“Heard Rowan talking to Cass. She said you want her to move in.”
Ahh, now we’re getting somewhere. “It’s true.”
“Isn’t that a little soon?”
I can’t help the twitch of my lips. “I’m getting you don’t like the idea?”
“Ford, you’re a good man. My girl is thriving. She’s worked her ass to the bone, and it’s finally paying off. Her dreams are a reality.”
“And moving in with me will mean the end to her dreams?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth.”
“That’s what it sounded like.”
“You haven’t been together long.”
I should be pissed, but his likeness to Rowan is amusing. “You been talking to Rowan because you sound like her parrot.”
“I raised a sensible and responsible girl.”
“Then why don’t you stop dancing around what you really want to say?”
“Living together is a big step. She made that mistake—”
“Now you think I’m a mistake?”
He clears his throat, pulling his lips through his teeth. Whatever he’s working out is eating at him. Finally, he speaks. “Man to man, I’m gonna ask you a favor. Give it a little more time. She’s been through a lot and trusted too easily. It’s important for her to come into her own.”