Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21067 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 105(@200wpm)___ 84(@250wpm)___ 70(@300wpm)
A small part of me warms at his fierce determination, the way he’s wrapping me into his protective bubble. Without thinking, I lean into him slightly, craving the sense of safety his closeness guarantees.
“Banks,” I say, looking up at him intently, needing to get back a little of the control my former business associate stole from me, “I appreciate you wanting to protect me, but I want to handle this myself. Richard doesn’t get to dictate how I handle my life.”
He stares down into my eyes for several moments, and I’m expecting him to argue but he shocks me. “I understand, little knockout. I do. I know you’re independent and don’t need a man to take care of you. I don’t want to dictate your decisions. I want to be your partner making them.”
In that moment, the honesty shining in his eyes tugs at my heart strings, combining with warmth that sends butterflies swirling crazily in my chest. “I want that, too,” I reply, my eyes locking with his. “But I can’t have you fighting my battles for me. I need to stand up for myself, especially after everything I’ve been through.”
“I completely understand,” he reassures me, his voice low and unwavering. “But that doesn’t mean I’ll stand by with my thumb up my ass while this dickhead comes after you."
Romi fake gags in the background, breaking up the seriousness of the moment. “That’s a vision I just can’t get out of my mind.”
Chapter 6
Banks
A week passes quickly at my house while Yvette slowly becomes an integral part of my life. Each day is like a familiar rhythm, punctuated by her laughter and the occasional exasperated groans as she struggles to work while recovering.
Honestly, it feels surreal to have her here, and I’m doing my best to be patient while also wrestling with this undeniable connection wrapping around us like an invisible force.
Mornings are my favorite. The sun spills into the kitchen, and the smell of coffee blended with pancakes permeates the air as I lay out breakfast. At least, this time, they really look and smell like pancakes.
“Wow, this looks good.” Yvette sits on one of the stools at the breakfast bar.
“I’d reserve my opinion until I’ve tasted them,” I respond, flipping a pancake on the pan.
But soon enough, the buzz of reality cuts in on our perfect morning. After a week of healing here at my house, she drops the bomb on me after breakfast.
“I’m going back to my office on Monday,” she announces, shifting her position in the chair.
Just like that, the smile falls from my face as a knot of concern forms in my stomach. “What do you mean, back to work? You just got out of the hospital! You shouldn’t be rushing into anything.”
She glances over at me, and I can see the determination in her eyes. Fucking hell. The urge to hide her away in my house where I know she’s safe battles with the desire to give her whatever she wants. No matter how hard it is for me. “I have clients to see in person. If I don’t get back to work, things will stack up, and there are deadlines.” She sighs.
“Okay. I’m going to hire a bodyguard,” I blurt out. The moment the words leave my mouth, I realize they sound a lot more dramatic than I intended.
She stares at me like I’ve lost my mind and I think I might have. “A bodyguard? Are you freaking serious? I’m not some Hollywood starlet needing protection!”
“You definitely do need protection,” I say, my voice softening. “You’re a woman who literally got run off the road by a jackass. I can’t just sit back and let you traipse around town with no one watching your back.”
“I can take care of myself!” she protests, but I know I’m not backing down on this one. “I’m not going to let you hire some goon to babysit me while I work. That’s ridiculous!”
“Yvette,” I say firmly, trying to keep my tone steady. “Look, I get it. You’re independent, and I admire that. But I’ll be a total mess if I know you’re out there without someone keeping an eye out for Richard. I couldn’t focus on daily stuff knowing you could be in danger.”
She looks down at her hands, the constant fidgeting giving away her uncertainty. I can tell she’s wrestling with it, fighting the urge to give in.
“Please?” I try, a softer pitch slipping into my tone. “Just for a couple of weeks, until you’re all healed up and feel ready to tackle the world again.”
“Fine,” she huffs reluctantly, finally conceding after a long silence. “But only because I know the caveman gene runs strong in the men in this freaking town.”
I can’t help but grin, feeling a rush of triumph. “You have no idea how hard I’ve been fighting my caveman gene,” I admit.