Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49416 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 247(@200wpm)___ 198(@250wpm)___ 165(@300wpm)
When the police follow in shortly behind him, I kiss Owen quickly, tell him I love him again, and step out so he can give his statement to the police.
And the entire time I'm away from him, I promise myself that I’ll never take life for granted ever again.
CHAPTER 19
Owen
Istretch my arms up and over my head, focusing on the rotation that my physical therapist demanded I do multiple times a day in order to loosen up my tight muscle where the bullet had gotten lodged.
It's been a week, and while I still have a little pain, it's nothing compared to what it could’ve been. That's something I've really been struggling with—images of what would’ve happened if I hadn't gotten to Zoe in time.
Flashes of my worst fears playing out behind my eyelids as I close them to sleep at night—Zoe getting hit with the bullet instead of me. That’s a pain I wouldn't come back from, heal from.
The only way I've been able to soothe myself is either talking it out with my brilliant girlfriend, or holding in her my arms and assuring myself that she's safe.
And despite the bastard being behind bars, his trial set for later in the year which I no doubt know he’ll be convicted of attempted murder, I still can't drop the protectiveness I feel around her.
She assures me it’ll pass with time, that my body is still in fight-or-flight mode when it comes to her. I'm making sure I work on all the mental and breathing techniques she’s taught me in order to get through it.
My phone buzzes on the coffee table in Zoe’s living room, Gregory glaring at it since the vibration woke him from his fourth nap of the day. I rub the spot behind his ears that he loves, and his gaze softens, forgiving me for the intrusion as he lays his head back down. I roll my eyes at the damn cat, and grab my phone.
Caleb: Can’t believe you’re going to do the club full time.
Me: Sure you can. It’s no different than when I left the military.
Caleb: At least I don’t have to trail you across the country this time.
I huff out a laugh, shaking my head. I’m grateful for him. His heads-up saved Zoe’s life, not to mention the way he’d been there for her while I was in the ICU.
Me: You taking care of the club?
Caleb: You know I am. Just enjoy your three weeks off.
Me: I am. Trust me.
Caleb: Tell Zoe I said hi.
Me: Will do.
I set my phone back down, petting Gregory a few more times before heading to the kitchen. This place feels like home, and while we haven’t ironed out all the details, we’re prepared for me to live here with her and commute to Charleston when needed. It’s the most serious I’ve ever been about anyone, but I’ve never loved anyone the way I love Zoe.
“What are you doing?” Zoe's voice sounds as she walks through the front door, catching me unloading the dishwasher and putting glasses in her cabinets. “You're supposed to be resting!” She sets her things down on the kitchen island, looking at me with chiding eyes.
“Kitten,” I say as she grabs my good hand, tugging me through the kitchen and into the living room before settling me on the couch. “If I rest anymore, I’ll turn into your couch,” I continue. “I'm fine. My physical therapist says I need to move.”
“Yeah, but not too much,” she says, shaking her head at me. “I picked up your favorite ice cream on my way home from work,” she continues, walking back to the bag she sat on the kitchen island, showing it to me. “Do you want some now or later?”
“Later,” I answer with a laugh. “You know you can't keep waiting on me hand and foot forever,” I continue as she puts the treat in the freezer and makes her way over to me.
“You took a bullet for me, Silver,” she says, grinning down at me mischievously. “I'll never be able to wait on you enough.”
“Cut that shit out,” I say playfully as she leans over me where I sit on the couch. She's still standing, and I reach out to gently grip her hips. “I'm fine. You're not in my debt. I love you. I would do anything for you.”
She purses her lips, her eyes trailing over my face and lingering on my lips. “I love you too,” she says. “And just because I'm not in your debt doesn't mean I can't show you how appreciative I am.”
She slowly drops to her knees, her delicate hands massaging my muscled thighs before she unbuttons my pants and shimmies them down enough to free me, stroking me, her eyes flicking from my cock up to my face in a flirtatious and downright temptress sort of way.