Total pages in book: 23
Estimated words: 20394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 102(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 102(@200wpm)___ 82(@250wpm)___ 68(@300wpm)
It's not even daylight out, but I woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. I know what today is, and I'm not ready for it to be here. I burrow into Kane's side and hold on to him. His arms tighten around me. His voice is gruff. "You can't sleep?"
I shake my head. "No, I was just thinking. I don't want you to do this today."
He told me last night what his plans were, and I'm not ready for it. It's not that I don't trust him, and I know that he can handle himself, but I hate that it's because of me that he's putting himself in danger. There's a part of me that wishes that I had never come here because no matter what heartache I felt in the past, I feel like when Kane and I do separate, it'll be the worst pain I've felt in my life, and I'm not ready for it.
He pushes me to my back and hovers over me. "We talked about this."
I bring my hands up to cup his face. "No, you talked. Now it's my turn."
He smiles and turns his head to kiss the palm of my hand. I can't get over the difference in him. That first day, I couldn't imagine him smiling, and now it's like he can't seem to stop. I hate what I'm about to say, but I know it needs to be said.
I know he’s not going to like it, so I rush it out. "I'm going to go home today."
He shakes his head. "You can't leave, not until it's safe."
I look at him sadly. A part of me had hope that he would say I can't leave at all. "I can't just stay here and let you do this. What if you get hurt?" It's on the very tip of my tongue to tell him that I love him. But I know that is crazy.
He leans down and kisses me softly. "I'm not going to get hurt. This is what I'm trained to do."
When I first walked into this club, I thought it was a regular motorcycle club. Not that I have a lot of information about those, but I had some inkling. What I didn't expect was to run across so many good men, good men that would put their necks on the line for people they think deserve or need it.
Last night, Kane told me some of the missions that he's been on. I can't believe some of the things he's seen, but I'm thankful that he was able to do what he's done. He told me more about the compound across the street and the men there, and even though he didn't say a lot, I know they help people, a lot of people.
"I don't care," I tell him and stop. "I mean, I do care. I know you're trained to do this, but I don't want you to do it. Not because of me."
He laughs softly and tickles his nose against my neck. "You're probably the best reason for me to do this. Allison, it's going to be fine. Diesel, Reaper, Grayson, and a few of the others are going to go, too. We'll be gone most of the day, but just think, you'll get back your life. You don't want to keep doing this, keep hiding out."
I don't think he understands because a part of me would be fine with just this. This past week, I've been able to be myself without any reservations, and what surprised me most is that it seems Kane enjoyed being with me. He laughed and talked with me. It was a good week. I want to ask him if he's ready for me to go or if he wants me to stay. His face doesn't give anything away. Sometimes when we've made love, I've felt that he wants to keep me. But he hasn't said anything.
Kane looks me in the eye. "I have to leave soon. I need you to promise me that you'll stay here. I can't concentrate on what I need to do if I think you may be in danger."
The last thing that I want to do is cause more problems for him, that's for sure. But I wonder if he realizes what he's saying. He has to know this thing between us is more than just sex. He worries about me. He cares about me. I lean up and kiss him. "I promise."
Our kiss is heartfelt and says so much about what we feel for each other than what we’ve ever said with words. When he finally pulls away, we're both breathless. He's leaning his forehead against mine. "I need you, Allison."
I don't even hesitate. "I'm yours."
He may not realize it, but I mean it in more ways than one, because I'm his this morning, and I'll be his tonight. I'd be his forever, if only he would have me.