Total pages in book: 142
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 660(@200wpm)___ 528(@250wpm)___ 440(@300wpm)
Dev nodded, coming toward Cash. If it wasn’t a coward’s move, he’d have stepped back to make sure Dev kept his distance. Instead, he flung out his arm, his hand shoving against Dev’s chest. The biker did what he asked and stopped, only slightly crowding him.
“I know you’ve given me everything. I was there with you until the night you took me down. I wanted to commit that evenin’. That’s what I was tryin’ to do before it all went to hell. Shit, I’m still there with you right now. I can’t shake you from my head. You’re always there, helpin’ me keep my shit together. I just don’t like bein’ fucked with. And you fuckin’ fucked with me more than anything or anyone else in my life, and that says a lot because people really like to shit on me. In those first few days we were together, I liked the world you pretended to create with me.” Dev paused then narrowed his eyes and added, “Honestly, my behavior’s as much on you as it is on me.”
It took several seconds to decipher what Dev was saying. Cash’s mouth opened then closed. He shook his head. “I didn’t pretend. I never pretended. I broke all the rules for you. I continue to break the rules for you. I told you…”
Dev’s strong palm covered Cash’s hand still keeping Dev at bay. He curled his fingers around Cash’s hand, using force to bring his hand to Dev’s lips. He placed a tender kiss on Cash’s palm.
“Today, while I was watchin’ Keyes, I saw a version of you and me. I don’t know if we can get there. I’m not as docile as Keyes, and I don’t think you’re as patient as Alec. We have real danger headed our way. But we can try if you still want to. I’m all in. I’m a narc. There’s my oath.”
The heavy weight of sudden defeat blanketed Cash. A small part of him wanted to throw Dev’s words in the garbage where they belonged, but every other fiber in his body had him closing his eyes, letting Dev’s explanation matter.
Dev still didn’t crowd or talk over him. He only waited. Cash’s heart ached, wanting him to accept the simple declaration that truly made sense.
How could he?
He’d welcomed Dev inside his body last night, making love with him until his thighs and legs quivered, barely able to walk from the bed. The entire time, Cash gave his undying devotion. Every second had apparently been a game to Dev.
“Whatever you’re thinkin’, stop,” Dev said and took the step separating them. “Give me a chance to prove what I’m sayin’ is the truth.”
“Where were you today?” Cash asked, his voice raw and husky. He started to move away, to get distance, but Dev’s arm shot out, circling his waist, yanking him forward. Rather than release his hand, Dev threaded their fingers together.
“Third floor of the parkin’ garage catty-corner to the Dallas jail. My old man found out about Keyes’s dude through a contact at the jailhouse. I volunteered to stake it out, to see what was what then report back to him with a big fat lie. It wasn’t even hard for me to lie to my old man. Then when I was there, watchin’ everywhere, I began to see you and me in Keyes and Alec. I saw how it could work between us. I saw a future, one I liked a whole lot. I don’t know how to get there, if we can even get there…” Dev took a breath but his gaze never wavered from Cash’s. “If any of my brothers find out what I’ve done, I’ll die that very day. But we can try.”
Cash closed his fingers around Dev’s. His oath meant everything. “No one’s going to find out. Only limited people know about your involvement. I’ll protect you. But you can’t go without me. I can’t be your shield if I don’t know what you’re doing or where you are. I should’ve been there with you today.”
“Understood. At the time, my old self was questionin’ shit. I decided I could sneak around better by myself because you’re so big and pretty. People see you. I probably won’t make that decision again, but if I do, I’ll give you the heads-up.” Dev kissed Cash’s lips. “I sure kiss on you a lot. I haven’t ever done that before. So do we have a deal? You got Keyes for me? I don’t need the dough. Just Keyes and Abi and Mae.”
Cash paused, staring at Dev before he said, “Yeah.” Nodding once. “We have a deal if you agree we’re a team from this moment forward, no matter what. You move one step and I know.”
“Vice versa,” Dev easily promised, nodding. “Tell me I haven’t ruined any chance of those three words you said to me losin’ their meanin’. That wasn’t my intention. I just get this tunnel vision sometimes…”