Total pages in book: 37
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33401 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 167(@200wpm)___ 134(@250wpm)___ 111(@300wpm)
Porter's muscles under my palm tense, his eyes bright. Angry. Hurt. So many things all at once. He cups the back of my head and presses his forehead to mine. "I'm going to make this right. I swear, Bailey, I'm going to keep you safe."
My heart feels like it's being squeezed like a sponge. Porter is the best man in the entire world. But it’s impossible to tell myself that this doesn’t change things. "Porter, I know. I know you will."
"How do I fix this?" There’s misery in his voice, and it's more painful than hearing Ian call me a bitch. "How do we fix this, Bailey?"
Tears leak from my eyes, and as much as one part of me wants to sway into him and let him take me into his arms, another part of me screams, begging for some space. "I don't know. I-I'm going to sleep in the guest room tonight. I just need some time."
"Bailey…"
"Please, Porter. Just for tonight."
Porter's jaw works, and for a second, I think he's going to deny me. Maybe throw me over his shoulder and carry me to bed. But he takes a deep breath and finally utters, "Fine. That's fine, but listen to me." He takes my chin in his hand and makes sure I'm giving him my full attention. "This is in no way me conceding. I am not giving you up. You are mine, Bailey. Mine. I'll give you your space for tonight, but tomorrow, you are back in my bed where you belong. Ian be damned."
His intensity makes my knees weak. The commanding tone in his voice makes heat coil low in my stomach. Porter's eyes search mine, and when I finally nod, he's satisfied. He leans forward and kisses my forehead. "Good girl. Good night."
He goes into his bedroom and shuts the door, and I watch him go, taking a slow, shuddering breath. The emotions and adrenaline drain away, and all that's left is exhaustion. I trudge into the guest bedroom and close the door behind me. It feels weird being here alone. It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was sleeping here, trying desperately to put Porter's image out of my head.
But now, I'm with him. We're together. I'm in love.
Except his son is a stalker who tried to destroy my life, and the same man who has given me everything also happens to be related to the bastard.
I strip out of my robe and slip into one of Porter's old t-shirts that I stole, pulling the blankets up around me. I try to find sleep, but instead, all I find are tears.
9
BAILEY
I wake before dawn, having barely slept. My heart is still racing, as if the confrontation happened minutes ago and not hours. I toss and turn, full of restless energy, wishing I could just bolt and run until I’m in my right mind again.
The thought gives me an idea. I know Porter will be pissed, but just down the hall isn't enough space for me to really think. I need peace. Quiet. I need to gather myself and decide my next move.
I move as silently as I can, changing into athletic wear and tying my running shoes before heading back to the kitchen. Half of the dinner stuff is still out, the handcuffs and blindfold on the table, and it makes me feel like my heart is breaking. Everything was so perfect until...Ian.
I ignore the urge to clean it all up, grabbing my keys and slipping out the door. Porter bought me a new Subaru with all the bells and whistles. I pray that the engine starting up is quiet enough to not wake him.
From Porter's place, the drive to Starving Rock is about 40 minutes. I listen to the radio absentmindedly. Once I pull into the parking lot, I make sure to send Porter a quick text to tell him I'm just out to get some air so he doesn't worry.
The sun is just starting to rise as I hit the hiking trail, and it's exactly the kind of beauty I need to clear my head. The scenery is beautiful, and the walk itself is relaxing, letting my body move while my mind wanders.
Porter cares for me. He's said it, and I know it, and there's no doubt in my mind that it's true. He wouldn't have sent his son away, kicked him out of his life for me if he didn't feel something. He's a good man. The best even.
It's so stunning out here. The sunrise coming through the trees, the happy chirps of the birds first waking up—it's all so perfect.
The one thing missing is Porter. As the endorphins kick in from the hike and the stress melts away, there's only one truth left.
I'm in love with Porter.
And nothing will change that.