Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27018 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 135(@200wpm)___ 108(@250wpm)___ 90(@300wpm)
Her eyes cast up to meet mine. “I did it for you—for your family,” she says, frustration evident in her tone. “I’m trying to protect you.”
“Bullshit. Anyway, you didn’t get very far,” I say, closing the distance between us. I tip her chin, forcing her eyes to meet mine, “I could never sleep knowing you’re out here alone.”
“You don’t understand—you’re so good and I’m not worth the trouble,” she insists, her voice wavering.
I pull her to me in a possessive embrace. “You don’t get to decide what I’m willing to fight for.”
“Why, Hunter?” she demands, her voice breaking. “Why would you want to risk everything for someone like me?”
I take a breath, the words heavy on my tongue. “Because I love you, Lark,” I say, my voice rough with emotion. “And I’m not letting you go. Not now, not ever.”
She blinks, her eyes widening in shock, her lips parting as if she can’t believe what she’s hearing.
“You don’t mean that,” she whispers, the disbelief clear in her voice.
I take a step closer, cupping her face with both hands, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Yes, I do,” I say, my voice fierce. “I love you, Lark. And I’m not scared of whatever comes with that. I’ll face it with you.”
Her body trembles beneath my touch, a mix of fear and longing radiating from her.
“Hunter…” she starts, her voice thick with emotion. “I love you too.”
I lean in, my forehead pressing against hers, my voice low and intense. “You’re not alone anymore. We’re both a work in progress, but at least we have each other.”
Her resistance crumbles, and she collapses against me, her hands clutching my shirt as if she’s afraid to let go.
“I don’t know how to be free,” she admits, her voice muffled against my chest.
I wrap my arms around her, holding her close, the relief overwhelming. “God sent me to show you what it’s like to be loved. I believe that with all of me. I was sent to protect you, Lark. You’re my purpose for breathing.”
“You really mean it?” she asks, her voice small, almost childlike.
I brush a strand of hair away from her face, my thumb grazing her cheek. “I’ve never meant anything more.”
The vulnerability in her eyes shifts, turning into something warmer, something real.
“I’m scared,” she confesses, her voice barely audible.
“I know,” I say, my voice soft but resolute. “But I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
She leans into me, her lips finding mine in a soft, hesitant kiss. It’s different from the desperate passion of before—this kiss is filled with all the unspoken promises, the hope that maybe, just maybe, we can make this work. I deepen the kiss, my hands tangling in her hair, pulling her closer until there’s no space left between us.
When we finally break apart, her eyes are filled with tears, but there’s a small, hopeful smile tugging at her lips. “I want to try,” she says, her voice filled with a mix of fear and determination. “I want to try with you, here.”
“That’s all I need to hear,” I reply, my voice thick with emotion. “We’ll figure it out, you and me, one step at a time.”
She nods, wiping at her tears with the back of her hand, her expression softer, more open. “I’m sorry,” she says, her voice filled with regret. “For leaving this morning without letting you know first—you looked so peaceful I didn’t want to wake you.”
I shake my head, thinking about the night I had—what I did to protect her after she fell asleep last night. I brush a kiss against her forehead, choosing to leave out the details. “We’re both scared,” I admit, my voice low. “But I think we’re stronger together.”
Her hand finds mine, our fingers intertwining, a small but significant gesture.
“Together, hmm?” she echoes.
“I think so, but I guess this leaves us in a very interesting position.” I run my fingers through her hair, loving the silky texture, watching as she shivers softly in response. I finger the fringe of her scarf, the silky feeling of it against my fingers sends a spark straight to my gut.
Her gaze falters for a moment, then locks back on mine, but I see something there—hesitation, a flicker of uncertainty. It’s the look of someone who’s been hurt before. It’s not easy for her to trust. Well, come hell or high water, she’s going to learn she can trust me. I’ll make damn sure of it.
“I need you to know,” I continue, my tone dropping, “no matter what happens between us, you’re always safe here, no pressure. Whatever you decide, it won’t affect your safety. You’re welcome to stay at Devil’s Peak Lodge however long you’d like. Forever, if you want.”
She nods, her eyes searching mine, as if looking for something real to hold onto. And I give it to her—no flinching, no bullshit, just me.