“It’s not.Your parents should’ve done better.Not asked you to cover up for their crimes.You were a kid.”
I watch as Caylee gets angry on my behalf, and I’m not going to lie, I like it.I want to kiss her until she can’t breathe.
I want to lift her off her feet, drag her down to the bedroom and fuck her so damn hard she never questions if I am her man.
I am.
I want so badly for this beautiful, incredible woman to know that in every cell in her body.
But I can’t.She has been through a terrifying trauma today.But man, if she hadn’t...
The phone starts buzzing again, and we both glance over.
“I am not leaving.”I reinforce as firmly as I can without shouting.
“What will happen if you don’t?”
The worry in her eyes makes me love her even more.
“I don’t know.I’ve spent over fifteen years picking up after them.Choosing to clean up their mess.But I’m not doing that anymore.I choose you, Caylee Zimbardo.”I cup her face.“I love you.I fucking love you.”
“Jake...”Her voice breaks, and another tear slides down her face.
“So, I’m staying here with you, and I’ll work out the rest.”
“Let’s go together,” she whispers, placing a hand on my cheek.
My eyes press closed as I take in the enormity of what she’s offering.Jesus fucking Christ.This woman is a saint.
I don’t deserve her.
But I’m keeping her.
There’s also no way I’m letting her leave this house after what she’s been through.
“No.”I open my eyes.“Let’s go to bed.”
