In a way, he does.By announcing his campaign to run for governor, he’s increased his authority further than his power as the mayor of New York City could’ve ever gotten him.
My mom can’t stay in the state anymore.I have to move her again.
Sorrow arrows through me.Even though I lost her love and affection many, many years ago, the thought of my only family being so far away hurts my heart.
“I always knew you were the smart one, Audrey.Be my good, obedient little girl and come with me.If you can convince my son to sign the same agreement Edgar—”
Brennan steps in front of me, shielding me with his bulk.
“I’m not your son; you’re not my father, I’ll never associate with scum like you, and neither will Audrey.”He reaches behind his back and engulfs my fist in his much larger one.“You’ll never touch her again,” he vows.
With a menacing step forward, he tugs me after him and invades his father’s space.
“If you so much as glance at what’s mine again, I won’t be as civil as I was today,” Brennan says with a disgusted glance at the bloody wall.
By the time my brain processes his words, he’s already tucked me against his side and ushered me halfway down the hall.
My legs wobble and weaken with each step, but they carry me all the way to the car.
The moment Brennan shuts his door, my thoughts clear and fresh panic claws at my chest, but before I can grab my door handle, he peels away from the hotel and swings onto the road.
“I have to go back,” I demand.
“No.”
“Brennan, I have to go back!”
My shout rings in my ears.He weaves through the traffic as though I didn’t speak at all.
I wrap both hands around his upper arm and shake him with all my might.
“Turn around.Take me backright now.”
He ignores my abuse and continues driving.I squeeze his arm.
“Brennan, please!”
He slams on the brakes and jerks the wheel so hard I hit my head on his shoulder.I gasp as he spears thick fingers into my hair and cups my face with his hand.
Despite the fury in his eyes, he controls his grip.It doesn’t hurt.
I feel alive.His warmth seeps into me and thaws the frozen tundra in my soul.
“You don’t beg for him, baby doll.He’s not worth it.Anyone or anything else and I’ll listen, but not for him.Understand?”
I sink my nails into his nape and shake my head as much as his hands allow.
“It’s not for him.He threatened my mother.I can’t—”
His low curse arrows straight to my belly.I stiffen even as he melts my bones with a sudden, desperate kiss.As much as I yearn to explore the heat building within me, I bite his tongue and jerk my face away.
For several tense moments, neither of us moves.His ragged breaths wash over my cheek and ear.He drops his forehead to my temple and kneads my scalp with his fingers.
I bite back a groan as sensual delight infects my nerve endings.Little bursts of pleasure travel from my head to my toes.
“I’m sorry, Audrey.I didn’t realize… whatever you need, I’m here now.I’ll protect you and your mom.”
Deep-rooted pain snaps my heart in two and pours acid through my veins.
