I move closer. Close enough to touch.I forget, for a second, to keep my face composed.I want to reach for his hand, but I don’t know if I should.
“Things weren’t the same for any of us after that. Ford stuck closer to home. Dallas changed. Became withdrawn.”
“What about you?” I ask.
“I joined the Army when I graduated and became a Green Beret.”
“You became a hero.”
“Yeah. I used to think so.” He turns, finally facing me. “Now I just protect beautiful women from psycho fiancés.”
He says it like it’s nothing. As if it’s just another category he files people under before deciding how to keep them alive.
But the way he looked at me when he said it, almost tender, makes me feel seen in a way I never have before.
“You’re still a protector,” I reply, because I don’t have words for the feelings in my heart right now.
He nods. “On my terms.” Then, “People live longer that way.”
He was in the military. He probably saw many people die. This feels like more.
Before I can ask, his phone rings.
Bronco pulls his phone from his pocket, strips off one glove, and answers with, “Gray. You have news.”
I lean closer, trying to hear both sides, but Mr. Calhoun’s words are too low to make out.
Bronco settles his other hand on my hip like a lifeline.
“They both did? Damn.”
He pauses to listen, then snarls, “I don’t care what agreement she signed. She doesn’t want to marry the guy.”
“No, I’m not...” He sucks in a harsh breath. “Dammit Gray, no one is going to force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. We need more information.”
He listens, jaw working like he’s holding something back.
“Buy us what time you can. I have contacts that might be able to help.”
His eyes slide closed. When they open, they rest on me. “I know. But if there is anything in writing, they can find it.”
After another beat, he hangs up.
“That didn’t sound good.” Terrible actually. My heart is beating harder, and my hands feel clammy.
“Your father and Frost contacted their lawyers. Lone Star has been advised to return you immediately or face legal action.”
A jolt of panic shoots through me. “No.”
Bronco pulls me against his chest and wraps his arms around me, letting me lean on him. “I made you a promise, princess. You’re staying with me.”
I cling to him. The only person steady in the storm of my life.
“They say you signed a marriage contract.”
“I had to. It... it was expected. That was before I really got to know Aiden.”
“Do you remember what it said?”
