Larke opened her mouth; maybe to question him, yell… He didn’t care. Chase dipped his head, covering her lips with his own. He held tight as she began to struggle. He moved his lips, pressing it to her cheek, kissing beside her ear in the broad daylight. “She’s not mine,” he whispered. “That girl you just saw, she’s McNair’s girlfriend.”
She drew back, gaping at him. “I don’t understand.”
“He’s inside.”
Larke took another step backward, her eyes rounding with fear. Chase quickly reached for her. “No. Don’t do that. Don’t ever be scared when I’m with you. McNair and I aren’t best friends but he’s not a huge ass like he was before. His girl, Abigail is Jewish. They’re looking for a place together and dropped by. They’re leaving soon. I promise.”
“Truly?”
“Yeah. Truly.” He stretched out his hand and thumbed her chin. “You look so good, angel.”
“I’ve gained weight.”
“I changed my truck. What’s your point?”
She stared at him for a long pause then softened her gaze after realizing he couldn’t care less about a fucking weight gain that he hadn’t even noticed.
“Did you really mean what you said about only being friends with that guy?”
“Yes.”
“You two never—”
“Never!” She shook her head hard. “No kiss. Nothing. You’re the only man I ever want to touch or be touched by.”
He nodded, feeling his chest swell with pride. Larke was his alone in every single way.
“Have you been with anyone else?” she asked quietly. It looked as if she was holding her breath. Afraid of his answer?
“No. I haven’t. Don’t think it’d ever feel right sleeping with anyone unless it’s you.”
She flattened her hand to his chest. “Then why did you tell me to leave you alone? Even after I let you know how I felt?”
“Because I felt like an idiot,” he said truthfully. “I went most of my life believing and thinking some god-awful shit, when I should’ve known better. Then I found out about all the sick things my family did. Hurting lots of innocent people. Because I had a horrible secret that had been eating away at me since before I met you as a kid.” When her eyes widened at that, he added, “I’ll tell you about it, Larke. I promise. Just not right now.”
She nodded. “Yes. Please do. But I don’t understand why you stayed away from me because of that. I missed you so much, Chase.”
“I wasn’t thinking straight. Felt broken, actually. Guess, I didn’t want you to waste your life with someone like me.” He let out a loud breath. “I’ve got dirty blood running through my veins, Larke. Real dirty, fucked up blood. I figured if you ever found out the things my family did, you’d regret ever knowing me, letting me touch you.”
She gazed up at him, her eyes shiny again. “I would’ve tried my best to help you through it. I felt awful for making you leave. I wanted to be there for you. I tried to tell you before you hung up on me, that I loved you so much and wanted to help you find a way to leave the group.”
His chest swelled with pride, seeing the honesty reflected in her eyes. Chase held her close and gazed down at her. “I love you, Larke. I never stopped. Not even for a second.”
“I love you too,” she whispered. “I love you so much.” She took his hand, bringing it to her face. In mid-action she stopped, frowning as she noticed the redness. Chase tried to draw his arm back. Larke held firm, wouldn’t allow it.
“What happened?” Her vision flickered between his face and the mild swelling of his skin, where the Celtic cross was, though not as bright in color as before.
“Second bout of laser treatment.”
“Because you really want them gone?”
He nodded. “The dermatologist said they might not completely fade. We’re just going one at time. Planning to get them light enough so I can put new ink over them.” He looked at her then. “No guarantee the laser will even work on all of them, but it’s worth a try, right?”
“Yes. It is.” Larke raised his hand and kissed the spot. “I hope they fade, for your sake. But it won’t matter to me. I know you Chase, what’s inside your heart. Everything else is unimportant.”
His cheeks burned under her tender stare. He gave her a thin smile. “Thanks, angel.” Clearing his throat, he glanced at the house. “Are you coming inside with me?”
She nodded, her smile bright and wide. The kind he’d missed seeing on her face. “Yes. I’ve been waiting for you to ask.”
