“I got it! I’m heading out now.”
“Good. Don’t fuck this up. It really sounds like she’s good for you.”
“She is, man. I can’t wait for you and Verity to meet her.”
“I’m sure we’ll love her. Good luck, my friend.”
“Thanks. I have a feeling I’m gonna need it.”
He hangs up, chuckling, and I groan and stretch again. Then I steel my spine.
My woman needs me whether she knows it or not. And I’ll tie her sexy ass to the bed if that’s what it takes for her to let me be there for her.
She needs to know right now that I’ll never leave her. Not even if she wants me to.
Chapter 12
Lily
Bangingat the door makes my head threaten to explode as I stumble to the door. I open it and the bright light makes me want to throw up.
Closing my eyes, I fight to stay upright.
“Who-who is it?”
“I can’t believe that you didn’t even look to see who the hell is at your door before you opened it! Are you trying to get murdered, woman?”
That voice. Tears spurt in my eyes and I groan, gritting my teeth.
“What are you doing here, Mark? I thought we talked about this this morning.”
“You talked. Now it’s my turn. I didn’t argue with you because you weren’t feeling good. But I’m done with that. You need to listen to me, woman.”
He shoves me backward lightly and shuts the door softly. Then before I can say one word, he picks me up in his big arms and I gasp, grabbing his shirt to keep myself steady.
Then he stalks over to my sofa and sits down, his arms like steel bands around me when I wriggle. That’s not the only hard thing on him either. I can feel the hard ridge of his cock undermy ass and I want to melt into him, want him to kiss me and make me feel better.
He cradles my head and stares into my squinted eyes. Everything feels wavy and my stomach churns.
“I’m not arguing with you about this. I’m here for you. I love you, Lily. I love you so much that just thinking about you leaving me makes me want to howl like a wolf at the moon. I’m not leaving you and you’re sure as hell not leaving me.”
“The bet.”
“There was no bet. It was something that Chris said but I told him he was an idiot. And he is. I would never disrespect you like that. I’d never treat your feelings or mine like they’re a game. This is no game, baby. This is forever. I’m never going to disappear on you. When you’re sick, I’ll be here to take care of you from now on. And as soon as I can talk you into it, I’m gonna take great delight in moving you in with me and Casey. We’re gonna be your family. I hope you’re ready. Because from now on, you’re not alone and you never will be.”
Gasping, I eye him like he’s a crazy man. But he’s serious. About me.
“You love me?”
“I think I’ve said it a few times. I meant it. You’re it for me and you always will be. I want to marry you, raise a family with you and grow old with you. I want it all.”
“What if I don’t want more kids?”
He shrugs his broad shoulders. “I’ve got Casey. I don’t want you to do a damn thing that might hurt you. I don’t need any more kids if you don’t want to have more. All I need is the two of you and I’m a fucking happy man.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m so fucking sure. Now, I can see that you’re still not feeling good so I’m gonna tuck you into bed and call off work. Ifit’s alright I’ll have Liam bring Casey over here so I can take care of her too. But I’m not leaving.”
