“Well shit, give me the rundown.”
I fill Pop in on everything and he listens carefully, his anger growing with each word I say.
“This don’t feel right at all.”
“I know, Pop. My gut tells me his intentions aren’t good.”
“You know as well as I do that gut instinct is usually ninety-nine percent accurate.” Taking the final steps onto the porch, he stops in front of me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Protect her, son. No matter the cost. She may think she knows what she needs but your eyes see the evil she can’t.”
I nod in understanding. Selena is a smart and intelligent woman but she’s been isolated and longs for a sense of belonging and family. Her uncle being the closest person to that. So it’s understandable that she would want to trust him but the bigger question remains.
Could she?
“Oh, and I meant to tell you this earlier, Ash called. Said he’s been trying to get in touch with you. He’s coming down at the end of the week.”
“For what?”
“To work this shit out once and for all.”
I scoff. “I’m over it.”
Pop looks at me pointedly, that hard line between his brows creasing with irritation. “Then why won’t you talk to him?”
“What’s there to talk about? No need to rehash the shit. What’s done is done.”
“Christ, boy, haven’t I taught you anything? Never let a woman come between you and your brothers. Ever.”
He’s right. Looking back at it now, I had no reason to be pissed at Asher. He had no idea. He was clueless. Brandi, on the other hand, that bitch knew exactly what she was doing.
“Work it out. I mean it.”
“I hear what you’re saying, Pop.”
“Good, glad we have an understanding.” He ambles down the steps toward the garage. “Gonna go check on the horses and shoot the shit with Dino. Be back for supper.”
Walking back into the house, I try to get a grip on my emotions. I want to give her a little more time to think about everything that has happened today but I can’t. I need to make sure she’s okay.
That we’re okay.
I walk upstairs, untucking my shirt from my pants and unbuttoning it. My skin prickles with unease, not knowing what I will do if she says she does want to go with him. I decide rather quickly before knocking on the door that I’m not beneath begging.
The door slowly opens, revealing a tear-stained face and bloodshot eyes. My first instinct is to take her in my arms but instead I refrain, shoving my hands deep into my pockets.
“I’m sorry for being an asshole down there, but I’m not sorry for wanting you with me. This is your decision but know this.” My hands come out of my pockets, bracing the sides of the door. The need to touch her nearly uncontrollable. “No one will protect you and keep you safe like I can.”
“Oh, Justin.” She shakes her head, my name falling from her lips on a whisper that pricks at my heart.
“Don’t leave me.”
Her breath hitches. My heart fills with dread as she opens her mouth to speak, and I’m so afraid of what’s going to come out of it that I slam my lips against hers, wanting to show her exactly how bad I need her to stay.
To show her where she belongs.
Right here with me.
Inside my heart, my home, and my life.
Justin’s hands fist my hair as he holds my head in place, devouring my mouth. Then his hands move lower, down my ribcage, over my hips, to the backs of my legs, lifting me to wrap around him.
