That answer again.
It shouldn’t work.
It does.
“I don’t want to run anymore,” I admit.
The words slip out before I can stop them, before I can soften them or pretend I didn’t just say that out loud.
Ethan stills for a fraction of a second, then his focus sharpens like something just locked into place.
“Say that again.”
I swallow. “I’m tired,” I say instead, my voice quieter now. “I’m tired of looking over my shoulder. I’m tired of pretending I’m fine when I’m not. I’m tired of feeling like I have to handle everything on my own just to prove I can.”
The words hang there, heavy and honest.
And for once, I don’t try to take them back.
Ethan studies me for a long second, then steps closer again until there’s no space left between us.
“Then don’t,” he says.
The words land softer than I expect, but deeper.
“I’ve got you, Maddie. As long as you’ll have me, I’m yours and as far as I’m concerned…you’re mine.”
Chapter 16
Ethan
“You’re good at this,” she says softly, “The whole protective mountain man thing.”
I huff a quiet laugh. “Don’t get used to it.”
The silence stretches before she asks, “Why did you leave the military?”
I stiffen slightly, not expecting the question. For a moment, I think I won’t answer, but then I find myself saying, “I left because it stopped feeling like I was protecting anything. Started feeling like I was just... surviving.”
She turns her head to look at me, the faint moonlight from the window highlighting the soft angles of her face. “And now?” she asks.
I meet her gaze, my expression unreadable. “Now I live to protect the things that matter, I’ll always spend my life in service to others. That’s who I am.”
The vulnerability in her eyes takes my breath away. I reach up without thinking, my fingers brushing against her jaw. She doesn’t pull away, and the tension between us sharpens, the air thick with unspoken words.
“You’re very noble,” she says quietly.
I lean in, my forehead resting against hers. “You know, something about you makes me want to believe that. Sometimes I think I’m just trying to fix the past though, force a different outcome, keep control…”
“You’re a real life superhero.” Her dark eyes hang on mine, so soft and vulnerable it makes my heart tighten. I realize then I’d die to protect this woman. Her safety and happiness is all that matters to me now.
I close the distance between us. Our lips meet, tentative at first, but the kiss quickly deepens, all heat and desperation. My hands slide to her waist, pulling her closer until there’s no space left between us.
It’s reckless and messy and perfect. I pull away, my gaze holding hers, and my heart races with the unspoken chemistry crackling between us. Delicious anticipation twists in my stomach. Slowly, I undo the buttons of my shirt, never breaking eye contact. I pull my shirt out of my pants, feeling her desire pulse between us. I’ve never done this before—never been with a woman. But with Maddie, it feels right.
Her eyes flare with intent as my palms slide under her sweater, seeking the skin at her waist. Her breath catches, her eyes fluttering closed.
“Do you want this, Maddie?” I ask, my voice rough with need.
