Luke stares at me blankly. Sally Ray tips her head toward me as well, looking shocked that I’d dare say anything like that.
From behind me, I can even feel Rowe’s energy change. Or maybe it’s the magic in this earth. It’s impossible to know the difference sometimes, where she ends and the magic begins.
Because this place is her. Rowe is a part of this land as much as it’s a part of her. She doesn’t see it, but I do. Anyone with eyes can.
Sally starts screaming hysterically, this time at an eardrum-popping octave as she threatens lawsuits and police.
I slowly tilt my head toward her. “You will leave Rowe alone. You will not contact the police. If you do, I will make one phone call to my lawyer, and he will see to it that within less than a week, this place will belong to the state. Do you understand?”
Sally puffs out her red cheeks. “Listen here, you—”
Luke waves her off with the hand that’s not covering his nose. “We understand,” he garbles out.
Rowe grabs my sleeve, tugging me back, silently telling me that it’s time to go.
I take one more look at Luke as he whimpers in Sally’s arms. He’s done trying to destroy Rowe. I have no doubt.
Sunbeam tugs me again and I relent, letting her pull me off the porch.
Anger coils in my gut as I storm back across the road. My knuckles throb, and I flick my hand to alleviate some of the discomfort.
“Pane, are you—”
And then I whirl around and kiss her. Deeply. With everything I have, pouring every emotion I’ve been keeping to myself for weeks into this. Into her.
My tongue parts her lips, and she moans.
I’m instantly rock hard for Rowe.
For nobody but her.
Her fingers tangle in my hair, and it’s my turn to moan. I tug her close, pressing my hard cock against her stomach. She whimpers in response.
Around me, the tree branches shiver as if they’re cheering us on. I can almost hear them whisper,Never thought this would happen!
Don’t stop.
Go all the way!
Tell her everything.
Let her know how you feel.
When we part, she says, “Pane—”
“No.”
She blinks. “What?”
“I listened to you talk for a good two minutes back there, giving me every excuse, and that’s what you’re about to do again. No more excuses, Rowe. I don’t want them. I can’t hear them. Because here’s the truth ...” Her gaze drops. This won’t do. “Look at me.”
She closes her eyes, completely ignoring me. “Pane—”
“You don’t even know what I’m going to say,” I explode.
Her jaw drops and she pulls back. “Of course I do.”
I fold my arms. “Then what’s about to come out of my mouth?”
