Not for safety.Not for leverage.
For the man himself.
And wanting him this much feels like standing too close to a flame—warm, dangerous, and impossible to ignore.
Chapter8
J.T
She says yes.
And it is all I can do not to haul her over my shoulder and carry her out of this place like I’m some kind of savage conqueror.
King Kong in a tux.
I don’t know if marriage was what I had in mind when I made that first offer to Kelly weeks ago at Greyson Cole’s wedding.Back then it was strategy.Protection.Leverage.
But the second the word leaves my mouth tonight?—
Marry me.
—I know I mean it.
I want this woman so badly it’s a physical ache.A hunger that’s been building for years and just got handed permission to breathe.
So when she nods?—
Small.Certain.
—I don’t hesitate.
I dip my head and kiss her.
It’s short.
Too short.
But it’s all I dare take in this crowded room filled with old lumber barons and gossiping wives who already have enough to chew on.
Her lips are soft.Warm.Willing.
Christ.
“Let’s get out of here,” I murmur against her mouth.
She nods.
And we move.
I’m so wound tight I nearly trip over my own damn feet trying to maneuver her toward the exit.I want her in front of me where I can see her.Guard her.Guide her out of this building like it’s under siege.
My hand never leaves her back.
Not once.
The valet scrambles when he sees us coming.I bark for my Range Rover SV and tell him to have someone drop Kelly’s car at my place later.
He nods fast.
