Page 105 of In the Dark

“Because we both know you don’t like it sweet. You like it raw and vicious.” He nipped at my neck, and one of his hands went between my legs.

“My come is still dripping down your legs from inside you as evidence that you like it just the way I’m going to give it to you. Raw. And real. So, be prepared.”

I lifted my chin, trying not to tremble under his touch, and told him, “I’ll be fine one way or the other.”

He nodded once and then pulled on one of my blue streaks before murmuring, “And I’ll be by your side before and after the news you get, one way or the other.” And then he kissed my forehead like he was going to leave me for the evening, but instead he murmured, “Go shower. I’ll have a medical team here within the hour.”

“An hour?” I screeched, and then I glared at him as I shoved him away. “Of course you’d only give me an hour. What if I need more time?”

“For a medical exam?”

“You’re an ass. Get out so I can get ready.”

He huffed, and then he went and sat on the couch. “Nope. I’ll stay.”

Of course he would.

And he did.

Through the exams. Through them telling us exactly how bad all the injuries were.

Through me getting a clean bill of health that seemed to relax every muscle in Callahan’s body.

And through them leaving. Then, he stayed in my bed that night, and maybe I should have complained and sent him away.

But I didn’t.

The next morning, Callahan woke me bright and early with breakfast and a list of plans. “We’re going to New York.”

I groaned at his chipper attitude. “It’s way too early for this.”

“Don’t start. We’re going to get your wedding dress.”

Romeo hopped on my bed and purred around my face. Hearing my voice had given him the signal I was up.

“Romeo disagrees. He looks ready. Where is his carrier?” I was half asleep and wanting to be rid of him by any means at this point, so I just waved toward the walk-in closet. He disappeared into it and reappeared with a suitcase and the carrier.

Then he was talking to my cat like they actually got along. “If you go in here without a fit, I’ll find decent treats for you.”

“He doesn’t eat treats.”

“Your mother doesn’t even give you treats. You eat the same food every single day. She’s tricked you into thinking this is the good life. You could have better.”

“How dare you?” I grumbled, finally sitting up. “Romeo has the best life.”

Callahan frowned. “I’m not sure he agrees. He’s going to have to fly with us, and most cats don’t exactly like travel.” But when Callahan unzipped the carrier, Romeo proceeded to rub against Callahan’s wrist before walking straight into it.

We were both silent as we watched. Romeo didn’t love Callahan, and his movement toward him was a bit shocking. “Well, I stand corrected. He likes travel, and I’m pretty sure I owe him treats. You’re bribing him to like you.” I scooted off the bed and went to pack my suitcase, because there was no way I was talking Romeo out of a trip now. He was already prepared.

Plus, I needed a wedding dress. What better place to get one than New York?

But he didn’t just take me to New York—he flew me halfway across the country and took me to face my family’s transgressions. I knew once we were on the plane and he gave me a sober look before he said, “I’ll have my men with us.” He pointed back at Archer and a few others in the back of the plane. “Along with others in New York.”

“For what?”

He sighed and looked out the window before he met my eyes. “You wanted to be involved, and so I’m telling you now: A woman’s willing to meet with me and you, if you’d like. She was one that was trafficked. She has information for me, but also—”

I didn’t even let him finish. “Absolutely. Whatever I can do, I’m there.”