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“I got released a little over a week ago and that’s when the search really began.”

Kady grips my arm and my entire body lights up like I’ve been tasered. It’s the first time she’s touched me in seven years and it’s fucking everything.

“That’s enough, Noah.”

I glance over my shoulder at her. “No, it’s not.”

“Look,” Mason cuts in and I turn back to him. “I think Kady has made it very clear how she feels about your reappearance in her life so I think it’s time for you to leave. And stay away from her.”

“See, you’re not understanding me, Mason. What you and Kady have…” I laugh. “It’s nothing. Less than nothing compared to the connection we’ve shared for most of our lives and if you think I’m just going to walk away from that, you’re dead wrong.”

He arches a brow. “Are you threatening me?”

“Shit, I really hate to be such a cliche but no, it’s not a threat, it’s a promise. Like I said, you seem like a nice guy but it’s not going to stop me from taking what belongs to me.”

“It’s like that, huh?” he asks, his gaze flicking to Kady. “Seems like a threat to me. Maybe we should go to the police and tell them you’re harassing my girl.”

No, motherfucker.

Big mistake.

I glance behind him and Kady’s gaze shifts to me as she chews her bottom lip.

Bingo!

Based on how well Kady has hidden herself over the years, I’ve come to the conclusion that she’s hiding from more than just me. I have no idea what happened to her to scare her so badly but she won’t go to the cops. And despite all her objections, I’m not convinced that she really wants me gone either. Sure, she says she’s moved on but that’s a crock of shit. All it takes is one look in her eyes to know that our connection hasn’t dimmed at all in the seven years I’ve been gone. Turning my focus back to Mason, I nod.

“That’s certainly your right.”

He studies me for a second before scoffing. “You’d really go back to prison for her?”

“I would die for her,” I growl, leaning forward like I might lunge across the table as I level a glare at him. I hope he sees just how serious I am. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for Kady and they should both realize that.

“It’s time for you to go,” Kady says, giving me a little shove but I ignore her, locked in a battle of wills with her new boyfriend and I won’t back down.

Not now.

Not ever.

“I’m not just going to roll over and give up.”

I smile and shrug. “Makes no difference to me. She’ll end up back where she belongs in the end either way.”

“Yeah, we’ll just see about that. The two of you may have had something real years ago but I’ve been the one here, taking care of her every need, not you.” His shot hits its mark and he smirks as I slam my fist on the table and shoot up. He stands also and we go toe-to-toe, ready to throw down as a hush falls over the crowd and every eye in the room turns to stare at us.

“It’s time for you to go, Noah,” Kady threatens under her breath and I continue staring at Mason for a second before nodding and turning back to her. Before she can stop me, I reach out and take her hand in mine. Her eyes widen and she sucks in a breath as our eyes meet.

Fucking victory, motherfucker.

“I’ll be seeing you, baby.”

A giant man dressed all in black, who can only be security, starts working his way through the dining room so I release her and hold my hands up as I back away from the table.

“Y’all enjoy your dinner,” I call before winking at my girl. The surprise on her gorgeous face melts away to reveal her glare and I flash her a wide grin.

Shit.

This is gonna be fun.