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She sniffles. “Just Belle.”

“The owner of the club?”

“Yes. She’s trying to protect me.” She looks up at me, her big brown eyes full of tears and apology. “I didn’t mean to drag you into any of this.”

“Drag me all you want. I’m in this now.” Gladly.

My mind locks on what Delilah’s told me this last month. Her friend going missing from the club. It doesn’t sit right with me.

“Text Belle back. Tell her you left Tempest.” A lie, until I can figure this out.

She worries her lip between her teeth. “Am I leaving?”

The thought has my pulse spiking. “No. You’re not leaving.” I cradle the fine bones of her face in my hands. She tilts her head and sighs. Silky blond hair waves around her shoulders. “You’re not alone. Not anymore.”

Her eyes widen. “I’m not?”

“No. You’re safe here, baby.” Baby. It slips out. I don’t fucking care. Not anymore. “You’re safe with me.”

She blinks, like she almost doesn’t believe me. But she needs to because I’m not going anywhere.

“I’ve got you now, Delilah. Believe me, darlin’.”

“I believe you.” Her slender shoulders sag, relief evident on her beautiful face. She gazes up at me, her eyes bright and hopeful. “I’ve never trusted any man like I trust you, Cole.”

Her words are the whisper of a caress. Healing dark shadows, raw wounds.

“Cole, listen,” Delilah whispers. Her throat wobbles with a hard swallow. “There’s something—”

But she doesn’t get any further because I drop my mouth to hers, slide a hand into the long strands of her silky golden hair, and pull her against me.

As I kiss her, my worry, my rage recedes, lust filling me up instead.

Our breaths speed up. Our hands fumble with clothing, with belts. I lift her up my body. She wraps her legs around my waist as I press her against the wall.

“I don’t have a condom,” I murmur into her mouth.

The sexiest moan pulls from her lips. “I don’t care. I need you, Cole.”

Fucking hell.

We gasp together as I slip into her. Each frantic thrust brings us closer, until I bury my face in the curve of her shoulder.

“Yes, yes,” she sobs against my cheek. Her fingers dive into my hair.

Then I kiss her, slow and gentle. A kiss that changes the currents charging between us.

Goddamn, I’m in this now. But it’s right where I want to be.

With Delilah.

29 Cole

“She stays.”

“Cole.”

“I’m telling you, Ez, Delilah’s in some shit. She needs help.”