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Henry went stock still.

“Just as you have connections in the NYPD, so do I.”

I opened the car door and stared at Henry as he moved toward it. He glanced at the building as if hoping Tex would come down. A man like Henry Caster was all about his reputation. On paper, he was the perfect man; a hero, a family man, and an all-around good samaritan. To have that tarnished would ruin everything he held dear.

“I look forward to meeting you on more official terms as Tex’s partner.”

Henry visibly bristled as he slipped into the car. He attempted to yank it closed, but I held it firmly.

“Henry, oh my goodness, your face. What happened?” Kate reached out to her husband.

he batted her hand away, never taking his gaze away from me. “I’m fine. Slipped.”

Henry cleared his throat and tugged at the door handle. I let it go, sufficiently happy that the last bit of spark in his eyes was gone. He knew I’d follow through. I’d do anything to protect Tex. Henry pulled out of the parking spot and was gone in a matter of seconds.

I think I handled that well.Tex’s father was still alive, and I managed to return the favor.

I deleted the call history from Tex’s phone and placed his phone back in the cup holder. The cigarettes were crumbled, and there wasn’t one I could salvage. The door opened, and Tex stepped out, drawing my attention.

He smiled the moment our eyes met, and he raced down to meet me. “I didn’t like the suit, so I went with a plain button-up and slacks. Fancy enough?”

He looked good enough to eat. I snatched up his wrist and yanked him close. I smoothed my thumb over the scar left on Tex’s cheek.

“What?”

“I’d kill for you.”

Tex stared at me. Silence blanketed us for a few heartbeats. “I know, but I don’t want you to.”

I brought our lips together, and our tongues tangled in what I could only describe as perfection. Tex tasted divine. I wanted to take him back home and taste every inch of him. To own every inch of him.

“From now on, I’m the only one allowed to hurt you or make you cry. Every inch of you belongs to me.” I bit his lip. “Even your life.”

Tex groaned. “Yeah. Where do I sign, Satan?”