Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92190 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
The mere thought of walking away from her has me grinding my jaw. I don’t know when she became the air I breathe or the yearning for her to look at me or be within my vicinity started, but it’s obnoxiously insufferable right now.
“If she’s yours and this guy does come for her, you have every right to protect your family. Striker will understand if one of his men is working independently. The same goes for Eli. Business deals aside, you know that we protect our own no matter what. You just have to decide whether you do it at her side or from the shadows.”
A throbbing starts in my jaw from how tightly I’m grinding my teeth, and I’m startled as Bentley squeals and runs toward my father. He hugs his leg enthusiastically, gushing about all the fun he’s having.
I can’t help but compare myself to my father. Kids love him. What if I can’t be like that? My gaze slides to Posie as she slowly approaches us, putting her hair into a loose bun. What if I can’t be a good man for her? Or worse, what if she doesn’t want me that way?
It’s another matter entirely if I have the right to stand by her side.
Maybe she’s only ever wanted me for sex.
And wouldn’t that be ironic? The one woman I’ve fallen for might, in fact, be using me for the thing I’ve used countless women for.
Either way, I know I’ll protect them both until I die.
CHAPTER 39
Dutton
“Hey, boss. Posie is in your office if you’re looking for her,” Mike mentions as he walks past me.
What the fuck is she doing here? I told her she didn’t need to come in anymore and she could do everything from home. She’s mostly been doing that for the last month anyway.
“Dutton?” I stop as Paula steps in my way.
“Is she dancing tonight?” I ask curtly.
Paula looks at me, confused. “No, I think she’s just picking up a few things. But I do need to talk to you about hiring someone to replace her. The girls are a little strained.”
“I trust your judgment, Paula. I have also emailed the payroll company about your pay raise.”
“Pay raise?” she asks, surprised.
“Yes. You work hard and, in return, deserve more.” That, and I know she holds a soft spot for Posie, not that I’d admit it.
She nods like she can’t believe it as I step past her.
I couldn’t sleep last night, not after the discussion I had with Posie about her ex. I know she thinks I don’t understand because I’m not a family man, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have the urgency to protect what’s mine. And for better or for worse, perhaps both of us have been hiding behind promiscuous lies. We’ve been hiding behind the act of sex instead of confronting an obvious truth. At least, I hope she feels the same way about me that I do her.
I don’t want her with anyone else. And I pray to God she feels the same way because there’s no way I’m willing to hand her over. And if she tries to leave me, I’ll punish her. But I can sense the wall she’s put up between us, and I know it’s because of her son. They come as a package. And if I want Posie, I have to show her I’m willing to accept all of her.
Opening my office door, I find her putting things into her bag. She looks up at me as I enter. I shut the door behind me.
“Hey. I’m just finishing up so you can have your desk back.”
“I don’t want my desk back,” I reply. “Where is Bentley?”
“He’s with the sitter. I had to come in to do a few things.”
I lick my lips. I wasn’t expecting to have this conversation so soon, but I’ve never been a man to pull any punches.
“Do you have time for dinner?” I ask.
When I think she’s about to immediately shut me down, she glances at the wall clock and then nods.
“I can do dinner, or we can go back to your place for a little fun. But I have to be back home in a few hours.”
“Then we’ll get dinner,” I say, reaching for her. I tug her to me by the hip, and she raises an inquisitive brow at my choice of dinner over dessert.
“You always grab me. Are you afraid I’ll run?” she says, sliding her arms around my neck.
“Well, you seem to have the tendency to run away from me before I wake up.”
She smirks. “I don’t run. I have a son to return to. There’s a difference.”
“Who you didn’t tell me about, might I add,” I purr as I dip my head and kiss her soft lips.
“There are many things you don’t know about me, Mr. Taylor. Now, are you taking me for dinner or trying to seduce me?”