Page 163 of Bleeding Hearts Duet

“I hated seeing you with him,” Ryland admitted. “You don’t know him, or the things he’s capable of, and he took advantage of that, Brighton. I fucking hated it.”

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you.” I stroked his face. “I will always tell you from now on. I promise.”

“I know you will, baby girl.” He kissed me softly. “But you can’t have anything to do with him. Ever. Not even for the charity.”

I nodded in agreement because I was certain I wanted nothing more to do with that man, anyway. “All of that stuff he was talking about, the thieves and loyalty. What did he mean by it?”

Ryland tensed at my question and buried his face in my neck. “I’m not sure, but I don’t want you to worry about it. Whatever it is, I’ll take care of it.”

That was one thing that still hadn’t changed between us. Ryland wanted complete honesty from me, and yet he couldn’t seem to abide by it himself. I was too tired to argue with him about it, so I just let him hold and comfort me instead. But I could see the storm clouds rolling around in his eyes, and I didn’t want that. He was going back to that dark place in his mind, and we’d had enough darkness in our lives. I only wanted to live in the light from now on.

So I reached down between us and stroked him while I kissed his throat.

“Take me to bed,” I pleaded.

He smiled down at me indulgently and then gave me a brutal kiss. “Okay, baby girl.”

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