Page 72 of Unstable

“Let me have a punch or two first, Bourbon,” Keaton adds with no sign of joking in his voice.

And this isn’t a joke. This is fraud, and my livelihood. I stare at Keaton, conveying strength, forcing my worry to the unseen background. “What do you think I should do?”

“You’re asking me, outright, for help? My opinion?” His face splits in a dazzling beam.

“Well yeah, of course I am. You’re the one who figured it all out, by seducing Addison,” I grump a little at that part. “And I trust you, Keaton. I really do.”

“You don’t need to consult with Gatlin?” he asks, not angrily, only a curious probe with a raised brow.

I shake my head. “No, I’m asking you.”

“You sure as hell are,” his voice is low, heavy with a pleased territorialism. Something I would not find sexy on anyone other than Keaton. “We’re gonna go pay Merrick a visit tomorrow, and get everything straightened out. Using whatever means necessary.”

His threat isn’t the least bit veiled—it’s right out there—confident and blunt, and I’m terrified, because I’m equally as sure he means it.

“Keaton, I—”

“Can sleep in the room I made you again, now that you understand I’m not a cheating asshole? I know. I’ll carry you in there, bring in some dinner, and then you need to get as much rest as possible. Big day tomorrow, need ya ready, baby.”

He sweeps me up in a cradle hold and I wrap my arms around his neck, burying my face there too. “Keaton, promise me I’m not your pity project. That you’re not gonna move on when you know everything’s squared away, and I’ll be okay. Tell me all this is really because it’s me and you want to be here,” I whisper my biggest fears onto his skin.

He lays me down in the bed, then leans over me, capturing my doubting gaze with his completely open, honest one. Turquoise—means he’s serious.

“Henley Gene Calvert, I am madly, unconditionally, forever in love with you. I’ve loved you since you were ten. I loved you while you were gone, and I love you now. If I die tomorrow or when I’m ninety, I will die loving you. If you believe in dreams and signs, surely you believe in destiny. You are, and have always been, my destiny.”

“I—”

“Don’t have to say a thing, right now.” He smiles, tender and understanding. “I’m gonna go grab you something to eat. Turn down the other side of those covers though, woman. Just told ya I’m in love with you, damn sure sleeping with you in my arms tonight.”

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