Page 54 of Riot

“Poor baby.” I look down at the bed and he tips my chin back up with his fingers.

“He’s not gonna be poor for long. I thought we could take a trip to PetSmart this mornin’, pick up some stuff for him.”

I think I just died and went to heaven. “Oh, Riot!” I jump into his arms and he chuckles as I almost knock him over. “We can really do that?”

He wraps his arms around my waist. “Of course we can. He’s gonna need doggie shit, right? And food, a bowl, toys…”

“I love you.” The words slip out before I can stop them.Shiiiiiiit.“I mean, I love you for being so sweet about this. For taking care of Cookie and stuff…”

He stares at me, his face almost ashen and I think I’ve said the wrong thing. In fact, I know I have.

When he doesn’t speak, I try to wriggle out of his arms, the color rising in my cheeks.

“Say it again.”

I swallow hard. “No. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it…”

“You didn’t?”

I glance up and he looks crestfallen. “Not inthatway.”

“What way?” He tightens his grip on my hips. “Tell the truth.”

I can’t. I can’t tell him that I’m falling in love with him and have been for months. That being in his arms is my safe place. I’m putting so much on him that I’m afraid he’ll get scared and run away.

“We can tell each other anythin’,” he reminds me. “No matter what.”

I glance back up. “I… I’m having feelings for you, yes.”Why is this so hard?“But I don’t want to scare you away. I don’t want to come on too strong.”

“Too strong?” He laughs. “Too strong?Babe. I would climb the highest goddamn mountain just to see you smile. There’s noway you could ever come off like that. If anythin’, I didn’t wanna make you run because I’m fallin’ head over heels…”

“In love?” I finish. “Are you in love with me, honey?”

I know he loved it when I called him that last night. His bright, blue eyes meet mine. He pushes my hair back off my face and kisses me gently. “I’m in love with you and have been since that night at the Whiskey Straight.”

My breath catches in my chest. “What?”

“I pestered Nevada about you non-stop, but he was too busy tryin’ to get into Star’s pants to bother about helpin’ a brother out. So I waited.”

“Did you know where I live because you followed me?”

“Yes,” he says. “It was only to keep you safe. I couldn’t bear the thought of you gettin’ hurt. After Mississippi, everythin’ was so raw. I was scared that somethin’ might happen to you, so I checked in on you without you knowin’.”

My eyes are like saucers as I study him. He’s so earnest in his explanation. The idea he’s followed me and probably has for some time should alarm me, but it doesn't.

“Holy shit.”

“Do you love me, Halo?” His words are barely audible.

I don’t even think. “Yes.” I close my eyes, squeezing them shut. “I’ve never said that to anybody. I meant it before, I just… I was afraid you’d think I was a nut job and you’d leave.”

“Tell me you love me.”

I love how needy he is, it’s so fricking hot. It’s like he needs the confirmation, and I’m here for it morning, noon and night. “I love you.”

He closes his eyes, his warm hands massaging my ass cheeks. I want him to say it back. I want to be all that he needs too, that he loves me and I’m everything to him.

“I love you,” I whisper again. “I want you, just as you are.”

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