Page 40 of Falling for Her Protector

“I figured you were sick of borrowing Lacey’s piece of shit. Plus, I know you’re not a huge fan of the bike, although I still think that’s just an act,” he winks and I can’t help but smile.

“I can’t believe you actually bought me a car,” I breathe out.

“It’s all yours. Now you get to decide if you want to stay, or if you want to pack it up and hit the road. I know you’re hurt and angry at me, and you have every fucking right to be, but I hope you’ll consider staying. I’m selfish, and I want you to stay, but it’s more than just me. It's Lacey, and the rest of the club. They’re your family too, and I know that none of them want to lose you. But if you think that’s what you need, then no one will stand in your way,” he lays it out and I feel my breath catch.

“You want me to stay?” my voice shakes and he pulls in a deep breath.

“I have never in my life met a woman like you, and I can’t imagine that I ever will again. You’ve changed me completely. I’m not really sure how to fully explain it, but you’ve opened my eyes. If you get in that car and drive away, you’ll be taking my heart with you,” he says as he lifts from the couch and turns away from me, facing the fire.

The memory of my first night spent here in the cabin returns. My clothes were torn and dirty and I was so scared. I could barely bring myself to look at X., not to mention speak to him. His presence was overwhelming. But even that first night, I knew he would never hurt me intentionally. He brought me in, gave me clean clothes, and even made me soup. He was gentle in a way I never expected. And now that I’ve given myself to him completely, I know that I can’t just walk away.

“I’ll give you a few minutes,” he offers before starting down the hall. He keeps his gaze on the floor, not turning or looking back at me. Seconds later I hear his bedroom door close with a soft click.

I bite my lip, trying hard to keep the sob from breaking through as I sit here alone. I don’t want to leave him or Lacey, or even the guys in the club. They’ve become my family. They could have easily turned me away and let me fend for myself, but they didn’t. They’ve shown me a kindness that I honestly didn’t think existed anymore, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.

I stand, moving quietly down the hallway. A small shiver runs through me as I distance myself from the fire. My fingers curl around the doorknob and I twist, pushing it open silently. My breath catches in my throat and my hand lifts to cover my mouth at the sight of Xavier's large slumped frame sitting on the edge of the bed. His head hangs, held in his hands as his shoulders shake softly.

His head lifts in surprise and his glassy eyes go wide as I take a hesitant step forward until I’m close enough to touch him. My arms move around his shoulders and he pulls me closer, burying his face in the fabric of my shirt.

“Please don’t leave me. I just found you...” he begs and I drop my lips to his hair. My decision was made the second he rode up on his bike. This is where I belong.

“I’m not going anywhere,” I whisper.

28

Better Together

Xavier

My eyes fly open in the darkness. I sit up straight, my heart pounding in my chest as beads of sweat run down my back. Fuck. That dream felt way too real.

I glance down, finding Vanessa safe and sound, curled up beside me in this big bed. In the dream, she left me. I poured out my heart and then watched as she climbed into her car and drove away anyway. Last night I honestly thought it might end that way. But she surprised me, and she stayed. I push out a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart before relaxing back against the soft pillows.

“Where’d you go?” her sleepy voice asks as her hand lifts, falling lightly to my chest.

“Nowhere, baby. Just sat up for a second,” I whisper against her hair as she inches closer.

“Are you okay?” her question takes a concerned tone.

“Fine. Just a bad dream. You can go back to sleep,” I answer easily.

“What if I don’t want to sleep?” she questions and I feel my eyebrows pinch.

“Really? What did you have in mind?” I return playfully.

“Oh, nothing. I just thought that maybe I’d lay here awake for a while,” she starts, but she quickly begins to giggle, unable to contain herself, and it’s fucking adorable.

I lift to my elbow, looking down at her sweet smile as her laughter begins to fade. The blanket pushes back slightly and my eyes travel slowly over her exposed flesh. I drop back closer, feeling the warmth radiating from her body as I push the hair from her bare shoulder before pressing my lips softly against her smooth skin.

“Thank you,” I whisper before covering her mouth with mine. Her plump lips move gently with mine as my tongue pushes past to explore the sweet warmth hidden inside.

“For what?” she breathes, when we finally break.

“For this. For staying...and giving me a chance,” I tell her. Her hand lifts, holding my cheek lightly in her palm.

“I love you,” she says simply.

“I love you,” I tell her before bringing my lips to hers again, feeling her melt against me.

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