Page 63 of Ryder's War

Tiffany scowled, dropping the sweet act. “Fine, but we don’t do much talking in the bedroom.”

Ryder stammered, “That’s not true.” Gaping at her mother, he tried to look innocent. “I promise, it’s not.”

Her mother's eyes held a knowing look as she watched them rise from the table. Behind the laughter of the others, a current of tension remained—the kind that came from knowing this peaceful dinner was just the calm before an inevitable storm.

But for now, they had this moment, this family, this temporary shelter from the chaos building outside. Tomorrow would bring its own battles.

~ Tiffany ~

Her childhood bedroom held echoes of the past—posters, photos, remnants of who she used to be. But now, with Ryder by her side, it felt like a bridge between then and now. “I don’t know why you had to tell her that. Now she’s going to think I’m some kind pervert.”

Straddling his lap wearing only her panties, Tiffany teased, “You are a pervert, so it’s not exactly a lie.”

Pulling her down, Ryder wrapped his arms around her slim waist. “I am? This is the first I’ve heard of it.”

Wiggling to get comfortable, she sighed. “God, I missed you.”

Peering up at her, his eyes were dancing with mischief. “Really? How about you tell me all the things you missed about me.”

“Everything. I missed every single thing about you.” Scratching his neck gently with her nails, she leaned in for a kiss that slowly turned heated.

Ryder pulled her hair, tilting her head back so he could get to her throat. The tiny bite of pain made her nipples hard and her clit throb in tune with her heartbeat for him.

Suddenly, his hot mouth closed over the column of her throat. He kissed, nipped, and licked his way to her collarbone. A soft moan escaped her mouth.

“That’s what I like to hear. I missed hearing all those sexy little noises when you’re under me.”

Purring her contentment, Tiffany answered in kind. “I missed every damn thing you do to provoke those sounds. I swear every single minute was a struggle not to come running home to you.”

Pulling her back, he gazed down into her eyes. “You consider being with me home?”

Nodding, she felt her hair pull in his grasp. “Home is wherever you are. You’re all I want, baby.” The raw honesty in her voice matched the intensity in his eyes. After years of running, she'd finally found her anchor point—not in a place, but in a person who saw her completely.

“Say it.”

“What?”

“You fucking know what. Don’t tease me, Tiff. I’m too close to the edge.”

“I love you.”

“And?”

“I belong to you and no one else.”

Pulling her close, he wrapped his arms around her and just held her. One large, rough hand slid gently up and down her back. “I thought I was losing my mind without you, Tiff. It taught me what that crazy ex of yours is probably feeling and makes me think he’ll never quit coming after you.”

Pushing against his chest, she scooted back to look into his eyes. “Stuart doesn't understand real love,” she explained softly. “What we have—this trust, this partnership—it's something he could never comprehend. His world only has room for control. Everything with you feels different, and it has since day one. Stuart doesn’t love—not like you do.”

“I don’t get what you’re laying down, sweetness.”

“You dominate and love. Stuart dominates and abuses. Those two things are worlds apart. I don’t think he even has the capacity to really care about another person.”

Ryder took a deep breath and offered the one thing he truly didn’t want to give. “If you wantme to leave you alone, it’ll kill me, but I’ll do it.” Seeing her shocked expression, he quickly explained. “I mean after the deal with Stuart Chamberlain is over. When you’re free and clear of any danger from him, I’ll let you be if you want to start over with some banker or lawyer. I know that I ain’t—”

Placing her hand over his mouth, Tiffany leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Don’t finish that sentence, babe. I want you like I’ve never wanted anything before in my whole life. You are more than I ever dreamed possible in a man. The only way you’re getting rid of me is to throw me out and lock the door.”

Tugging her close once again, he murmured, “That ain’t never happening, baby girl. You’re my one. I knew it all those months ago when I met you in the hospital. You were beautiful, kind, and so fuckin’ strong. You respected me when no one else did and were there when I needed you the most. I knew right away that you were something special.”

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