Page 38 of Taking Denver

And soon, I’d go home, back to a life that had torn people from me as quickly as the bullet leaves the gun. I lost friends I never really had, boyfriends that probably would’ve sucked, and a husband who was my one chance at some semblance of a normal life.

But what does it matter?

It’s for the best.

I force a grin. “He’s probably right. Next time, you might not be so lucky. One of those bullets might hit home.”

Ethan still doesn’t look at me. “Probably.”

I exhale, putting my hands on my hips and ignoring the thickening in my throat. “Well, that solves that, then.” I step forward and extend my hand. “It was nice knowing you, Ethan Defender.”

He doesn’t move.

Just shake my fucking hand and let me leave. Let me touch you one more time. Then I can go back to my room and scream into my pillow again.

His gaze meets mine. “I have a question.”

I curl my fingers into my hand and drop it to my side. “Okay.”

“Do you think I’ve ever lied to you?” he asks, and I pause before shaking my head. “Misrepresented myself? Exaggeratedwho I am?” He steps forward, and I shake my head again. His cologne surrounds me, a heady, intoxicating scent. “Then why do you think I’m the kind of man who would give you up?”

My breath catches. “I… I don’t know.”

“Because I’m not, Denver.” He rests his hand on the side of my neck and tilts my head until our gazes meet. My cheeks flush at the sudden urge to cry and, God above, tothankhim for fighting for me.

This isn’t smart. It isn’t safe. He doesn’t know what he’s doing by saying these things to me or the kind of man he’s going up against. But something tells me he doesn’t care.

I cling to his t-shirt. “I’m going to tell you to walk away.”

“Okay.”

“I’m going to beg you to leave me for your own good.”

His expression doesn’t change. “Fine.”

My lip trembles and my voice cracks as I say, “Don’t do it, okay?”

“I don’t plan on it.” He kisses me.

Chapter 14

Ethan

What’s the psychological term for running headfirst into danger for a woman?

I don’t know, but I can only trust the way I feel, the searing in my veins, and the violent thumping of my heart that tells me I won’t let Denver Luxe go. Can’t.

Gripping the backs of her thighs, I lift and carry her to the bedroom. She doesn’t speak as I lay her down, and the silver glow of her eyes tells me she has no intention of leaving.

“We’re going slow this time.” I move her hair from her face, my forearm resting above her head. She’s wide-eyed but not even close to vulnerable as she nods. “I want to take my time with you.”

Before you go back to him.

Loud, unspoken words. Ones that burn my throat and do something painful to my chest because I know this can only be what it is right now, and I’m powerless to stop it. Thoughts a whirlwind, heart a mess, I do only what I can. I kiss her.

Denver laces her fingers through my hair, her tongue circling and massaging mine, her body arching to remove the space between us.

Why does she always taste so good? It feels like sweet electricity coats my lips and tongue, and I can’t get enough.

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