Page 82 of Taking Denver

The temptation to tease vanishes, and I turn from her, lathering up my body. “He’s a grown man. He doesn’t need chasing.”

“He got into it at the club tonight,” she says. “I’m just?—”

“If you’re so worried, then call him.”

She doesn’t respond. I rinse out the sandalwood-scented shampoo and switch off the shower. Denver chews her thumb quietly, and I reach by her for a towel.

“Stop worrying.” I kiss her cheek. “He’s fine.”

I return to the bedroom, and she follows. I’m disappointed by how much I’m enjoying her being this close. But even I know that won’t last. She needs me tonight, but she won’t tomorrow.

I get into bed, exhaling deeply as I lie back against the pillow. Holding out my arm, she climbs in next to me and cuddles into my side.

Fuck, this feeling. Knowing she’s close because she wants to be, even if it’s just for now, is a rush I’ll never take for granted. I feel whole with her, like taking the deepest breath after being starved of oxygen. She rests her leg over my stomach, leaving no space between us, and if I were to die now, I’d be okay with it.

“I liked our talk at the restaurant,” she whispers. “Even though you planned it.”

So, the photos are online. That’s good. As important as it is for Denver to be seen as grieving, she also needs to be viewed as untouchable. Being by my side again gives her the kind of protection no gun ever can. I hadn’t liked lying to her, but it was necessary.

“Me too.”

“Will you please get rid of Harland?” she asks.

It isn’t easy for her to say that. Despite Wyatt, she isn’t a killer. I want her to be. I know she can be. But I also know her limits, and I need to ease her into a life where pulling the trigger is an instinct, not a last resort.

I kiss her forehead. “He’s probably already dead.”

If Sampson has done what I pay him for, he’ll have found Harland or his men before they left the city.

Denver plays with the bracelet on my wrist. “Should I make you another one?”

My heart warms. “Sure.”

“A pink one?”

I grunt, and she squeezes me. Her exhale is one of contentment, and I’m glad I’ll have this forever. With my wife.

“Why do I always feel so safe with you?” she asks quietly.

I reach back and turn out the light, hold her as close as I can, and whisper, “Because you are.”

Chapter 28

Denver

Isit back in the waiting room chair and cross my leg over my knee, tapping my fingers against my thigh. It’s hot in here. Unbearably so. My shoes are pinching my toes, and I want to take them off.

“Patience, little bird,” Ranger says.

“Patience? We’ve been here thirty minutes,” I say. “I have things to do.”

“And I don’t?”

I open my mouth to argue, but he rests his hand on my thigh.

It’s been a week since my confession at Pulse, and Ranger decided I should finally give Hayes what he wants. The attack on Ranger yanked us further into the limelight, and avoiding this interview feels pointless. The moment this is over, we can focus on Wilder Harland.

Ethan won’t answer my calls, and going to his house is a huge risk. Social media is obsessed with him; the footage of him punching the man in Pulse trended for days. On the odd occasion I’ve driven by his house, there’s at least one photographer outside waiting. All I can do is hope he calls me back and hasn’t already told the police what I confessed.

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