Page 65 of Renard's Deliverance

“They are?” she said.

“Yep. And I’m going to want more of that once you’re not in pain.”

“I don’t really hurt when you’re kissing me.”

He hadn’t expected that sweetness from her and didn’t expect the punch of happiness that fizzed in his stomach.

When was the last time he’d felt any sort of happiness?

He couldn’t remember it had been that long ago. Maybe back before Mary-Anne had left him.

He thought she’d taken that part of him with her. Turns out, maybe it had just been in hiding, waiting for this girl.

“Let’s get you inside.”

Renard climbed out of the truck and raced around to the other side, opening the door.

He didn’t like that she was hurting. Didn’t like that there wasn’t much he could do about that. Didn’t like that she’d been at the club without him.

Definitely didn’t like that she’d been scening with another Dom.

Who he was gonna have to track down and have a small chat with.

He helped her out of the truck, and she stood there, breathing heavily. He grabbed her monstrosity of a handbag, putting it over his shoulder.

“Here. I can take it.” She reached out a hand for it.

“Don’t be dumb,” he told her. “I know you’re smarter than that.”

“I’m not so sure that I am. Smarter than what?”

“Smarter than to think that I would let you carry this handbag when you have a sore back and it weighs more than a small cat.”

She snorted. “It does not.”

“Gem, I’m carrying it. It definitely does. Want me to carry you too?”

“Uh, no.”

“Then how can I help?”

“Maybe . . . could I hold your arm? And can I move slowly?” she asked.

Fuck.

She had no clue, did she?

“Do what you fucking want, Gem. You could ask me for the fucking moon and I’d give it to you. And damn that sounds cheesy as hell. I hate cheesy people.”

“That’s on the list, huh?” she said with amusement as she slowly moved up the footpath and porch.

“Yep. It’s on the list. Your key in your handbag?”

“Yeah,” she replied. “On a bright pink pompom. You can’t miss it.”

He drew it out and unlocked the door. She shuffled inside and headed right over to a comfortable looking sectional. That would have been more comfortable if it didn’t have a mattress leaning up against half of it.

She sat with a sigh and stared up at him with weary eyes. “Thanks for bringing me home.”

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