Page 79 of Hunted Innocence

“Okay, then you don’t want to wait…”

Pressing my lips together, I roll them a few times before I speak. “I don’t want to wait to start my life. I’m finally truly free to live, and I’m ready for it. I want love, companionship, andbabies. I want it all, and the only person I have ever dreamed of having it with is him—Grayson.”

An expression that I can’t quite read crosses Lucille’s face, and she gives me a trembling smile. “I can understand that completely. I’m going to do whatever I need to do on this end to make it happen. You sure you don’t want to put a hit out on yourself?” she asks.

My lips curve up into a smile. “I’m sure, at least for now.”

She smiles, wrapping her arms around me in a huge hug, and I feel her lips against my ear. “Just say the word. and we’ll do it. Besides, you know how to delete it.”

“I do,” I exhale.

Breaking the embrace, I take a step backward, and she does the same. Her eyes search mine for another moment, then she jerks her chin in a single motion. “Okay. You’re going to go off to Miami and come back with a whole man, I know it. But keep me posted and text me regularly.”

My lips twitch into a smirk. I don’t know if she’s right or not. Honestly, Grayson could tell me to get lost, pack me up, and send me back home. He may have used everything he said to me as an excuse because he hit and quit it.

I’m doubting my mission because I’ve heard the saying,“If a man wants you, he’s going to make that happen, no matter what.” But I’m not sure if that includes men who think they aren’t good for you, men who think they don’t deserve you.

I guess I’m going to find out.

“Nadine,” a gruff voice calls out.

I open my mouth then snap it closed because I know who that voice belongs to, and I’m shocked to hear it. First of all, he may have always known where I lived, but out of precaution, he’s never actually been to my place.

I’m free now. My brother can visit me freely, and it’s the oddest feeling on earth. And the best feeling, too. I imagine it’sall going to take some time to get used to. I’m excited about it all, every different emotion and sensation that can go through a person. I want them all—I crave them.

“Brody,” I call out as I step out of the small hallway and into my living room.

Sure enough, Brody is standing there, live and in person, a small smile playing on his lips. “Nadine,” he repeats my name with the same gruffness as just a moment ago. I haven’t seen him since my short time in South Carolina, and I didn’t think I would until I came back from Florida, whenever that might be.

“I’m taking you to the airport,” he announces.

My brows snap together. “You are?”

He hums, closing the distance between us before he wraps his arms around me in a hug. “You’re my family, Nadine. It’s time I start taking care of you like I always should have.”

I like the way he says that. I’m just not sure what he means by it, but I can’t deny that I like it. Love it even. His arms tighten before he releases me and takes a step backward. He jerks his chin behind me, clearing his throat.

“Your bags ready?” he asks.

“They’re ready.”

A few moments later, my phone is in my hand, my bags in the back of Brody’s pickup truck, and we are heading toward the airport. The ride happens in silence, but when he stops at the drop-off door, he turns to face me.

“Do me a favor?”

“Anything,” I immediately respond, whipping my head around and flicking my gaze up to meet his.

He smiles, his eyes searching my own. “Make sure he deserves you. Deserves this gift that you’re going to give him.”

“Gift?” I ask.

I hope he doesn’t think I’m pregnant, too, but I don’t say that. When he continues, he causes my eyes to tear up and my wholebody to tremble. I can’t believe that my brother is saying these beautiful words to me.

“The gift of you, Nadine. Your heart, your mind, and your body. Make sure that Grayson deserves them because they’re really fucking special.”

“Brody,” I rasp.

“Mom and Dad didn’t deserve to have you in their lives. Tate didn’t deserve to lick the shoes you walked on, but you’re not jaded from that shit. I don’t know how because I am. But you’re so fucking innocent and pure. Make sure this man protects all that beauty inside of you. Because if he doesn’t deserve you, then it’s gonna be a bad fucking day for him when I get a hold of him.”

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