Page 33 of Honey Trapped

“Babe, promise you when I’m through you’ll be clear of him and his family.”

Norah’s bottom lip trembles.

“Don't cry on me. Can't take being the man who makes you cry.”

“It’s not that. I’ve never had anyone care enough. Never let anyone in long enough to give them the chance, but you’re different. I know this is all new, but I need you to be true. To mean what you say. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a chance on someone. You make me want to believe there are good guys out there. That I deserve you. That what we could have is worth the risk.”

“Can't predict the future. Can’t swear I’m a good man, but I’ll treat you like a queen and Lennon like the princess she is.” I take her hands in mine. “Trust me, Norah. Take a risk on me, babe. I won't let you down.”

She bursts into tears, and I pull into my arms, guiding her to my couch.

Can't say how long I hold her. Neither of us speaking until she falls asleep.

I ease out from under her, placing her head on a pillow. She curls into a protective ball, and I put a quilt over her. She needs to sleep it off and I need to pay a visit to Truth.

I shoot a text to Gianna and ask if she's cool to take Lennon home from work with her. She agrees no questions asked. I leave a note for Norah on the coffee table that I’ll be back in an hour or two.

Chapter Seventeen

Norah

I wake up disoriented. It takes me a minute to figure out that I’m in Ace’s place on his couch. I blink a few times and sit up. My eyes are puffy from crying and my sinuses are clogged. “Ace,” I croak out his name then clear my throat.

It’s quiet. Too quiet. I don't get any response. There’s a note on the table.

Norah,

Had something to do. I’ll be back in a few hours.

Take a risk with me, babe. Don't do anything rash.

Ace

Take a risk. Easier said than done. I’m so terrified to fall for him because I know it’s going to hurt all the more to give him up. Nothing lasts forever and Marco won't be stopped. I thought I could pretend I can escape him, but it never fails.This time the joke is on me. I got comfortable. I let down my guard. He’ll never stop coming for me. For Lennon. Now Ace knows my truth. What if he gets hurt because of me?

Can I take that chance? I can hear him in my head saying it’s his choice to make. A tear slides down my cheek.

“Don't cry on me. Can't take being the man who makes you cry.”

My chest aches. I’m tired of running. I want to be with Ace. I glance at the clock wondering how long I’ve been asleep and how long he’s been gone. I blink and check the clock again.Shit. I need to pick Lennon up. I never leave her this late. I don't even have my cell phone on me.

I grab the pen and scribble on the back side of his note.

Ace,

Had to go after Lennon.

Dinner tonight.

My place.

I’m ready to risk it all for you.

Norah

Letting out a breath I smile. No going back. It’s written in ink. I want Ace. The grumpy biker next door who kisses out of this world. Who sets my skin ablaze with a simple touch.

I make it back to my side of the duplex. I’ve no more than started to scroll down my small list of contacts to Gianna when there’s a knock at my door.

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