Page 63 of Ruined Promises

“It seems so.” I look down at my lap before continuing, explaining what happened with my confrontation with Dominic.

Ben jumps off the bed, pacing back and forth. He runs his fingers through his hair, tugging on the ends, leaving it in further disarray than it was. “He was in this house. He was in this room… with you. What the fuck is wrong with my brother for being his friend.”

“Stop.” I slide to the edge of the bed and grab for his arm. “This isn’t his fault. It’s all mine.”

“What?” he screeches. “No way this is any of your fault.”

I look away, ashamed of everything that has brought us to this moment. Had I told Ben from the beginning about my past, could all of this have been avoided?

“Lexi, whatever assumptions you have in your head, stop thinking it. None of this is your fault. Dominic is fucked-up in the head if he thinks I’m going to let him get away with this. I’m going to take that motherfucker down.”

“Ben, I can’t let you do that.”

“You’re notlettingme do anything. I’m an adult, Lex, and a man. I protect those I love. And as we’ve already put it out there, I love you. Don’t you get it? There is nothing I won’t do for you, and if that means giving all of this up, I would.”

“No,” I plead. “I don’t deserve you.”

Stepping up in front of me, Ben pulls me against his chest. He draws my attention to his face by cupping my cheeks in his strong hands. “You deserve everything. I love you. I will fix this. You are mine.”

I get lost, staring into his eyes.

“I want to hear you say it.”

“Say what?”

“Say you’re mine and that you love me.”

“Ben, I—”

He presses his finger to my lips. “I only want to hear you say those words. Everything else just leave to me. Okay?”

I hesitate, so he chooses to help entice me by closing the distance between us. When his lips touch mine, the fireworks erupt, reminding me just how much I love this man. “I’m yours. I love you,” I breathe against his lips.

“I will fix this, baby, I promise” are the last words I hear before getting lost in his kiss once again.

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