Page 51 of Tarnished Hands

How do I know that?

Well, I knew it when I realized I didn’t want to live without Piper.

But getting her to agree could be another thing.

I’ve had the ring sitting in the drawer of my bedside table for two weeks now.

Am I eager? Maybe. But once you know something, why hold back?

I know it’s Piper I want.

No one else.

It’s just a matter of waiting until she’s ready. I won’t push it too soon and make her run.

Because I will chase her.

And I will find her.

Whether she likes it or not!

We went shooting last week, and she kicked me when she saw I was a better shot than her. Don’t get me wrong, she’s probably the best shot I have ever seen. But I am better.

“Ezra.” She walks into my bedroom. It’s late, and she’s covered in blood, which isn’t anything new. She doesn’t stop as she makes her way to the bathroom. I gave her the keys to my house, and lately, she just lets herself in when she’s ready.

“I missed you,” she says, glancing back at me as she walks to the shower. I follow her and watch as she strips her bloody clothes off, leaving them in a pile on the shower floor, then she begins to wash herself clean.

“I can wash your clothes for you,” I offer.

“I need to rinse them off first,” she says, then her gaze meets mine. “I like that you don’t ask or question me.” A soft smile touches her lips. “About my work, at least.”

I knew who she was when I fell for her. I knew what family she came from. So, why would I question it or try to change her? She’s perfect just the way she is.

“Do you know I love you?” I ask, and her hands freeze mid-wash on her face. I watch her chest rise and fall quickly while I simply wait for her to reply.

When she finally drops her hands, she turns to me. “You do?”

“Yes.” I nod.

“I think I’m falling hard for you as well,” she admits, turning off the faucets. “I also know you have a ring.” Her words shock me for an instant. “Is it for me?”

“Did you snoop?” I ask, reaching for the fluffy towel and wrapping it around her as she steps out. She helps me by lifting her arms.

“No. I had a headache and needed something to help. I opened the drawer, and there was the box. I didn’t open the box, though.”

“So you don’t know that it’s a ring?”

“You just confirmed it is.” Her smile brightens, and her arms wrap around my neck. “I’m not ready for that yet. And to be honest, I never thought I would be. But one day, when it’s right, you can ask. And I’ll say yes.”

“You’ll say yes?” I ask, somewhat surprised.

“Yep.” She leans in and kisses me.

I move my hand up under her towel and run my fingers over her clit. She opens her legs a little wider.

“Who knew you could be so obedient?” I say.

She pushes my hand away and drops to her knees, the towel barely hanging on. She frees my cock from my boxers and looks up at me. “Only for you.”

---