Page 149 of Fragile Sanctuary

He grinned at me as he turned onto my gravel drive. “Don’t you forget it, Rho-Rho.”

I snorted. “That nickname can die a thousand deaths.”

“Never,” he shot back.

As Cope pulled up to the guest cottage, Anson stepped out the front door, Biscuit on a leash at his side.

“That your new guy?” Cope asked.

“Don’t even think about pulling your intimidation tactics,” I warned.

“What? I can’t ask a simple question?”

“I know how you work, Copeland Colson.”

“Shit, full-naming me? You must like him,” Cope grumbled.

“I love him,” I said honestly.

Cope jerked in his seat, turning toward me. “Youlovehim?”

I nodded.

“You’ve never gotten serious about anyone.” A hint of concern laced Cope’s words.

I shrugged. “He gets me. Sees the part of me I always thought I needed to hide and loves me anyway.”

Something I couldn’t quite discern passed over Cope’s face. “I’m glad for you.”

“Thanks.”

My door opened, and Anson was there. His gaze roamed over my face. “You okay? The drive wasn’t too much? How’s your pain level?”

I pressed a palm to his chest. “I’m good. I swear.”

Anson leaned in and kissed me, his tongue stroking in for the briefest of moments.

“Dude, that’s my sister. I don’t need to see that crap,” Cope muttered.

Anson pulled back, humor dancing in his eyes. “Nice to meet you, Cope.”

“I wish I could say the same, but your tongue was just down my sister’s throat.”

I smacked him with my good arm. “Shut up. Do you know how many girls I’ve had to see you make out with over the years? And let’s not forget the time I walked in on you and Kate?—”

Cope covered my mouth with his hand. “Don’t go there. For the love of God, erase that moment from your memory.”

I nipped his hand.

“Ow,” he said, jerking back. “That hurt.”

I rolled my eyes. “You get slammed into the boards by massive enforcers. I think you can take it.”

“Come on, Reckless,” Anson said. “Let’s get you inside before you do real bodily harm.”

He helped me out of the SUV, and I bent to give Biscuit love. He whined and danced around me but seemed to sense he needed to be gentle. I looked up at Anson. “I missed him.”

He guided me toward the guesthouse. “You’ll get all the cuddletime with him you need since you’ll be resting for the next couple of weeks.”

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