Page 84 of Protected from Malice
“And I’m happy because I didn’t think I could feel even close to this,” I add. “I didn’t think… before you, I didn’t want to try. But now, with you, I know I’m not broken.”
A funny expression moves across his face. He swallows hard. “You’re not. Not even close. You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met.”
I don’t know about that. But I’m not going to argue about it.
Instead, I rest my head on Rafe’s chest, listening to the reassuring thump of his heart. I let myself sink into a feeling of pure joy and safety. “This was even more than I ever dreamed.”
“Did you dream about having sex with me?” A hint of satisfaction tinges his voice.
“I did.” I lift my head to look at him. “Did you?”
His fingers tangle in my hair as he kisses me. “So many times,” he admits. “And you’re right. Itwaseven more than I dreamed.”
I’m about to reply when my stomach interrupts me with a loud growl.
Rafe laughs. “I guess I know what we’re doing next.”
“Pizza in bed?”
He grins. “If you want. And then a game?”
“How about pizza, a game, and then we try this again? Do you think we have time?”
He kisses me again. “Eden. We have time foranythingyou want.”
CHAPTER 14
RAFE
“This had better be the guy.”
My fingers clench around the steering wheel, tensing in anticipation of the violence I’m about to dole out. Barely restrained anger beats at me, each blow urging me to go faster. To get there already.
Fuck the speed limit and precautions and any attempt at stealth. I want to confront that fucker and beat the truth out of him.
I told Eden I didn’t like hurting people. And I don’t. It’s never been something I derived pleasure from, but rather a means to an end.
But this is different.
The man we’re after is different.
If Tyler’s information is right, which I strongly believe it is,thisman is the one who arranged to have Eden abducted. Who thought nothing of stalking her, terrifying her, hiring a fucking killer to take her?—
The car jerks forward as my foot presses down on the gas. Even though my brain understands the logic of a slowand stealthy attack, my instincts disagree. My instincts want vengeance. To punish this man and make damn sure he never bothers Eden again.
Would I kill him if it turns out he’s really the one?
I don’t know. Maybe.
On the other hand, I have Indy and Webb with me. It’s one thing for me to take the risk, but to put it on them? It doesn’t feel right.
If we can get a confession from him, though… If we can find evidence at his house that could anonymously be turned over to the police, ensuring he spends decades in prison?
That might be enough.
“Try not to get us pulled over on the way,” Webb says from behind me. He claps my shoulder and adds, “I know you’re eager to get there. But we don’t want to attract any undue attention.”
My molars grind painfully as I reluctantly ease up on the gas pedal. “I know.” A heavy sigh gusts out. “I know. But I just keep thinking?—”
