Page 72 of No Apologies
“No.” She pulled back to look him in the eye, “If whoever wants to hurt you is part of Lincoln’s crew then they likely already know we’re friends. Whether that’s Lincoln himself or not, if they know you care about me, I’m already a target.”
He blanched at the very thought. She was right. Guilt by association. Whatever semblance of space he’d been keeping between them it wasn’t enough. Anyone that knew him, knew she was important to him.
Fuck. What if they’d hit her shop on purpose? What if they went after her next? He’d kill them. Plain and simple. He’d kill anyone that dared touch her. She was his and he protected what was his.
“I’m safer with you than without you.” Skylar studied his face again, her expression serious when she lowered her voice, “Unless you don’t want me with you.”
“I do.” He cupped her cheeks, “I want you, more than anything, but I’m still trying to wrap my head around allowing myself to have you. If you get hurt…”
“I won’t.”
“But if you did…”
“You won’t let anything happen to me. I trust you.”
She kept hitting him where it hurt. Her trust. Her love. Both things that he wanted, needed like air. Things he hadn’t even known he was missing but wouldn’t lose now that he had them. He would protect her if it was the last thing he did.
He’d been fighting her, fighting himself, but he was done with that. There were bigger threats out there. They were better together. Safer together.
Because anyone that messed with a Bomar had the entire family to deal with. If he made Skylar his, she’d have the entire family at her back. They might not be good for much but they protected their own.
“Thank you. I won’t let you down.”
“I know.” She bit her lip and glanced up at him from beneath her lashes, “So, does that mean we’re together? You and me? Are we an us now?”
“Us.” He managed a tense smile, “It’s always been us hasn’t it?”
“Mmhmm, good answer. They don’t say you’re the silver tongued twin for nothing.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw, “Just one other thing?”
“Yeah?”
“Are we going to tell Jemma and Cash?”
He chuckled, something he hadn’t expected after this conversation, “You think they haven’t figured it out yet?”
“No. I mean yes. I think they knew we were on a crash course with each other but that’s not what I’m asking. Are we going to tell them we’re together now or wait until they get back from their vacation? I mean, we could wait until you figure things out with Lincoln if you really want but I think they’re gonna put it together as soon as they get back and see us so…”
He laughed, “You’re kind of adorable when you’re nervous. You know that?”
“I’m not nervous. I’m just…”
“Worried what Jem is gonna think of you shacking up with her future brother in law?”
“No.”
“Good. Because I already told her and she said it’s about damn time.”
“What?” Skylar gasped and he grinned.
Damn, he liked that he could surprise her. He felt more like himself than he had in weeks. Not carefree, not exactly, but he’d lightened the burden he was carrying by sharing it with Skylar and now that he knew his truth wasn’t going to drive her away, he could smile again.
“I told Cash and Jemma we’re together.”
“When?”
“Earlier.”
“How much earlier?” Her eyes narrowed suspiciously.
