Page 101 of Redemption

Psycho stares as she walks away quickly, her heels echoing down the street. Ben shrugs and runs after her, calling her name.

He turns to Colt. “What the fuck just happened?”

“I’m pretty sure my wife just left to fuck Ben.”

“Are we going after her?”

“Nope. She’s free to do what she wants when she wants. She made it pretty clear she wants nothing more to do with me.”

Chapter 35

Black Valley

Lex

Ben doesn’t hesitate to follow Lex into her hotel room, and she pins him against the back of the door. He doesn’t resist when she kisses him, and he slides his tongue into her mouth.

Kissing someone other than Colt feels all wrong. Ben doesn’t kiss her like he wants to devour her. Her skin itches, and she silently curses Colt for ruining everything.

Colt could have an entire conversation with his kiss. He used to be able to tell her everything he felt in one lip lock as he made love to her. And the comparisons invade her thoughts, but she fights hard to push them from her mind.

Slim and toned with a runner’s body type best describes Ben, whereas Colt has natural muscles. Ben doesn’t have an ounce of fat on his stomach, but he doesn’t have as defined abs like her husband does. Ex husband. She knows Ben spends a minimum of seven hours per week at the gym, but Colt’s never stepped foot in one a day in his life.

“I’ve wanted this since the day you stepped foot in our office looking for a job. You’re the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen, and damn, can you wear a dress.”

“God, I’ve dreamt of this,” he says, his hand tangling in her hair.

Everything feels off. Colt never had to tell her how he felt when they were together. Not really.

He’s not Colt! Colt doesn’t want you! When will you accept it and move on with someone else who might want you the way you want him?

“Even when you found out I was a Drifter?” she asks.

“It made it even sexier.”

“Why’s that?” she asks, kicking herself for asking.

Why do you care? This just makes it even more impossible to get Colt from your mind.

“Because you’re almost taboo,” he murmurs, his hand cupping her chest. “From the moment I saw you, I knew we’d end up here. Something about you told me you needed someone who can help take care of you. And I want to take care of you in every way. Starting with getting you off and screaming my name.”

The nausea washes over her as she realizes just how different Ben is from Colt. She doesn’t want this. Vomit rises in her throat while she pulls back and looks at him. “Ben?”

“Yeah?”

“What’d Colt say to you outside the bar?”

He chuckles. “He said that no matter what happens, you’re his wife. If I have plans to fill the spot he left vacant, I better treat you right and protect your heart. Said he didn’t, and if I hurt you, it’s the last thing I’ll ever do. Which I’m choosing to believe is a colorful exaggeration. Because those rumors about bikers are exaggerated, right?”

Her heart sinks. “He told you he didn’t treat me right?”

“Yeah, said he was wrong in everything he did, but it was too late for him. And if I chose to move forward with you, I better be serious. I think he wanted to scare me.”

He admitted he was wrong? He hasn’t admitted he did anything to contribute to their situation this entire time, and he chooses to say it to the other man she chose to mess around with out of spite? Why couldn’t he just say this to her instead?

“I have to go,” she says. “This was a mistake. I’m so sorry, Ben. You’re a great guy, and I hope we can still work together, but I have to go.”

His hand reaches out to grab her arm. “Lex, stop. What’s wrong?”

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