Page 77 of All In

Adding them to the mix means we might just have a chance if things go south.

I sigh heavily, preparing for another long night of worrying constantly. Even that is preferable to the nightmares that come when I do fall asleep.

All I can hope is that the men of Assurance Security are more honorable than the Andrettis. It’s terrifying to comprehend what Laken’s fate could have been if they didn’t intercede.

Replaying the memories of the nights I snuck in to watch over her as she slept has kept me from going completely feral, but Laken is far too trusting for her own good.

After all, she gave me ongoing consent to fuck her awake until she chooses to revoke the permission.

I’m not a righteous man.

I may not have gone quite that far, but I have definitely taken advantage of that particular sanction on occasion. She’s a deep sleeper and very cuddly, which didn’t help my obsession in the least.

I did try to warn her to be careful of what liberties she allowed me. It might be questionable, considering she no longer remembers giving me consent.

And yet, I couldn’t stop myself if I tried.

It was a pleasant middle ground to be able to watch her while she slept and hold her to my chest on occasion while I got my house in order.

My god.

I need her to be safe and with me. I will fall to my fucking knees and beg her forgiveness for not protecting her the first time around. However, I’ve more than learned from my mistakes.

Once she’s at my side, I won’t let her out of my sight.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Ranger

Iwatch the security cameras as Tanner carries Laken back inside my home. He kicks off his filthy boots just inside the doorway, and I exhale heavily while reminding myself the housekeepers will be here tomorrow.

I simply won’t look at the dirt and muck left on my flooring.

If I don’t see it, I can pretend it doesn’t exist. That logic doesn’t soothe my system, and I’m just about to go for paper towels, the steam mop, and disinfectant when the upstairs camera feed lights up to indicate they’ve made it to the hall with my bedroom.

The room Tanner was given is across the hall from my own, and I mistakenly expect him to make the left into that room. He swerves to the right, and Laken uses her access to let them both in.

My eyes narrow.

That was not part of our agreement. I gave her access to my inner sanctum. That invitation in no way included Tanner.

I stomp down the hallway toward the stairs, but Maverick steps into my path.

“Don’t go up there and do something you’ll need to apologize for later,” he says, quirking an eyebrow. “We all get you have idiosyncrasies, but sometimes you’ve got to compromise a little.”

“She let him in my bedroom.” It sounds very much like an accusation…likely because it is one.

“Yeah, and the downstairs tub is clogged with dog hair. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches.” He laughs. “You’re probably going to want to up tomorrow’s cleaning service to a deep clean.”

A terrible scoffing sound escapes my lips. “I told you last time. Those mutts are relegated to outside baths only. That’s what the back porch is for.”

“You’ll get over it,” Maverick says, shrugging. “You like her. I’m not just saying you’re willing to tolerate her being here for the greater good. You actually feel attraction toward that woman.”

I nod, crossing my arms over my chest.

It’s not like it’s a secret.

So, why does it feel like I’m about to be the punch line of his joke?

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