Page 71 of Strictly Forbidden

“It’s best you get me out of your head as much as possible.”

His jaw clenched, his breathing heavier than before, and I knew he wasn’t going to tell me a damn thing. I also knew the burden would eventually bury him.

As he pulled away, I didn’t try to stop him. Yet I could feel the aura of just how haunted his life was covering him like a blanket.

With his glass in his hand, he rubbed Max’s ears, his chest heaving. Then he walked away. My gut told me he’d just shut down for good.

I squeezed my fists together, pressing them against my eyes. “Goddamn you for being so stubborn. I’m right here. I care. I…”

Oh, what did it matter?

“I had everything, Noel. An amazing job, a pretty little house with an acre of land. I had a new truck and an amazing future with my grandfather. But best of all, I had a wife who loved me, a little girl I adored, and a dog who thumped his tail every time I came home. I was king of the hill in every way, loving life for the first time.”

I slapped my hand across my mouth, tears already forming in my eyes. I did what I could not to make a sound, but it was so hard, so very hard.

“I, um… I knew my grandpops had enemies, but I didn’t expect anyone to care who I was. I didn’t know the extent of the shit he was into. I came home one day and…” He dropped his head, his entire body so tense I could see the ripples in his back. “And they were gone. Slaughtered. All three of them, with a note for me. It said that weaknesses were our greatest enemy. So you see, my little sunshine, I am the worst thing that came into your life.”

“No, you’re not. You’re a wonderful man. You must keep that in mind. What happened is horrible, tragic but don’t let it shape you for the rest of your life.”

“Too late, darlin’. All I’ve concentrated on is finding the people responsible for killing my family. When I do, they will die. I ain’t the man you want me to be and I never will. Get that through your pretty little head. No shrink, no gorgeous woman, and no dog can ever bring back what I lost.”

As he walked away, I burst into sobs, reaching for Max. As I sobbed against the pup’s fur, I could barely breathe. He was a bitter, broken man, yet all I wanted to do was to wrap my arms around him, to try to show him the power of love and decency. What kind of fool did that make me? If I’d learned anything by being tortured by the monster, it was that some people were far too evil for salvation.

What were the two of us going to do to erase the demons?

Was it even possible?

All I knew is that when I looked into his eyes, I sensed our connection continuing to grow. God help us if it did.

CHAPTER 20

Kage

Whoever had said exposing your deepest secrets cleansed the soul was an idiot.

I hadn’t intended on ever telling anyone my wife and child had been murdered ever again. I’d been asked the question a thousand times once I’d been arrested. I’d done my best to try to forget about the horrible night, the sight that had remained a permanent image in my mind. But in seeking revenge, I’d found the fuel needed to keep the adrenaline and hatred flowing.

As it was right now.

I knew I was a shit, but it was best to keep my distance from her, especially when it felt as if we were getting too close. I’d meant what I said. I was bad news for her but the fear she had remained.

I’d seen it in her eyes, the need to redeem me with her goodness. Fuck. It was almost like what Dr. Daniels had attempted. Sure, she’d made headway with forcing me to deal with Max, but it was too little too late.

The ugliness of what I’d just said hit me hard. I adored the dog and he cared about me. Our bond was strong and one I honestly didn’t want to lose but it didn’t make me a better man on any level.

Neither could Noel.

Not with her beguiling smile.

Or her twinkling eyes.

Or her laugh.

Or her fucking incredible mouth.

Or her amazing, voluptuous body.

Not a fucking chance in hell.

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