Page 65 of Wicked Truths

I lift her chin until her gaze is back on me.

“First off, Francesca, you shot a man in self defense. That doesn’t make you a bad person. I shot a man tonight, but that doesn’t make me a bad person. Hell, I’m pretty sure I would have killed him right then and there if your brother didn’t stop me.”

My hands move to her hips, pulling her closer.

“Second, no matter what you say or do, I will always want you. I didn’t stop wanting you or loving you when you left me, and I won’t stop now that you are telling me your deepest, darkest secrets.”

I wipe her tears away. She shouldn’t be crying fora man that attacked her years ago. He isn’t worth her tears or grief.

“Third.” I pause as I get my words right. “It’s not selfish to want what your heart wants. If that makesyouselfish, then I’m the biggest selfish asshole around because you’re mine. For now and forever.”

My phone rings and based on the ringtone, I know it’s Joey. “Ugh, doesn’t he know I’m busy?”

“Who is it?”

“Your brother.”

“Don’t answer it. Or better yet-” She snatches the phone from my pocket. “Hey, big brother. I hate to be rude, but Rhett and I are in the middle of something important. Can he call you back tomorrow morning?”

She rocks her hips against mine and winks.

I don’t hear what Joey says, but based on the grin growing on her face, he assumed I’m fucking her right now.

I wish, but I know I’ll have to leave in a few minutes and deal with the shit that happened tonight.

“Here, let me talk to him so I can get it over with.” I say before taking my phone from Francesca. “What’s going on, Joey?”

He clears his throat. “Are you talking to me right now while fucking my sister?”

I choke on the saliva in my mouth before chuckling. “No. I wouldn’t do that to you. Chessie and I are just talking while sitting on opposite ends of my couch.”

“Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Dadwants you to interview the man you shot. He’s a stubborn one and isn’t answering any of our questions. Dad thinks he’ll talk to you because you’re the one that shot him.”

“I don’t know if it will work, but I’m willing to try. There are several questions I have for him.”

“Finish up with your talk with my sister and head over to the house. We’ll be up trying to get answers from our contacts.”

“I’ll be there as soon as I can, but it wouldn’t hurt to make the fucker wait a while longer.”

He laughs. “You know how impatient Dad is. I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes us work all night and then have to go to practice in the morning.”

I glance at Francesca’s scraped legs. “Let’s hope I can get some answers before he breaks because I don’t know how long I’ll be able to control myself.”

“I can check up on you every once in a while to make sure you don’t take things too far.”

“Thanks, man. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way.”

As I end the call, Francesca bounces on my lap with a grin on her face.

“What’s got you so excited? Not that I mind the change in attitude, but you’re ten seconds from getting fucked right here and right now.”

She rolls her eyes and wiggles her hip. “Do you still have the ring?”

It’s still in its original box. In my closet on the top shelf.

“Maybe. Why?”

“I’m just making sure there’s hope for us in the future.”

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