Page 59 of Under His Embrace

I smirked. “Does your mom think you should be saying something like ass kicking?”

He shook his head. “I won’t tell if you don’t.”

“Nah, not like that.” I shook my head. “Don’t start a habit of lying to her.”

He hung his head. “I know. And I’m just joking. But I really wish she didn’t have to worry about Wes. He’s so creepy. I hate him.”

“Just remember what I said. I will always do everything in my power to keep you and your mom safe.” I refused to go into detail. I couldn’t. But this boy—my boy—could rest assured that Wes wouldn’t be bothering anyone once I got ahold of him.

“Thanks. You’re a good guy, Mr. Franco.” He stood and nodded, acting wiser than his age. “I got a good vibe about you.”

Nine-year-olds can sense vibes? I crossed my arms and smiled as he set the glass in the sink. “Yeah? A good vibe?”

“Yeah. You’re a cool dude.” He yawned again. “Goodnight.”

“Goodnight.” I held my breath, watching him go. Once he was out of sight, I let out a heavy sigh. It didn’t cover the sound of a sniffle.

I turned to catch Chloe standing at the other end of the room, leaning against the doorway. She probably watched and heard that whole conversation.

I stared at her, wishing this didn’t have to be so hard between us. As she sniffled again and wiped away her tears, she cleared her throat. “I?—”

She cut herself off, turning and rushing away.

“No,” I growled quietly as I rushed to my feet.

I’d had it with this.

I was sick of her running.

She belonged with me.

I caught up to her in the hallway that led to the guest room she’d been sleeping in. Grabbing hold of her wrist, I held on to her and tugged her to follow me. With a heated look, a worried glance that spoke volumes, she met my gaze and came with me to my room.

I closed and locked the door, stalking after her as she backed up.

“Why did you run?” I asked.

She tipped her chin up. “Because I don’t want to hurt you anymore.”

“Then don’t.”

She furrowed her brow as I reached for the belt of her robe.

“Stay,” I told her as I shoved at her robe, urging the material to fall to the carpet.

“Will you forgive me?”

I put my hand on her side and tugged her close. “Only if you stay.” I crushed my lips against her mouth, unable to help myself. I couldn’t help myself when she was near.

“I will stay as long as you let me,” she vowed.

“I will always forgive you,” I said as I bunched her nightgown and pulled it up over her head to remove it, “as long as you understand that I fucking love you.”

She gasped as I kissed her hard, walking her toward the bed.

“I love you, Chloe, and I will never stand for anyone to hurt you. You or our son.”

She nodded, reaching for my shirt to pull it up.

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