Page 25 of Say It's Forever

“All right. I know you only want what's best for me,” I agree, trusting Garrett. I think it would be easier if it was a woman.

“I won’t make you do anything you don’t want, but the option is there. You can even just go meet the person and then decide.”

“Thank you.” I press a kiss to his chest over his heart.

Garrett rolls, pinning me under him. “Stay put,” he orders, pressing a kiss to my mouth before he gets up from the bed. I watch his sexy, naked self stroll into the bathroom, hearing the water come on a few seconds later.

"I think you could use a soak in the tub," he says when he comes back out of the bathroom. Garrett easily scoops me up in his arms, carrying me back into the bathroom with him.

"I have been eyeing this tub," I admit.

"The warm water will help you be less sore later." He lowers me into the water. I let out a small sigh as the warmth envelops me. “Rest,” Garrett orders before dropping a kiss on the top of my head. “I’m going to check on a few things and grab some more wood. Then see about making us something to eat.”

“I want to cook,” I protest. “Please.”

“You know I can’t tell you no.”

“I don’t see how that is a problem.” He merely chuckles and gives me another kiss before leaving the bathroom.

I lean back, letting out another sigh. My mind replays our lovemaking. We’ve had sex twice.

A different side of Garrett peeked out when we made love. I could see the more domineering side to him. He was also possessive. Even when he revealed that side of himself, it was as if he knew I needed it. My body ached for it.

He told me that he loved me. It took me by surprise. Growing up, my home was not a place to freely give words of love. My sisterand I would always express our love to each other. But she is the only other person to have said those words to me.

What I feel for Garrett is intense and actually a little scary. There is a fear that he could be taken from me. I don’t even know how I would handle that. What I do know is that my heart would shatter into a million pieces if something were to happen to him. This has to be love. It’s different than the love of my sister, but both are bone-deep.

I need to tell him. I don’t want another second to go by without him knowing how I truly feel.

When I step out of the tub, I wrap a towel around me. Bear is lying on the bed when I exit. I go into Garrett's closet and find a shirt to pull on and a pair of his boxers. I have to roll them a million times to get them to stay.

Bear lets out a low growl that has me stepping out of the closet. His ears are up, and he is standing in the center of the bed. Then, he slowly slips off the bed, not making a sound.

I watch as he leaves the room. I follow after him, wondering if there might be something wrong. Before I catch up to him, I hear another growl. Only this time it’s louder and more fierce. It sends a shot of fear through me. When I round the corner of the living room toward the kitchen, I see Bear, his teeth fully showing.

That’s when I see Joseph standing on the other side of the kitchen island with a gun pointed at Bear, and my heart sinks.

“Get the dog, Winter, or I'll shoot him.” I can see the fear on Joseph’s face, even though he’s the one with a gun.

I try to recall some of the commands I’ve heard Garrett use. He would always explain the meaning of his commands to me. The most common command he used was Okhraniay, which meant "guard," and Bear would remain by my side until Garrett released him.

“Winter!” Joseph shouts at me, making Bear bark too and let out another growl of warning.

“Ryadom!” I call out. Bear steps back to my side, but he’s still tense. His teeth are showing.

Joseph pulls out a walkie-talkie, keeping the gun trained toward us as he does.

“Ethan, Micah,” he speaks into it. “I’ve got her.” A sick smile slides across Joseph’s face. I should be terrified of what he is going to do to me, but all I can think about is Garrett and where he might be. Did they do something to him?

“You thought you could get away from me? You’re mine,” he spits out.

“I’m not yours,” I grit out. Joseph’s eyes widen at my response. I'm sure he's shocked that a woman would not only dare to disagree with him, but also speak against him.

“Did you fuck him? Did you let that man take your innocence?” His eyes roam up and down my body, lingering on my bare legs. Disgust and rage take over his expression. “You will be punished for this!” he shouts, making Bear growl, but he stays by my side. I put my hand on his head, trying to calm him. I don’t want him to attack and get shot.

“Ethan, Micah,” Joseph calls into the walkie-talkie again. Nothing comes back. “Come on. We’re leaving.” He gestures with his gun, signaling for me to move.

“I’m not going anywhere.” I don’t move an inch.

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