Page 56 of A Rogue Cowboy's Kiss

“Nope.” He took a breath, and it hurt. “I think you should call Brody. I don’t think I can protect you right now, and since I basically live to keep you safe, I’m not loving that fact.”

“Brody? He’ll make us go back to the ranch.”

“I knew I’d get you back there one way or another.” He laughed softly, and then swore as pain shot through him. “Can’t go to a hospital, Bella. Can’t protect you. Brody will know what to do. Call him. It’s time.”

The words had barely left Falcon’s lips when his head lolled to the side, and he slumped over.

“Falcon!” Bella shook his shoulder, but there was no reaction. “Shit. Shit. Shit.” She grabbed her phone and dialed her brother, who answered immediately.

“Are you guys safe?”

“Falcon got stabbed. Some guy is on the beach in front of the cottage, maybe dead. We’re in Falcon’s truck in front of the police station, and he just passed out. He said he’s fine, and he treated it, but he’s now unconscious so—” She had to stop to keep the panic out of her voice.

“Head to the airport,” Brody said immediately. “I’ll have the plane ready, and I’ll have a doctor there.”

“The plane?”

“Yeah, I sent it yesterday as soon as your house was invaded. It’s been there waiting in case you needed a fast exit.”

Tears filled her eyes as she started the truck. “Most of the time, I’d be super annoyed with you for doing that, but right now, I’m happy. I’m freaking out, Brody,” she admitted. “What if Falcon dies?”

“He won’t die. He hasn’t married you yet.”

She started laughing through her tears as she pulled up driving directions to the airport. “He won’t marry me. He’s going to get me safe and then abandon me forever so I don’t get killed by his enemies.”

“Heroic man. I admire him. How do you feel about that?”

“Before he got stabbed, he wanted to get married, have kids, and live on the ranch.” She pulled out onto the main road and hit the gas, keeping vigilant for any headlight suddenly appearing behind her.

“No good?”

“I don’t want that, Brody.” But she looked over at Falcon.I don’t want to lose you, Falcon.But wanting him to live wasn’t the same thing as being ready to give up her dreams and move back to the ranch to become a wife and mother. But right now, it felt so twisted up she couldn’t really think straight.

“I figured as much,” Brody said. “I told him I wasn’t sure you guys would be compatible. So it’s working out fine.”

“Fine? He’s unconscious and bleeding.”

“He’s not dead, so it all works. I need to make some calls. I’m tracking you, and if anything alerts you, call back. I’m trying to find you an escort to the airport, but not sure I can find someone I trust so quick. Stay vigilant.”

“Okay, I will.” She pulled her gun free and held it in her right hand. Ready. “I love you, Brody. I’m sorry I left.”

“I love you too, Bella, and never be sorry for being who you are. Our family can never be broken. You know that. Talk soon.” Then he hung up.

Bella gripped the steering wheel and hit the gas. “Falcon,” she said, over the roar of the engine. “I know you’re unconscious and can’t hear me, but I want to tell you that I love you. I have always loved you, and that’s probably why nothing has ever worked out with anyone else.” She took a breath. “I believe you’re a healer, Falcon. And by healing others, you’ll heal yourself. And the world needs you healed.” She paused. “Ineed you healed, Falcon.”

She fell quiet as the truck kept speeding down the empty road.

“And Falcon, I am so very sorry that I can’t marry you.” As she spoke, a heavy weight settled in her chest. “You’ll make the best dad, but I could never be the wife and mother you want. I can’t live up to your dreams, and I’m sorry about that.”

So incredibly sorry, in ways she couldn’t even process.

The man had dreams, and she wasn’t the woman who could fulfill them.

And she wouldn’t let him give up on his dreams, just like she knew he’d never let her give up on hers.

But first, he had to survive.

After that? She had an idea…which he was definitely going to hate.

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