Page 118 of Break

Ethan

I gave her four days. Four days to heal and process and rest after her ordeal.Ourordeal. But I can’t wait any longer.

I’m rocking back on my heels, fighting off the worry that Mina is out on Max’s property without anyone watching over her. I know the threat is gone, but my body doesn’t. The only reason I’m able to stay in this spot is because she’s got Walter with her.

Since the moment we brought her home from the hospital, he’s been glued to her side, and Mina has loved every single second of it. Slipping him snacks and treats, whispering into his ear how pretty and wonderful he is. I’d be jealous if I didn’t remind myself repeatedly, he’s only a fucking dog. There’s no way I’d say that out loud in front of my woman, though. She’d spend ten minutes informing me why I’m wrong.

Now that Danny is gone, Vincent used a few days of vacation to be home with Mina as she recovered, but today he had to return. I’m sure his partner is relieved to have him back as well. Max is doing rounds, checking in on all our active cases, ensuring that his employees handled everything while he was distracted with Mina.

I’m certain he’s also giving me some time alone with her, which is fucking necessary because I’m about ready to crawl out of my skin. She told me she loved me while lying on the gurney in the back of the ambulance, but we have had little time alone since then. I want her to hear my words for the first time, alone and privately between the two of us.

Mina has been lighter since we got home as well. It’s like removing the chains Danny had wrapped around her for years has lifted so much weight off her soul. She feels as if she can completely open up and be herself.

As she walks around the corner with Walt walking next to her, gazing up like she hangs the fucking moon, I can’t contain my chuckle.

When she hears me, her head shoots up, and a massive smile breaks across her face. Picking up her speed, she runs toward me.

“Hey there, darlin’. How was your walk?” I ask her, opening my arms to her. What I’m not prepared for is Mina’s final leap as she jumps up into my arms. “Christ, you’re gonna hurt yourself,” I grumble, cupping the back of her head as she latches her arms around my neck and legs around my waist.

Leaning back, she looks me over and reaches a hand into my hair. “I’m fine. I’m feeling good. Barely feel a thing now.”

I narrow my eyes at the bruise on her face and hum under my breath.

She rolls her eyes. “It’s sore, but not bad.” Pressing her lips against mine, she releases them with a smack. “Promise.” Glancing over my shoulder toward the door, she looks back and asks, “What were you doing? Waiting for me?”

Grunting, I hoist her up higher, getting a better grip so she can ease up on her hold around my neck. “Always waiting for you, darlin’.”

“You’re a good man, you know that, Ethan Riley? You’ve always been good, even when we were younger.” Her words hit me like a train, because I don’t agree with her. I wasn’t bad, but I was indifferent, and that makes me just as guilty as everyone else that was in her life.

Shaking my head to deny her words, she puts her fingers over my lips. “I know what you’re going to say, but you’re wrong. You were a kid. You weren’t responsible for what others did, just like I wasn’t responsible for what was done to me.”

My throat works against the knot lodged inside as I try to accept what she’s saying. Instead, I can only think of one thing to say. “Tell me again.”

Her eyes light up when she understands what I’m asking. “I love you.”

“Again,” I beg as I turn us around and move inside the house, pausing for a moment to hear the door snick shut.

“Iloveyou, Ethan Riley.” Her giggle calms something in my soul, and I close my eyes against the feeling.

Pressing her against the wall in the entryway, I push my hips against her to prevent her from sliding down my body, freeing up my hands. Gripping the sides of her neck, she lets her head fall back to look up at me. “Once more,” I whisper.

With a lazy smile, she turns her head to kiss my fingers. “I’m in love with you, Ethan.”

“I love you so fucking much my chest aches when I can’t see you. It’s like I’ve been waiting my entire life for just this single moment to hear you say those words to me. You’ve always been here,” I tell her as I tap the side of my head. “Always been in my head as someone who’s special.” I kiss her lips gently. “And sweet.” I kiss her again. “And so incredibly kind that a shit like me should never deserve a second of your time.”

Covering her mouth with mine, I absorb her protest, diving my tongue into her mouth, tasting her sweetness. Inhaling it and making it a part of me. I kiss her until I feel her release the need to fight back with words, then pull back.

“I’m a selfish man, so I’m going to take your love and your time and your sweetness and keep it all for myself.” My cock is straining against the inside of my jeans, but I wait until I know she’s ready for me.

The tips of her fingers stroke along my cheek, cupping it and pressing in before leaning back. “You don’t mind that I lovethemjust as much?”

“Nope. They’re good men. They’re good for you, but more importantly, you’re good forthem. They deserve all the happiness they can find with you. This,” I tap her chest, “has so much room in it, I don’t know how it’s possible. Thank you for giving me a part of it.”

“You have all of it, Ethan,” she breathes out, pressing her lips to me once more.

She attacks my mouth like she’s starving, and I know I can’t hold back another moment until I’m feeling her falling apart around me. Thank God she’s wearing a dress today because I’m certain I can’t let go long enough to pull her pants off.

I suck in a breath, my throat catching when I feel her hand reach between us and work at the waistband of my pants. She’s quick to unsnap and pull the zipper down, allowing them to fall slightly down my hips. I didn’t put on any boxers when I was getting dressed this morning, so my cock smacks against her hand when it’s finally freed.

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