Page 51 of Trust Me With Forever

At his serious tone, my stomach churned. “What is it?”

He sipped his coffee and then answered, “The news about our marriage is out in the world now. A reporter contacted me for comment late last night, and I thought it better to get ahead of the story instead of letting them control the narrative.”

“Do they know about Vegas?”

“Only that we married there. However, they believed our childhood friends-to-lovers story.”

“What, exactly, did you say?”

“Just that when I came back home after my injury, I saw you all grown up and lost my heart on the spot. Not wanting my fame to ruin anything, we kept it secret and eventually married before telling anyone.”

“That’s not so bad.” I paused and then asked, “Will it be a big story here, too, do you think?”

“Maybe on the sports channels, and possibly the local news. You’re thinking of that asshole, aren’t you?”

I nodded, suddenly losing my appetite and pushing the plate away.

Rafe took one of my hands and squeezed. “I already have some trusted people looking into him and his life. If there’s a way to shut him up for good—and no, I don’t mean by killing him, no matter how tempting it is—they’ll find it. I promise to do all that I can to protect you, Abby.”

I met his gaze again, finding concern and sincerity. “I know. But that doesn’t mean I won’t worry. He’s a fragile, vindictive piece of shit. And the fact I married someone richer and arguably more powerful than him? He’ll hate it, and who knows how he’ll act. He could do anything, uncaring of the consequences to his own life if it means I lose and he wins.”

“Maybe, maybe not. But no matter what happens, I’m here for you, Abigail. I know I can’t guarantee anything, but if he does lash out, he’ll pay. I vow it.”

His vehement tone made me blink. “I believe you.”

“Good.” He waved toward the pancakes. “Won’t you eat a little more? Otherwise, I’ll have to eat it, and then I’ll have to waddle out the door.”

Smiling, I tugged the plate back. “At least you wouldn’t be waddling because I kneed you in the balls this time.”

He narrowed his eyes. “I didn’t waddle.”

“You totally did last night. It was hard not to laugh.”

He swiped whipped cream off his plate and dabbed my nose.

“Hey!”

I lunged for his plate, but he moved it out of the way. “Now, now, no food fights. This isn’t a Wolfe family dinner, after all.”

“Just for that…”

I lunged across the counter, grabbed his plate, scooped all the whipped cream off, and rubbed it all over his face.

He blinked at me, looking adorable, and I grinned. “There. Now we’re even.”

“Not even close, Abigail. Come here.”

I squeaked and dodged his hands. He chased me out of the kitchen, down the hallway, and I turned into a dead end. “Damn it.”

He slowed down, stalking toward me, his lips twitching even as the whipped cream slid down his face. “Now, come give your husband a kiss.”

He made loud kissing noises and leaned toward me.

“You’re being ridiculous.”

His tongue darted out, licking the whipped cream off my nose, and heat shot through my body. His hot breath danced across my skin as he said, “Maybe you wanted an excuse to lick my skin? Or maybe to suggest you want me to do it to you?”

He ran a finger down his cheek, and then lightly rubbed the whipped cream on my lips.

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