Page 39 of Ruthless Love

“Morning, Cain,” the doctor greets me as he comes in.

There are no pleasantries from me. “How did that x-ray look?”

The older man laughs slightly as he shakes his head at me. “I don’t know that I’ve ever met someone who’s more anxious to get back to work than you. The state of Montana is lucky to have you.”

I don’t need someone to kiss my ass and tell me how great I am. I’m fully aware that I’m only four weeks out from an incident that could have killed me, but I also know that I have been feeling better the last couple of days. Stronger, more aware of my surroundings, there’s been a lot less pain and I’ve not had to take any pain killers since that first physical therapy appointment. More than anything, I just want my life back. I’m aware it won’t be the same way it was before the getting shot, there might be things I have to account for and accommodations I have to make. I’m good with that, but I’m not good at sitting around.

He pulls out a piece of paper before he puts his glasses on, reading what looks like a report. “I have to say I’m a little surprised, but I’ve seen the human body do amazing things. Looking at the x-ray, the report, and talking to your physical therapist, I’m going to say we can take this cast off. You’ll still have to be careful, but I'm comfortable putting you on light duty. There will be absolutely no running on it yet and you’ll probably walk with a limp until you’re completely healed. Your physical therapist will help you with that. I’m going to send a note over to the Chief letting him know that right now we’ll keep your return to work week-to-week provided you do everything else you’re supposed to.”

Happiness explodes in my chest. “I’m so ready.”

As he leaves the room, my phone pings and my smile falters for the first time.

Chief: Excited for you to get that cast off, but you better be making your appointment with the shrink. We just need her to sign off on you – as soon as that’s done, you do the physical course and you’re back.

Fuck me. I’ve been putting it off, but I won’t be able to any longer. I'm scared that if they did, I'll react worse than I did at the scene. I don’t want and don’t need that fear in my life. But the writing is on the wall - I’m going to have to face whatever it is, because I won’t be able to go back to my job until I do.

ME: Got it, I’ll make my appointment tomorrow and I’ll keep you up to date on all progress. Can’t wait to get back.

Ignoring the nagging in my gut, I text Ris, letting her know I’m getting the cast off, and they’ll be giving me a boot. I sighdeeply, feeling like one obstacle that’s been standing in my way will be lifted.

THIRTY-ONE

MARISSA

His eyes have been watchingme since he walked into the house. "I've missed you so much," he says the words almost reverently. He's stalking me as if I'm his prey, like I'm a perp he's about to catch.

He hooks his finger in a come-hither motion. "Can I do something to you? For you?"

"Yes," I whisper, nodding slowly.

With sure hands, he drags me through the house and to our bedroom. Once we get there, he shuts the door and locks it. He's never locked the door before, and I'm not sure what to make of it. This feels more serious than anything else we've done before.

I’m waiting for the moment he makes his move. Every part of my body is on alert. My nipples push against the lace of my bra, my fingers clench against the wall in front of me, and between my legs I ache more than I’ve ever ached before. My breathing is labored as I wait, eyes closed, forehead leaning against the solid surface, dying to see what he does, where he touches me first.

“Truth, Ris. While we were separated, did you have someone else?” He breathes close to my ear.

Cain comes up so close behind me I can feel the heat pouring off his body. Flattening my palms, I push myself back far enoughso we touch. It’s a whisper of one, but it’s enough for now. Tilting my head, I can feel the hair of his scruff tickling against my neck. Tucking my chin down, I try to nuzzle against him. I shake my head. “No, never had a man before you, or after you either. You’re the first, the only.”

“Better fuckin’ well be the last.”

"What are you doing?"

He makes a noise deep in his throat. "You'll see. I haven't been able to show you who I am since I got hurt. I'm sick of taking things easy, Ris, and I'm pretty sure you are, too."

Smearing his lips up my neck, he takes a sloppy kiss before clamping down on my lip. When I protest, he turns me around to face the wall. Then, there's nothing.

I open my mouth to tell him he’s it for me, but he picks that moment to touch me. This is a possession, a brand. It's as if he's putting the Miller name on me through his domination. His arms come around my body, his fingers hook into the top of the bodysuit I'm wearing, pulling the clingy material down far enough so my tits rest atop the edge. Once he’s secured the fabric so it’s no longer in his way, his palms move back up, cupping my flesh. He squeezes roughly, making the lace enclosure gap, giving room for his fingers to sneak inside.

His voice is hoarse, deep, and the sexiest damn thing I’ve ever heard in my life. “Was this expensive?” He fingers the bra.

“You know my bras are always expensive,” I press my thighs together, bending my knees to give a little relief. Besides my books, it’s the only other thing I splurge on.

“I’ll buy you more.”

With those words, he reaches completely into the cups, grabs hold of the fabric, and rips it off my body. It hangs loose, flapping as my breathing speeds up again. “You just ripped my bra,” I turn my head so I can see his blue eyes in the soft glow of the room.

“I did,” he confirms as he captures my lips the same way his palms capture my freed tits. It’s rough and out of control as our tongues duel for the dominant position. He wins, but only because I concede the victory.

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