Page 144 of He Loves Me Knot

Claiming what’s mine.

“Helping you,” he answered in a low growl.

Being this close to her, it was all he could do to keep his hands off her.

She pulled back, then slipped her hand into his. Tugging him away from the bar, she pulled him toward the beach. He followed without question, not bothering to look back at the man who had been hitting on her.

They hadn’t gone far—close to where he and Quinn had been smoking cigars—when Liddy stopped. She turned back toward Callum. “What the hell was that?”

He rubbed his eyes. “I didn’t?—”

“Didn’t what? Think I could handle myself?” Liddy set her hands on her hips. “Or did you change your mind about us?”

“No—I . . .” Callum gritted his teeth. “Couldn’t stand the thought of him hitting on you.”

“But you sent me off to go on a date with Sergio.” She crossed her arms. “And, before you ask, I didn’t go. I’m not going to have sex with you and then go out with another guy four hours later. I know you’re used to a different standard of behavior from women, but that’s not who I am.”

I know. That’s why I like you.

Her words brought him a relief he hadn’t realized he needed, and he released a breath. “I’m sorry.”

She stepped toward him, then slipped her hand into his. “I’m sorry, too. I shouldn’t have left the room without making that clear. I was hurt by what you said about last night meaning nothing—then confused because I know that’s what you want. You want it to mean nothing, and I told you I’d be okay with that. And I think we both know that you’re right. I’m not okay with it.”

She ran her thumb against the palm of his hand, tantalizing him with her touch. “But I also refuse to accept that it meant nothing to you, either. And I’m not going to let you push me away without getting a say in it, Callum. You matter to me. Whatever we are—it’s no one else’s business. And I don’t mind telling Quinn that either.”

He stared at her, certain he was hallucinating.

What?She’d apologized . . .to me?

She smiled, then she brushed her lips against his palm with a featherlight kiss. “When was the last time you let a woman actually take care of you, Cal? Was it Sophia? You don’t have to do everything alone just because she hurt you. Or maybe it goes even deeper than that. I don’t know and you don’t have to tell me, but I refuse to be one more person who you shut out because you want to protect yourself. I won’t hurt you. I promise.”

His heart squeezed painfully in his chest.

Didn’t I just tell her the exact opposite last night?

His loathsome words to her rang through his head.

He’d promised to hurt her.

“I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.

“Why don’t you let me decide that?” She kissed the back of his hand, then released it. “We’re only here for a few minutes and then Isla is taking us to another bar. But I’d prefer you be in one piece tonight when I get back to our bungalow, so for God’s sake, don’t get into a fight with anyone tonight. I don’t want to kick anyone’s ass if they punch you.” She stepped past him, her fingertips brushing his hip as she leaned over and nipped at his earlobe. “Because I’m going commando. Kicking might not work out so well.”

Oh . . . fuck me.

He groaned out loud, turning to reach for her and grabbing only air as she stepped farther away.

She grinned. “By the way, I found your luggage in the office and put it back where it belongs. See you later, Cal.”

As she strode across the sand toward the bar, he had to restrain himself from the temptation of leaving the stag party early and tossing her over his shoulder on the way out the door. Not that she needed any masculine shows of strength.

A strange, strangled hope rose in his chest, and he swallowed hard.

Considering what he’d said and done earlier, she should have given up on him.

The fact that she hadn’t put him in unchartered waters.

Because, for the first time, I don’t want to be given up on.

---