Page 24 of Breaker

I nodded, my thumb brushing over the delicate skin of her cheekbone. “Every word.”

A shaky smile curved her lips, and she ducked her head again, hiding from the intensity of my gaze. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything,” I assured her. “And for the record, I feel the same. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

She nodded, a single tear escaping to trail down her cheek. I wiped it away, wishing I could keep her from ever crying again. I hated seeing tears in her eyes.

We stayed like that for a long moment, lost in the warmth of each other’s presence. I held her against me, not wanting to let her go. I’d suspected, hoped even, that she might feel something for me, but hearing her say it out loud was a different thing entirely.

“I care about you, Juni. More than I’ve cared about anyone in a long time. And knowing you feel the same way means everything to me.”

A shaky smile curved her lips, and she leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering closed for a brief moment. “I was worried I might lose you before I ever really had you. Does that even make sense? I feel so confused. I’m excited, scared, and so many other things, almost all at the same time.”

“Never,” I promised, my voice fierce with conviction. “You could never lose me. In case you’ve forgotten, we’re married. I told you there won’t be a divorce. What we make of our relationship is up to us. It can stay as it’s been, or we can move toward having a real marriage. I’m personally hoping for that last option, but it’s entirely up to you.”

She nodded, her smile growing wider, more confident. “I want that too, Teller. A real marriage, when we both feel ready. I want it more than anything.”

Relief and joy surged through me, and I couldn’t help but pull her closer, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. She melted against me, her head nestling into the crook of my neck, and I breathed in the sweet scent of her hair, marveling at how perfectly she fit in my arms. Over the years, I’d watched my brothers pair off, and I’d worried it would never happen for me. Now I had a wife, and I was looking forward to falling in love with her.

Slowly, I pulled back just enough to look into Juniper’s eyes, my hands gently cupping her face. Her skin was soft beneath my calloused fingers, and I marveled at the trust I saw shining in her gaze. It was a trust I knew I’d do anything to protect. And I knew it didn’t come easy for her.

“We’ll take this slow,” I murmured, my thumb brushing lightly across her cheekbone. “I want to prove I’m the man you deserve.”

Her lips curved into a tender smile, and she leaned into my touch. “You already are, Teller. You’re kind, brave, and you make me feel safe in a way I never have before. And I trust you. I’m not sure if you realize how huge that is.”

Her words filled me with a warmth I’d never known, and I found myself leaning closer, my forehead resting gently against hers. “You’re an amazing woman. You have no idea how happy I am that I found you that night, and that you’re part of my life now.”

The world around us seemed to fade away. The soft glow of the lamp cast a warm light across Juniper’s features, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheek and the gentle slope of her nose. It felt as though Juniper and I were the only two people in the world. The connection between us was palpable, a tangible thread that seemed to grow stronger with each passing second. Or maybe I just hoped it was.

I looked down at our joined hands. I could feel the steady beat of her pulse beneath my fingertips. It was a reminder of the life and vitality that flowed through her, the strength and resilience that had brought her into my world. But I knew if I’d been even an hour later walking down that alley, she’d have likely died. How could I not believe in fate?

She looked at me, and I saw the moment she’d come to some sort of decision about us. There was a slight change in her gaze. “I want to take things slow, to build something real and lasting with you. But I also know that I don’t want to spend another day without you in my life.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with a fierce protectiveness and an overwhelming sense of joy. “We’ll take it one day at a time,” I promised.

And I hoped like hell she’d tell me if I pushed too hard too fast. I didn’t want to spook her or make her uncomfortable.

I never thought I’d find someone like her. Someone who could see past my scars and ink, to the man beneath the cut. With her, I wanted to be my best self and make lots of happy memories together. She was my forever.

Chapter Eleven

Breaker

Fox’s gruff voice echoed through the clubhouse, urgency lacing his tone as he called for Church. “Everybody move it! Asses in the chairs.”

I glanced up from my seat at the bar, the half-empty whiskey glass in my hand forgotten at the tone of Fox’s voice. Something was wrong. I could feel it in my bones.

Around me, my brothers began to stir, rising from their various perches and making their way toward Church. Rocket caught my eye as he passed, his expression mirroring the concern that gnawed at my gut.

I entered Church and took in the sight of my brothers gathering around the large, worn table that dominated the space. Bear and Surge were already seated, their faces etched with grim determination. Shooter and Fangs followed close behind, while Yankee brought up the rear, his usually jovial demeanor replaced by a somber frown. The rest were all in their usual spots.

I took my place at the table just as Fox stepped up to the head, his imposing figure commanding the room’s attention. He scanned the faces of each member, his keen gaze ensuring that everyone was present and accounted for. The murmur of voices died down, replaced by a heavy silence that seemed to press down on us all.

Fox placed his hands on the table, his fingers splayed against the scarred wood. “As you all know, Juniper ran away from home as a teenager to escape her uncle. Robert Murray is out on parole, and from what Surge was able to find, he’s on the move and heading our way. It’s our belief he’s coming for Juniper. We don’t know what sort of resources he has, so we need to prepare for anything.”

“Do you think we have a rat?” Freak asked.

Fox shook his head. “No. We think he may believe Juniper turned him in to the police. He’ll want revenge. At the very least, she’s his family and was his responsibility, so he may feel he owns her.”

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