Page 110 of Outlaw

I heard his heavy footsteps just before his fingers wrapped around my arm and he stopped me. I used my free hand to wipe at the tears.

“Just let me go,” I pleaded.

Using both of his hands, he pulled me back until I was pressed against his chest. His warmth made me shiver. Mocking me and all that I represented.

“Say it again, Ringlets.” His voice was hoarse as his breath tickled my skin.

“What?”

“Tell me you love me.”

I closed my eyes as another whimper escaped me. “Why?”

He reached up and pulled my hair over to one side, then pressed a kiss on my bare shoulder. “Because I need to hear it again. Hear the woman who owns me—and will own me until I take my very last breath—tell me she loves me. That she can love me after all the darkness and shit I’ve put her through.” He pressed his lips to my temple. “I think I fell in love with you in Vegas and ran to save you rather than me. But fate brought you back to me, and I almost fucked that up. Please, tell me again.”

Sniffling, I wiped at my face. I turned to look up at him, not sure I trusted this. But when my eyes met his, my heart stuttered, and I sucked in a breath. “I love you,” I said, letting it back out.

He grinned, then lowered his head. His lips brushed over mine.

“Dad! What awah you doing?” Stevie called out, sounding alarmed.

Linc’s arms held me firmly, not letting me move away as he lifted his head to look at our daughter. “I’m kissing your pretty momma,” he replied.

Stevie’s giggles brought a smile to my face as Linc’s gazedropped back down to me.

“Thank you,” he said simply.

“For what?” I asked.

“For loving an outlaw,” he replied with a sexy smirk.

“Linc Shephard, my heart never gave me a choice.”

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