Page 84 of Outlaw

My fingertips were digging into my palms. I hadn’t realized I was clenching my hands until I felt them. Forcing myself to relax, I took a deep breath. How was it that I wanted to shake her for stealing memories I could have had with our daughter, but also wanted to throw her against the wall and fuck her until I was completely sated at the same time?

There was also an unwelcome and uncomfortable ache in my chest every time those jade pools looked at me with longing. As if she’d give anything to have more of me. She didn’t have to say it. I could read her expressive face easy enough. She was letting us fucking make her want something we would never have. I wasn’t built for that shit—and especially not with a woman I couldn’t trust. She would be a weakness. I would be worrying about the lies she could be keeping from me every day.

“Good night, Branwen,” I said before heading back toward the stairs, needing distance before the sexual ache for her became too much and I followed her into her bedroom.

“Good night, Linc.” Her voice was soft, and there was a touch of sadness to it.

I winced, thankful she couldn’t see my face as I walked away.

I’d treated her with respect today. I hadn’t ignored her, yet I had kept a firm distance with her otherwise. If I could get into this habit and guide her into this type of relationship, we’d survive this year.

I’d fuck her every damn night if I could, but I didn’t just worry about her getting attached anymore. I was starting to be concerned about me. I still intended to own her. I wasn’t going to give up on taking that pussy and losing myself in it, but I hadto limit it. Fuck other women in between. Otherwise, I might get obsessed with it and make a massive mistake.

The guys were still outside when I returned.

Luther glanced over at me first and raised his eyebrow. “I thought you’d be a while, tucking Branwen in.”

Why he thought pushing me was fun I didn’t know, but when I broke his nose, he’d fucking stop.

“Didn’t tuck her in. Just my daughter.”

“She wants you to,” Mal said, then shrugged a shoulder. “Don’t scowl at me. I’m just pointing it out. She looks at you like she’d do anything for you to notice her.” He stuck his cigarette back into his mouth. “I always knew you were a hard motherfucker, but, damn, man. You are stronger than I am. I’d have had her naked and on the bed with—”

“DON’T finish that sentence,” I warned him through clenched teeth.

My gaze scanned all of them. I hated knowing that they would all fantasize about her. If I could scrub her from their brains, I would.

Mal held up both hands. “Sorry.”

No, he wasn’t.

“Branwen and I aren’t a couple, but understand this: Her cunt is mine. No one else touches it or fucking thinks about it. She belongs to me.”

Luther cleared his throat. “So, just to be clear, you’re touching it then?”

“Luther.” I seethed, my eyes locked on him as rage pounded in my temples.

“I’m just making sure. Because someone needs to. It’s a fucking abomination for a face and body like hers to go untouched. It is meant to be fucked.”

“Luther, if you don’t shut the fuck up, not one of us will get up and save your ass when he puts a gun to your forehead,” Jonaswarned him.

Luther sighed. “I’m the advocate for hot pieces of ass across the world. Okay? They should all be taken care of properly.”

Ransom spit out his drink, trying not to laugh, then choked.

Mal chuckled and shook his head.

I should have stayed upstairs. I’d be buried balls deep in Branwen, listening to the sexy sounds she made. Instead, I was down here, listening to Luther say shit to piss me off.

Thirty-Eight

Branwen

Linc: Issue came up in Georgia that my brother needs backup on. Had to leave too early to tell Stevie goodbye. Let her know I am sorry and I’ll bring her back a surprise. This will take a few days. Locke will be at the house every day by ten to take you both wherever you want to go. He’ll stay with you for security purposes.

I read the text, then put my phone back down and stared at the ceiling. He was gone again. I should be happy about that, but I wasn’t. I’d held on to the hope he’d come back to my room last night. That was pathetic, and I knew it, but I couldn’t seem tocontrol my head and heart. After living the days with him when he was withdrawn and aloof, I craved that connection with him. It was getting worse, and I didn’t know how to stop it.

Tossing back the covers, I stretched, then got up. Stevie and I had a way to get out and do something today. At least Linc had thought about it before running off and leaving. He’d listened to me. My head started going in the direction of maybe he was softening toward me and perhaps he felt something too. Or some emotion could be growing.

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