Page 119 of Ruthless Legacy

Before I can finish ordering my car, a charger pulls up to the curb. I climb into the passenger seat, ready for what he has to say. I fasten my seatbelt and turn to him.

“Not a word.”

“But-”

“Just don’t talk right now.”

I fold my arms across my chest, staring at the scenery as he heads along the coast. He pulls into the driveway and comes around to open my door for me. I follow him through the door. When I go to step around him, he pushes me against the wall beside the door.

“I am so fucking pissed at you right now.”

“You have every right to be. I’m sorry I blindsided you. Thank you for saying yes.”

“Sweetness, when I said you’re mine, I meant it. I will always show up for you.”

I press my forehead against his chest. I haven’t had that a lot in my life.

He rubs my back. “You’ve had a stressful couple of days, huh?”

“Try weeks.”

“Then let me help you, de-stress.” He pulls me over to the couch and sits. I watch as he unbuttons his jeans and slides the zipper. “Take your clothes off.”

“What did Leo mean about you turning your back on your family?”

“Nothing. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“Wolfe?”

“LaReaux.”

“Come on. Don’t shut me out.”

“Right.” He grabs my hips, pulling me closer, and unbuttons my pants. “Because you’re always so forthcoming about your shit.”

I run my fingers through his hair. “I try to be. With you.” I stare down at him. “I’m not letting this go. Talk to me.”

“It’s like I said. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. I haven’t turned my back on my family. We’re very close and I see them all the time.”

“Just a mistake, no truth to it whatsoever?”

“What I’mnota part of, is the family business. My dad works in the Intel Community and my grandfather works in the private security sector. I chose to pursue sports and eventually physical fitness.” He tugs my shirt up over my head. “My decision to open a gym didn’t come without some challenges. The League offered to fund the start ups costs for Wolfe Pack, in exchange for my agreement to recruit for MISTIC, and I accepted the offer.”

“That’s why you know so much about their organization?”

“That, and because my grandfather offers his security services to them for various events and functions. As a kid, hanging out with him exposed me to a lot.”

He unclips my bra. “Now have we talked enough? Or do you need my whole entire life story right now? If so, be prepared to reciprocate.”

I’m not ready for that. I direct his hands to my breasts and let him spend the next thirty minutes helping me de-stress.

Chapter49

Holden

I’m restless and irritable. My skin feels tight. Unfamiliar, like it doesn’t belong to me. The extra energy needs an outlet. I’ve been making trips to Thea’s room when she’s not there, but it’s not enough. I need to run.

The urge to chase her down, to hold her down, grows stronger each day. She can’t know it’s happening. I want her off guard, totally unaware. She’s still avoiding the woods behind campus, but seems comfortable walking around in town. There are dark streets and alleys I can herd her to. I just need time to do it. How can I make this happen?

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