Page 79 of Rio's Release

“Have you lost your frigging mind? I’m not moving back there. No way in hell, Rio.”

“I can’t protect you from two hours away, Shelby. If we’re going to make a life together, we’ve kind of gotta live in the same zip code.”

“Who said we were building a life together? This is what… the third time I’ve seen you since you got out? And suddenly it’s a done deal. Where do you get off?” I’m expecting a fight. Instead, he walks to me, cups my face, and kisses the fury out of me.

“I love you, Shelby. And I’m going to love your daughter just as much. I get this is all new, so no, I’m not moving you in with me, but I did rent a nice big place on a pretty hill with a great view and lots of room for your animals. If you don’t like it, we can find something else. I hope eventually, once you and Bella feel settled, you and I make it permanent, and we make the three of us a family.”

I shove him away. “You are moving way too fast, Rio. Way too fast.”

“I’m sorry, but this is the only way I can protect you.”

“I have a job. Bella starts kindergarten next week. We have a life here.”

“You’ll get a new job, and we’ll get Bella enrolled in school in Las Cruces.”

My mouth hangs open. Does he really think it’s that fucking simple? Just a snap of his fingers, and boom, we move?

There’s a knock at the door, and I stalk to it, flinging it open and glaring at Zig.

He gives me a sheepish grin, then looks past me to Rio. “Is this a bad time?”

The dogs bark and run up, but he squats and makes friends with all of them, and I throw my hands up.

Bella runs into the room. “Who’s that?”

“That’s a friend of mine, honey,” Rio answers. “Bella, this is Zig. Zig, this is Bella.” Then Rio squats and catches Bella’s hands. “We’re going to take a trip today. I’m going to show you and your mom a big new house for you to live in. Would you like that?”

“Can all my stuffed animals and toys come?”

“Absolutely, and your dogs and cat, too.”

She jumps up and down. “Yay. Did you hear that, Mommy? We’re getting a big new house.”

I glare at Rio. “You are going to pay for that.”

He half grins and looks at Zig. “You bring some boxes?”

“I picked up a stack of them and a couple of rolls of packing tape. Let me go grab them.”

I cross my arms. “So, you’re just going to pack me up? Now? Today?”

“That’s the plan, pretty girl. It would be better if you give in and start telling me what goes and what stays. Otherwise, I’m going to have to make those decisions.”

“Come on, Mommy.” Bella tugs on my hand. “Help me pack my toys.”

“I’ll be there in a minute.” Once she’s gone, I glare at Rio and hiss in a low voice. “I told you I can’t let Carson find out about her. I can’t face running into him. Did you even listen to a word I said?”

“I did. And he won’t be a problem. I promise you, Shelby. You’ll never have to see him again.”

“But you aren’t going to kill him?”

“No, I told you I wouldn’t.”

“Well, do you plan to let me in on this grand plan of yours or will I find out last second like I did about you packing us up and moving us?”

His eyes twinkle. “Does that mean you’re coming?”

“Doesn’t seem you gave me much choice.” I roll my eyes at the stupid, sexy grin on his face. How can I want to both kiss him and punch him all at once?

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