Page 88 of Promiscuous Lies

“Wherever you want. We can live in one of my homes, buy a new one, or even live here in this rental.” Knowing he’s used to a particular lifestyle, I scoff at that last option. “The where doesn’t matter. Where you want to make memories is where we’ll be. Granted, most of my work is based here in Manhattan, but we can figure it out. If Bentley wants to go to the best school in Paris, we can do that. Although, personally, I’d rather go to Italy,” he says, and I realize he’s rambling. For the first time, the cool, collected man is at a loss, and it’s the rawest version I’ve seen of him. He looks younger at this moment, inexperienced even.

“It sounds like you’re trying to plan out our lives already,” I say, bringing him back to the moment.

“It’s not that. I want you to know that it’s not just you I’m saying yes to,Mostriciattola. I want to make sure I’m the best choice for Bentley, too.” My heart breaks a little more because I didn’t know Dutton had thought about that at all. I didn’t realize he’d taken us so seriously this whole time. “I know I come across as cold and, at times, strike up adult conversations with a child and seem awkward, but I promise you, I will give him just as much of my heart as I will you.

“I want to be his father, Posie, if he will accept me. And I want you to be my wife. Because I know without a doubt there is no one else for me. I didn’t even know someone so perfect could exist for me until you first said ‘no’ to me. I may not be able to teach him fishing, and I’m assuming you definitely don’t want me to teach him how to use knives?—”

“Out of the question,” I snap, interrupting him, and it brings him back to the room, back to me. He’s breathing heavily.

“I just want us to be a family, and I’ll do whatever I have to so I can keep you both. I just need you to be willing to take the first step with me,Mostriciattola. Please.” He gently clasps my hand.

My bottom lip trembles because I know that taking the first step with this man will be irrevocable. Men come and go, but someone like Dutton? I’m terrified because I now understand how much he wants to stay.

“I don’t want you to change, Dutton. I’m just… I’m scared,” I admit, and his gaze softens as he cups my cheek. And it’s so surreal to see this side of him. No one else sees this version of Dutton—only me.

“Let me protect you, Posie. I can make him go away.”

“Won’t it make it worse for you and your family?”

“You and Bentley are my family, Posie, and I’m trying my hardest to ask for permission before I kill the fucker who dared to hit my woman. But I need you to say yes. I don’t want you to hate me for taking away Bentley’s choice.”

I have a feeling that Dutton will do it anyway, but there’s no doubt in my mind the situation with Bobbi will only worsen. His fixation and demand to have control over me won’t stop. And he clearly has no intention of getting to know his son. He only wants to use him to get to me.

I nod quietly, and his expression relaxes as he presses his lips to mine. I never thought I’d feel such a wave of relief asking someone to kill for me. Maybe I really am, as Dutton calls me—a little monster. But I’m willing to do whatever I must to protect my son. To protect my family.

CHAPTER 45

Posie

Bentley isn’t used to another person staying in the house besides Amy. So when he finds out that Dutton is staying over for another night, he asks him to stay in his room. Dutton politely declines his request, which makes Bentley sad. But we put on a movie and eat popcorn, and by the evening, he falls asleep on the couch. When I stand to get him, Dutton beats me to it, picking him up gently and cradling him in his arms. I watch as he carries Bentley to his room, and then I follow behind them. After Dutton lays him down, Bentley spreads out, remaining fast asleep. Turning and walking out, I shut the door behind us.

Last night was a whirl of deep discussion, and although neither of us slept, we lay comfortably in my bed. It was nice to have him here. And I feel like we’ll be safe no matter what, even if Bobbi does show up.

No one is more capable of protecting us than Dutton.

He reaches for me, lifting me in one swift movement, and walks me across the hall to my bedroom. He opens the door and steps inside, then closes it behind us and locks it.

“What if I said I don’t want to have sex tonight?” I ask as he sets me down on the bed and then steps back. He stares at me as he starts unbuttoning his shirt.

“Okay,” he replies, discarding his shirt on the floor and kicking off his shoes. He undoes his pants and then pulls them down. He has on boxers, and I can see his hard cock tenting the material.

“That’s all you’re going to say?” I ask as he walks around to the other side of the bed, pulls the covers back, and climbs in. He looks funny, this big scary man, lying in my bed covered in a pink comforter. Though, he doesn’t seem to mind.

“Yes. Now, lie down before I change my mind.”

I shake my head at him, then get undressed, leaving myself in nothing but a pair of panties. Lifting the covers, I climb underneath and scoot close to him. Lying on his chest, I lift my head and look down at him.

“That’s really unfair,” he grumbles. “You, naked and lying on top of me.” I can feel him growing harder. I smile as I wrap my arms around him and put my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.

This is so different from any love I’ve known, and how right and peaceful it feels terrifies me. But even I know this little fantasy bubble we’ve lived in over the weekend will eventually pop.

“Are you going to turn out to be a regret, Dutton?” I ask.

“No,” he says adamantly. “I hate that he hurt you.” And I feel guilty for him being aware that I was comparing him to my ex.

“You hurt people,” I remind him.

“Never you.” I believe him.

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