Page 31 of The Wrangler

Jesse brushed his lips along the shell of her ear, his voice a dark promise. “Good girl.”

Her whole body shuddered beneath him. And then Jesse did what he had been dying to do since the moment she first challenged him. He took his time wrecking her for a second time that night.

Keely lay boneless beside him, her head tucked against his shoulder, her fingers tracing absent-minded patterns over his chest.

For once, she wasn’t fighting him. For once, she was still. This was what he could bring to her. Well, this and discipline… God knew she needed both. Jesse pressed a kiss to her forehead, breathing her in, locking the moment into memory.

Because at dawn, everything would change.

Her voice was soft when she spoke. “What happens when this is over?”

Jesse stiffened, his fingers halting their movements. She lifted her head, looking up at him, searching his face for answers he wasn’t sure he could give her. How could she ask that?

“I mean it, Jesse,” she whispered. “What happens to us?”

Jesse let out a slow breath, tilting her chin up so she couldn’t look away.

“I’m not letting you go.”

Her breath hitched, eyes dark and dilated, lips parting just enough to make his chest tighten.

“Don’t say that if you don’t mean it,” she whispered.

Jesse brushed his thumb over her lower lip, his voice a vow, absolute and unshakable. “The instant this is over, I’m going to borrow one of the training collars and put it around your neck. Then I’m going to fuck you stupid, and while you’re recovering from that, I’m going to go find you the perfect permanent collar and engagement ring.”

“Is that your idea of a romantic proposal?” she teased.

“Nope. You asked me what was going to happen after this was over and I’m telling you.”

“What if Reed objects?”

“We’ll fight. I’ll win.”

“How do you know that?”

“Because your brother is too much of a gentleman and I have no problem fighting dirty, if the cause is just. And you, Keely Malone, are the most just thing I’ve ever known.”

She swallowed hard, like she wanted to argue but couldn’t bring herself to. So instead, she just pressed her forehead against his chest, breathing him in.

The following morning, Jesse was almost finished dressing when she opened her eyes. He watched as fear crept into them when she saw the tactical gear.

He came and sat on the bed next to her as he checked his Glock and the two extra clips. “It’ll be all right, Keely. We don’t lose; besides your brother wants to kill me himself.”

“I take it he’s not happy about us?”

“It’s nothing personal. As Gavin pointed out, he’s made it a rule to never play on the nights you’re at the club. I think he’d like to think you’re still a virgin. But I’ll bring him around… no matter how many fights it takes.”

“Jesse, I’m afraid.”

He knew what that admission had cost her. Leaning over, he fisted her hair, tilting it back and kissing her deeply. “I told you, this unit doesn’t lose. Ever.”

Keely let out a soft breath, then nodded once.

Jesse released her, then turned toward the door where Reed, Gavin, Hawke, and Dawson were now waiting.

“You and I are going to have a long talk, little sister,” said Reed.

“Anything you want to discuss, you can discuss with me,” said Jesse.

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