Page 197 of The Re-Proposal

Her eyes darken.

I tease a circle under her jaw. “When it comes to you, Ris, I’ll do anything—anything— if it means keeping you safe. And that’s a dangerous power to give to my enemies.”

“Cody,” she slips her hand into mine, “I’m a big girl. I can handle whatever comes my way.”

“You can handle it better with the detail.”

“I don’twantsecurity detail. I don’t want my entire life to change, even for you. I’vejustgotten used to the idea of being your date to those fancy galas. Special occasions are one thing. Everyday life is mine.”

For a second, I seriously consider carting her over my shoulder and locking her in a tower. Maybe that makes me like every wicked beast in every fairy tale movie. But at least those villains were on to something.

She smiles up at me. “You want to lock me up, don’t you?”

“You’re a mind reader now?”

Clarissa leans into me. “I said I can handle it alone, but I take it back. I want to handle anything that comes our way together. With you.”

My lips remain flat. “Meanda security team.”

“Uh-uh. I agreed not to check my phone. Now I need you to promise me something.” Her fingers dig into my jacket. “Don’t do anything crazy without talking to me first. Okay?”

I nod.

“Promise me, Cody.”

I can’t do that.

I can’t make a promise I know I’m going to break.

I kiss her forehead. “Go have a good time with your mom.” Easing back, I slip my black card into her hand.

She sees it and her eyes widen. “Cody, no.”

“Keep it.” I curl her fingers over the card. Leaning down, I hover over her until her face is mere inches from mine. “Everything I have, everything I am, belongs to you, Ris.”

“Cody…”

I press a kiss to her lips.

It’s only supposed to be a quick peck—we are surrounded by Doberman and his team after all—but our lips cling to one another. Our tongues brush.

My heart trips over itself,needingmore. One taste of her mouth isn’t enough.

She closes her arms behind my neck. Her kiss is sweet and urgent.

“Clarissa…” Liandra opens the door. When she sees my lips fused to her daughter, she yells a little louder, “Clarissa! I need help in the kitchen.”

“C-coming.” Eyes hazy, Clarissa smiles up at me. She’s so beautiful I feel a physical ache in my chest.

All I want to do is protect her.

But what if she’s safer away from you than with you?

Clarissa disappears into her apartment, and I leave down the stairs.

On my way past the mail slots, I notice a red letter peeking out of the locker with Clarissa’s apartment number.

My legs freeze.

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