Page 68 of Rage's Heart

“About all of it,” I admitted. “The things he said... about us. Maybe we’re rushing into things. Maybe we should have waited to?—”

“Stop.” Rage cut me off, his voice firm but his hands gentle as he turned me to face him. There was something dark swirling in his eyes. Something I’d never seen before when he looked at me and I shivered. “If you think for one second I’m going to let anything your brother says come between us, you haven’t been paying attention.” His eyes were hard as his thumb brushed across my cheek. “I love you. You love me. We’re not going backwards. End. Of. Fucking. Story.”

My heart was beating hard in my chest. I wasn’t afraid of Rage. No, I knew he’d lay down his life to keep me safe, but there something about the wild look in his eyes gave me pause. Was he… afraid?

I relaxed against him. “I love you too, baby,” I assured him.

Instantly, all the pent up tension coiled in his body loosened.

“And I’m sorry,” I whispered, trailing my fingers along the edge of his jawline. “I don’t want us to go backwards. I just…” Ugh. I didn’t know what had my head all screwed up.

His eyes softened as he turned his head to kiss my palm. “I know, baby. Your brother just got in your head.”

“That’s what he’s always done.” I tried to smile, but it felt hollow. “He’s been playing the protector role since our dad died. Sometimes I think he forgets that I’m a grown woman.” I nestled back against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath my ear. “I’ve made my choice, Rage. And it’s you. No matter what my brother says.”

“Thank fuck.” His arms tightened around me.

We went back to watching the movie, though honestly I couldn’t have told you what happened in the second half. My thoughts were still a mess, but one thing had become crystal clear. I wouldn’t let my brother’s prejudice damage what I had with Rage. We were happy.

When the credits finally rolled, Rage shifted beneath me, his hand sliding under my chin to tilt my face up to his. “Better?”

I nodded, realizing that the anxiety from earlier had eased. “Much.”

“Good.” He leaned down to capture my lips in a kiss that started slow and sweet but quickly flared into something more intense. His tongue stroked against mine in a way that made heat pool low in my belly.

When he pulled back, his eyes were dark with desire. “Let me take you to bed.”

It wasn’t a question, but I answered him anyway. “Yes, please.”

He stood, scooping me into his arms like I weighed nothing. His strength never failed to thrill me, the way he could so effortlessly lift me, move me, position me exactly where he wanted me. It was hot.

As he carried me down the hall to our bedroom, I wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing kisses to the underside of his jaw. “You know what Jack doesn’t understand?”

“What’s that, sweetheart?” Rage kicked the bedroom door open with his foot.

“That you make me feel safer than anyone ever has.”

He paused, looking down at me with with so much love it stole my breath. “I’ll always keep you safe, Mac.”

Morning came far too soon.

I stretched, feeling pleasantly sore in all the right places from the way Rage had loved me so thoroughly, claiming me with his body again and again until I could barely remember my own name.

The space beside me was empty but still warm, which meant Rage hadn’t been up long. The smell of coffee wafted from the kitchen, making my stomach rumble in appreciation.

I reached for my phone to check the time and froze when I saw the screen.

Eight missed calls. Twelve text messages. All from Sarah.

My heart rate instantly kicked up as I unlocked my phone, scrolling through the messages with growing concern.

Mac, are you awake? I need to talk to you.

He thinks I’m texting you right now. He’s so angry.

Can we meet somewhere? I don’t want to be alone with him.

He broke my favorite vase. Said it was an accident but I know it wasn’t.

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