Page 70 of Exes and Oh Hell No

Lifting it, I stare down at the worn edges, at the battle scars on the surface.

The ghosts of the past whisper around me, but my thoughts are on the woman sleeping downstairs.

My future wife.

I tuck the mask into the back of my jeans and slip downstairs, moving in silence.

I unlock the bedroom door and step inside, my pulse steady, my breath even.

I was born for this level of control.

Dropping my jeans, I slide the mask beneath the bed before climbing in beside her.

She’s still curled up from when I left, her breathing soft.

Her body is warm as I pull her against me.

Her scent washes over me, wrapping around my lungs like a drug.

Her long, dark lashes rest against her cheeks, and my chest tightens.

She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

And she’s mine.

All fucking mine.

My arms band around her like a vice, locking her in.

Our hearts sync, a slow, steady beat.

I press my lips to her forehead, whispering against her skin, “We’re inevitable, Harper. We were born for each other. And now that I have you again, I’m never letting you go.”

She exhales a soft sigh—the kind you make when you’re safe.

When you feel you’re right where you belong.

I smirk, resting my chin against her head.

Secretly, you know it, too.

You’re just too damn stubborn to admit it.

25

FORD

“You start any of your bullshit, and I’ll take you upstairs, fuck you senseless, and make sure the bed doesn’t survive the night.” I eye her as I pull into her parent’s driveway.

She glares at me, her arms folded over her chest. “You’re such an asshole, Ford.”

“I wouldn’t have to be if you’d behave. But I know you.”

I imitate her, my voice high-pitched.“Help, Mr. Contractors. The big bad hockey player has kidnapped me, threatening to marry me! The horror!”

Her brows draw together, but I don’t miss her lips twitching.

She ducks her head, but not before I see the smile.

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