Page 37 of Fire

“Ford …” He puts a finger under my chin and lifts my head so I’m looking into his eyes. I can’t lie. I’m scared. Heck, my heart is running away with me.

“Grace, you probably don’t know a lot about clubs and the lives we lead, but I have some firm rules. No one hurts innocent women and kids. No one touches anyone my club has claimed. In your case, sweetheart,I’veclaimed you. You and Asher aremine. I love that kid and you’re probably not ready to hear it, but I’m more than half-way in love with you. All I want in this life is you by my side and in my bed. I equally want Asher in my life. I want to be the man who steps up and helps him grow into the amazing man he’s destined to be.”

I let out a huff of breath, shaking my head. “That’s it, huh?”

“Well, not exactly. I’m older than you, I know, but I’m in good health. I’d really love to have more kids with you.”

If I wasn’t lying down, I would have fallen, because my legs definitely just turned into rubber. My eyes feel like they might pop out of my head. “You want us to have kids?” I gasp.

“I can see you don’t get it yet. I want everything with you, Grace.”

“You’re insane.”

“I’ve been called worse,” he laughs, his fingers stroking against my hair.

I sigh. “Can I please ask you to not call the Korslovas? Leave them alone. Don’t do anything to get you on their radar.”

“Sweetheart, you have a lot to learn about your man.”

“Uh, I don’t have a man,” I deny at once, listening to his heart beating in my ear.

Ford laughs softly. “Oh yeah, baby, you do.”

“Ford, I really like you.”

“I’ll take that for now,” he murmurs.

“I’m trying to be serious here. I honestly don’t think I’m strong enough to survive a relationship with you. I mean, listen to how you calmly talk about fixing things so Benny will never bother me again.”

“I did that.”

I exhale in exasperation. “That’s not normal. Surely you know that.”

“It is in my world.”

“Fine, well, that’s why I’m saying no. I’m not strong enough for your world.”

He lets out a quiet chuckle, and this time his fingers are making imaginary circles on my shoulder. It feels so damn good I have to fight to keep my eyes open—and my guard up. “That’s the most hilarious thing I’ve heard all day.”

“I’m not trying to be funny,” I grumble.

“Sweetheart, you’re the strongest woman I’ve ever met in my life.”

“Please stop lying to me and trying to make me feel better. It’s not going to work.”

“I’m not lying. Grace, you say you’re weak, but look at what you survived in your past. Hell, just today you knew they were planning on raping you and probably killing you. You can’t deny that. Yet, you still stood up to them. Fuck, you gave Martelli’s henchman hell. You are the most battle tested woman I’ve met. You may have started soft, and I hate you lost that softness, but the fact is you came out of hell and survived. You’re forged like steel. You have a fire inside you that burns so fucking bright that it is beautiful. I just want to be part of that.” His words are getting to me, and I don’t know how to stop it. He puts a finger under my chin and gently forces me to raise my head so that I can look at him. Then, almost lovingly, presses his forehead against mine. “It doesn’t have to make sense to you, sweetheart. Just know that I’ve waited my whole life for a love like the kind I’ve seen others share. Not once have I even felt anything close to that. I took one look at you and knew without a shadow of a doubt that you are exactly what I’ve been waiting for.”

“How can you say that? You don’t even know me.”

“I think I do. I know all of this is scaring you. I’m not asking for promises. I just want you to take a breath and give me a chance. Let me prove to you I could be the man that you need. The man that youandAsher need.”

I swallow, almost afraid to breathe. “You’re forgetting that you live in Virginia and I’m in North Carolina.”

“I haven’t forgotten that at all. I want you and Asher to come out to Virginia a bit. Test the waters, I guess you could say.”

“Ford, I can’t just uproot my life. Asher has school, friends, and I have a job. I?—”

Before I can finish listing the myriad of reasons this won’t work, he presses his lips to mine, ending my tirade. It’s a sweet kiss, his tongue just barely skimming against mine. Still, it’s one of the best kisses I’ve had. When he’s done, he pulls back and smiles at me.

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