Page 48 of Bee

I stay back and just observe as the cops and the club gets rid of the mess in the front. I do what I can to fix the destruction the fire nearly created.

This could've gone in a much worse direction.

"Even with all this, I promise you, she's still worth it." The man that was there earlier. Bee's sister's man says as he walks by me.

I don't know what to say to that.

I already know that she's worth it, but she doesn't want what I want. It's clear that we make a good team. Unfortunately, that's not enough.

Now that it's all over I'm finding myself feeling out of place. This is Bee's family. Her space. It's not for me to be here.

I turn and sigh knowing that I'm going to have a long hike back to the bar. Hopefully, Sonny didn't do any damage before he left. Even if he did, I'd rather deal with fixing things up than doing business with Sonny again.

Maybe I can do some kind of community outreach with the other business owners to help everyone else. That could be something to keep my thoughts off Bee's. I feel like I'm going to be doing a lot to keep my mind off her.

I take a few steps away from the property.

"Such a man to leave the women to clean up all the mess."

When I turn back, Bee's standing there with a sweet smile on her face. There is a bruise on one side of it, and I'm instantly angry all over again. My eyes search the area and I see an ambulance. Evan is in there. I really wish I would've killed that bastard.

"Hey, I'm sorry about all this." I rub my hands over my head.

"Ah, don't worry about all that. We've had worse." She shrugs and takes a few steps in my direction. "Are you heading back to the bar?

"Yeah." I don't know what else to say to her. All I wanted from her was the chance to let her see just how good we could be together. She doesn't want that, and I'm not going to force myself into her life. I want all of her, not just a piece.

"Can I come with you?"

I squint at her not sure what kind of games she's set on playing. There's no reason for her to come back to the bat with me. The danger that we were all so worried about is gone. We can both go on with our lives.

"Bee, I'm not fucking you again?" If that's what she's after she's going to have to go somewhere else to find a boy toy. I'm not the one.

Her eyes open wide, "I'm not sure what kind of relationship you want to have, but if this is your way of trying to get me married, I have to say...it's working."

Married? What? How did we get from just friends to married.

I shake my head. My brain feels like it's about to dribble out of my ears. " What the hell are you talking about. I'm not trying to get hitched. I'm trying to say I'm not going to have a no strings attached relationship with you. I'll always be here for you but not like that."

I've broken the cycle. Bee has still ripped my heart to shreds but at least I'm ending things on my terms. At least, I think I am.

She looks down and closes the distance between us before she finally looks back up at me, "And what if I want all the strings?"

No...she can't be saying what I think she's saying.

"Enough with the jokes. Talk to me, Tati."

I fight to keep my hands at my sides. I want to touch her. Want to hold her in my arms, but I won't give in until I know for sure.

"Rye, I'm never going to be normal. I'm a hot mess on a good day. I'm impulsive, aggravating, head strong, and I'll probably get myself into more trouble than even I know what to do with. But...I don't want to fight against you. I deserve this. I deserve you. If you're still up for the challenge, that is." Her eyes sparkle in the moonlight and I swear she's never looked more beautiful.

"You're going to be a problem aren't you?" I finally let my arms wrap around her and pull her closer to me. She melts into my body, "Every moment of every day."

I lean down to kiss her. The moment our lips touch, all the pent-up emotions I've been trying to hold back come rushing to the surface.

I want this. I want her. Again.

"You got your own room?" I grumble against her lips.

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