Page 11 of Reed

“I’m hungry, Mommy,” Jacob says.

I grab Ali’s hand and intertwine my fingers with hers. “I know you are, and I promise to explain everything, but not here.Right now, we need to get the boys changed and settled into my vehicle, and then we will head to my house.” I leave no room for any arguing with my tone.

“I can’t go to your house. I need to figure out what to do about the Jeep, and then I have things to do,” Ali says, pulling her hand from mine to place it on her hip.

Oh, I love a good fucking brat, and I’m going to love punishing her for disobeying along with lying to me. But right now, I have to focus on finding the person who is threatening her and putting an end to their lives. “I’m taking care of your Jeep, and you are going to my house. Take a look around Ali. Someone did this to your car. They threatened you, and I won’t stand for that. The only place I can keep you safe is there. Where I can see and touch you. Do you understand?”

“No, I don’t understand. You don’t know me.”

“I’m well aware, but I plan to change that. I don’t question my feelings,” I say, stepping closer to her. I wrap my arm around her waist, bringing us as close as possible with two boys between us. “You can question why there is a pull between us or why I make you feel the things I do all day long. But youwilldo that inside my house. Behind my security system and with me right by your fucking side.” Bending down, I lightly press my lips against hers. Her hand grabs a handful of my shirt and pulls me closer.

My lips tingle, my heart races, and my body feels like electric currents are running through me. Ali moans, and I swallow the sound but also use the opportunity to push my tongue inside her mouth. Getting my first taste of her and fuck does she taste delicious. A throat clearing behind us makes Ali pull away. Her gray eyes are darker and filled with lust.

“You promise you won’t hurt us?” she asks. Instantly, I want to demand she tell me who hurt her in the past so I can erase them from existence. Slowly. Painfully.

Leaning down, I press my lips directly to her ear. “The only way I’ll hurt you is when you are begging me to let you come after edging you for hours. Or when you beg me to tie you to my bed, Little One.”

“Boss, everything has been moved into your SUV,” Nick says, stepping up beside me, unable to read the situation between Ali and me.

“Let’s get the boys changed,” I say, walking backward and pulling Ali along with me. She follows me, and we get to work changing the boys. They both start saying they are hungry in the adorable way only two-year-olds can do. We get them in their seats and buckle them up without a single complaint from either of them.

I walk around the SUV and pull open the passenger door. Ali stops and turns toward me. “Thank you,” she whispers, pushing onto her toes and kissing my cheek. I help her up into the seat. Reaching over her, I grab the seat belt, bring it over her, and buckle it. I let my hand fall to her upper thigh and gently squeeze.

“You don’t ever have to thank me. I’m going to talk to the guys, and then we will go. Think about where you want to take the boys to eat while I’m gone,” I say, stepping back and closing the door. I take a second to squeeze my dick through my jeans and will it to calm down.

Gabe, Jessie, and Nick are waiting for me beside the Jeep. “I don’t care about any other case we are working on. This,” I point to the Jeep, “is our number one priority. Find whoever the fuck did this and bring them to me.”

“Yes sir,” they all say at the same time.

“I’ve emailed Leon about finding out more about Ali’s past. He said he would call when he found something. Call him and loop him in.” They nod, and I leave them behind to start digging.

“Reed, what do we do about the Jeep?” Gabe asks.

“Call Dan, have him come get it and fix it. Not just what they did but anything wrong with it. I want it looking and sounding brand new,” I say, opening the door and sliding in beside Ali.

Chapter Seven

Ali

Reed is seriously giving me the biggest case of whiplash. The things that have come out of his mouth frighten me but also make me want to agree to anything if it means he rips my clothes off. The way his kiss made me feel was earth-shattering. It felt like finally being able to take a deep breath of fresh air. Feeling his hard dick press into my stomach made my panties wet and I had to lock my muscles up to keep me from shamelessly grinding on him. The way he said he would protect us lifted the weight off my shoulders. I should be terrified of depending on someone, but I’m so tired of going through this life alone, of having to bethe one to make all the decisions and protect my boys. Call me naive, but I believe him when he says we’re safe with him.

I’ve seen evil multiple times and lived with pure, true evil for three years. I still remember how my body felt every time I looked at that house or looked at the people I was living with. With Reed, my body only feels lust, a deep itch inside that only he can scratch and safety. So yeah, I trust him, fucking sue me.

While Reed was talking to his men, I dug through the boys’ bags and handed them each a toy to play with. My phone rings, and I pull it out. The number that flashes across my screen is the one I called from the ad for the studio apartment. I’m supposed to already be there. “Hello,” I say, swiping the green button.

“This is Glen. I was wondering if you were still interested in the studio?”

Reed opens the door and slides into the truck. “Yes, I am. I apologize, but I had a small issue with my vehicle. Is it possible to still come by and check it out?”

Reed raises his eyebrows and narrows his eyes. I mimic his look. He mouths speakerphone, and I listen. “Yeah, sure, no problem. Knock on the front door when you get here,” Glen says.

“Thank you. I’ll be there in less than ten minutes.” I hang up and sit the phone down in the cup holder. “Can you–”

“Who–” We talk simultaneously, and I motion for Reed to continue. “Who was that?”

“Hopefully, my new landlord. If you don’t have time to drive me, I can try to grab a taxi.” I don’t have the extra money, especially since I’m going to have to get the Jeep towed and fixed, but I can’t pass up this apartment.

“What happened to the place you are currently living in?” Reed asks, shifting the SUV into drive.

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