Page 180 of Bossy Hero

Big Al

Abetter man wouldn’t enjoy the idea of his woman being so worried about his safety that she makes up five additional middle names for him while chewing him out.

Undoubtedly, there’s a massive part of me that never wants Maddie to be afraid.

Of anything.

Not concerned for me or herself. Nor her children or grandchildren. For fuck’s sake, I don’t even want her to be afraid to fly.

All that said, Icannotwait to take her in my arms and kiss the fear out of her. And I’m not quite sure I’ve ever needed to claim her body as much as I do now. It’s overwhelming.

I’m unsure if I’m this wound up because of the pivotal night I had or because her phone call was tangible proof of her feelings for me.

I shouldn’t need a reminder. Especially after she confessed her reasons for staying with Travis those last few years. If that wasn’t proof of her love, I don’t know what is.

Fuck. I still can’t believe she did that.

When I think of her suffering at the hands of that monster—for me—it absolutely wrecks me.

All I’ve ever wanted to do is protect and love her.

How cruel is a fate that would have her believe she could only return my love by endangering her life?

For so many years, I’d convinced myself my feelings for Madeline were one-sided. At some point, I wondered if I was torturing myself by loving a woman who would never be mine.

That would be justice in many ways.

After all, Daniel never got the chance to find hisonce-in-a-lifetime. Because of me.

I don’t deserve Maddie’s love.

But I’m taking it anyway.

Maybe that makes me a sick bastard.

I’m willing to accept that.

After whipping into my parking space, I jump out without hesitation. Leo is in his space beside mine three seconds later, and Sawyer and Shep take the next spot down.

As I blow past them, I holler, “Conference room for a briefing in one hour.”

My legs propel me into the lobby and past the guard desk. I offer a wave as I buzz by.

Thankfully, the elevator doors open almost immediately. I don’t wait for the guys to catch up to me. As soon as I step inside the car, my finger franticly taps the button for my floor.

The doors virtually close in Shep, Leo, and Sawyer’s stunned faces. Feeling no regrets, I wave at them through the shrinking crack.

With my middle finger.

The Ranger salute.

“What the hell, Boss?” Shep whines from a few feet away.

That earns him a middle finger salute with my other hand.

When I reach the top floor, I waste no time springing from the elevator and speed-walking toward my office. Given the late hour, the only lights shining are in my office and the lair, which is a bit farther down the hall.

Right before I barge into my office, preparing to ravish Maddie all over my desk, I grind my feet to a stop. I shudder in a quick breath to get myself under control. Then another.

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