Page 199 of Bossy Hero

“It is.”

My stomach bottoms out, but I try to play it off like it doesn’t sting. “That’s why I never asked. Feels too private.”

He puckers his lips. “Aw, you’re adorable when you think I’m talking about another woman.”

“Huh?”

Compelled to touch his tattoo, I encircle his wrist so I can move his arm in front of me again. I hold his hand between my chest, skimming my knuckles over the beautiful ink flower.

“When we were in the motel, I didn’t sleep much that night, and I found myself staring at the painting on the wall. It was one of those abstract pieces, but I saw this flower so clearly from the second it caught my eye. Throughout the night, I found myself turning the image over and over in my mind. Consciously, I knew it was seemingly random shapes and colors. But each time I looked at the painting, I only saw this gorgeous flower with wide petals and the most vibrant color.”

My voice comes out shaky. “Are you serious?”

“For weeks, the image plagued me every time I closed my eyes. I sketched it out the best I could and brought it to my tattoo guy when we returned from that next deployment. By then, I realized it wasn’t the painting that haunted me but the idea of never seeing you again. The tattoo was the only way I could keep you with me.”

My heartbeat slams wildly in my throat.

Unaware of the waves of tumult lapping at my feet, he continues. “Maddie, I saw something in you that night. Didn’t realize I was looking at pieces at the time because I saw the full you. As you are now. The strong, loyal, kind, loving, gentle, beautiful woman before me. That’s who I saw. Like the blocks and the painting, I saw you, and it’s who I fell in love with.”

The blood running through my veins stills for the count of three, and then a bout of visceral memories surges through me, forcing my heart to pump again. My breath becomes choppy, hitching in my chest with each inhale. I press his arm deeper against me, needing his skin on mine like he’s keeping me afloat in the turbulent ocean in my mind.

Alan notices, his free arm holding me tighter. “What is it, baby? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I force a cleansing breath, attempting to pull it together so I can explain what’s rocking through me. “Alan, I remember that painting too.”

He visibly relaxes but keeps his firm hold on me all the same. “You do?”

Moisture floods my vision. “Yes. But I only remember a hideous smear of colors. I recall sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at it. I lost track of time. I found the painting a fitting metaphor for what had become of me. A smattering of bruises, scars, and bloody streaks. A mess of broken pieces, totally unrecognizable. Barely a person anymore. That’s how I felt.”

My tears leak steadily now, and I don’t bother to wipe them.

He shifts our positioning, bringing our faces within an inch of each other. With an aching slowness, he places the tenderest kiss of my life against my lips.

When he pulls back, his warm breath fans over my lips. “You weren’t unrecognizable, Maddie. Not to me. In the midst of all those pieces, I saw the flower.”

I shudder against him.

He drifts his fingers over my scar. “Maddie, I saw you. Ialwayssaw you.”

Chapter36

What's cooking?

Big Al

It’s possible this woman will never realize her worth. And I should probably accept that as fact.

Regardless of her understanding ofwhyI love her, I’ll happily commit the rest of my life to ensuring shefeelsmy love.

“After this is done,” I start, brushing my lips over hers for a soft kiss.

“After what’s done?” she asks, her mouth curving into a grin. “The failed blow job attempt? Or life in general?”

It’s nice to see her smile again after those tears.

“After Lenkov is no longer a threat to our family.”

“Ah.That. Okay, please continue.”

---