Page 104 of Menace in Vegas

And then I see the look on his face.

There’s no smirk. No teasing gleam in his eyes.

His jaw is tight. His gray eyes burn.

“Do you really think I’d let you go?”His voice is low. Raw. Honest.

I freeze.

The fight drains out of me.

His hand cups my face so gently, it makes me shake. His thumb brushes my cheek.

“You’re fucking perfect, Allie.”

A sharp breath stabs through my lungs.

I’ve seen this look once before. Raw. Unfiltered. Vulnerable.

It was the first time I kissed him.

It shattered me then, and it has the same effect now.

“Mark was a goddamn fool for cheating. For letting you go.” He swallows. “I wouldnever.”

The sincerity in his voice leaves me speechless.

“You let some asshole’s opinion define you. You lethim—and your father—make you feel like you weren’t enough.”

His grip tightens, voice lowering.“You’re more than enough, baby. You. Are.Everything.”

I can’t move.

Can’t think.

I can barely breathe.

The burn starts behind my eyes. My chest aches. I grit my teeth, trying to stop the tears.

Connor tilts my chin up. His lips brush my forehead.

Then he whispers,“You’re mine, Allie. And I take care of what’s mine.”

The tears spill down my cheeks. I can’t stop them.

He catches them with his thumb. “Please don’t cry, baby.” His voice is thick. “It kills me to see your tears.”

I blink up at him, speechless.

His gaze softens. “No one ever fought for you, huh?”

He leans in, forehead resting against mine.“Well, I will. Every damn time.”

Then he kisses me, so soft and slow that it disarms me. My defenses crumble.

This is the kiss of death, but instead of killing me, it breathes life into me.

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I kiss him back.

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