Page 81 of Menace in Vegas

“That last night meant something to you."

She shakes her head, remaining silent.

“Say you want more."

Still nothing.

I press my mouth to her ear and whisper the one thing she can’t outrun. "Say you’re mine."

Her hands fist my shirt. Her thighs tighten around me.

“I-I can’t,” she whispers.

Her voice cracks, and I see it—all of it. The pain behind her walls.

“Tell me what’s holding you back.”

She tries to retreat, but I don’t let her. I tighten my grip, refusing to let her go.

“There’s something deeper than Mark. I can see it.”

Her eyes glisten, but she doesn’t cave.

So I give her a piece of me.

“My parents divorced when I was eight," I say quietly. “It was ugly. They dragged my brother and me through it. My brother chose our dad. I chose my mom.” I swallow hard. “Dad and my brother cut us off completely.”

Her expression softens. "I’m so sorry."

I nod. “Ford, the team… they’re my family now.”

I look into her eyes. “And so are you.”

Her lips part. Her guard wavers but doesn’t fall.

“You care about me, Allie. I feel it. So why are you still running?”

Her voice is fragile. “I’m afraid… if you really saw me, your opinion of me would change.”

I cradle her face. “That’s never gonna happen.”

I place my hand over her chest. "Everything I need to know is right here." I pause. "And here."

I brush away a tear as it falls.

She breaks.

“My mom died when I was ten,” she whispers. “I blamed her for leaving me with him. My dad... he hated me for how I looked. Nothing was ever enough.”

Rage flares in me. “You’re beautiful. He didn’t deserve you.”

She nods, wiping her eyes. “Thanks.”

“I mean it.”

Her gaze steadies.

I lean in.

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