Page 105 of Boulder's Weight

I was a playboy, a manwhore, someone who never gave two shits about the women I was sleeping with.

And now? Now I’m hers.

She props herself up on an elbow, studying my face in the dim light. "What's happening between us, Boulder?"

It's the question I've been avoiding, even in my own mind.

The one that terrifies me more than any run, any threat, because this answer changes everything.

"I don't know," I admit, needing to be honest. "I just know I've never felt this way before."

She watches me, those whiskey-brown eyes seeing too much. "And how do you feel?"

I struggle to find the words. "Like you're becoming something I need in my life," I finally say. "Like the thought of you not being here, not being mine, is fucking unbearable."

I’ve never been the kind of man who lets out his feelings like this, and the fact that she’s silent only makes my gut churn.

A small smile curves her lips, and she leans down to press a gentle kiss to my mouth. "Good. Because I'm feeling the same way."

Relief floods through me, followed by a surge of possessiveness so intense it nearly takes my breath away.

I pull her closer, my hand cupping the back of her head, deepening the kiss until we're both breathless again.

When we break apart, she settles back against my chest, her fingers tracing patterns on my skin.

I can feel her relaxing, drifting toward sleep, but my mind is too full for rest.

Claiming Kelsey was supposed to be temporary—a protection strategy, nothing more.

When did it become something else?

When did she go from a woman I wanted to fuck to a woman I can't imagine not having in my life?

I’m fucking terrified.

I've spent years avoiding exactly this kind of situation, priding myself on my freedom, my lack of attachments.

An old lady wasn't just not in the plan—it was something I was avoiding like the plague.

But as I hold Kelsey against me, feeling her steady breathing, smelling the sweet scent of her hair, I can't bring myself to regret the path we're on.

Whatever this is becoming, it feels right in a way nothing else ever has.

My phone buzzes on the nightstand, bringing me back to reality.

I reach for it carefully, trying not to disturb Kelsey.

Another text from Craig:

Watch her carefully. Benji's closer than you think. Moving soon.

A chill runs down my spine as I read the words.

I glance down at Kelsey, peacefully asleep, unaware of the threat closing in around us.

I'd burn the whole world down before I let anyone hurt her.

The thought doesn't even surprise me anymore. It's just the truth. Undeniable, unshakable truth.

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