Page 29 of Zac

I can’t do this.

“Lean on me, baby.” And there it goes, my control. “Let me be the guy that you deserve. Let me be the rock you’ve never had.”

“I can’t,” I whisper, my lower lip trembling.

“You can,” he assures me, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. “You just have to stop fighting it so hard. You have to give me a little trust and believe me when I say that I promise you won’t regret doing so.”

ChapterTwenty-One

Zac

The moment her eyes focus on mine and I see the unshed tears, it feels like I’ve been kicked in the gut. Presley is a beautiful woman. She is strong and confident and so fucking stubborn she makes the rest of us seem weak.

Leaning in, she allows her body to sag forward against mine and I take the opportunity to hold her. It’s something I know will be short-lived because those walls she constantly has up around her will rebuild in an instant.

“I’m so tired, Zac,” she confesses, and I gently rub my hand over her back.

“I know, baby.” Brushing a kiss over her temple I hold her.

“Not just now, but always,” Presley whispers. “I don’t remember the last time I made it through one day without feeling like the world is out to get me and everything is crumbling around me.”

“That stops.” I’ll do whatever it takes to ensure that. “No more holding it all in.”

“It never stops, Zac.” Her body sags into mine further. “No matter how hard I try it never stops.”

Without another moment wasted I slide my arms around her and gather her up. She doesn’t even attempt to fight me, which is so unlike her.

Ensuring her car is locked and I have her bag, I carry her toward the front door. With her keys in hand I get her apartment key and let us inside. Taking her straight for her bathroom I lower her to the counter and turn on the bath water.

“You don’t have to?—”

“Stop.” I look back over my shoulder. “Let me do this, please.”

I can instantly see the need to argue in her eyes and they narrow and her lips part. Then she bites them and looks down. After ensuring the temperature of the water is good, I back away and turn around to face her.

“I know this isn’t gonna be easy, but I’m not going to let that scare me. I care about you Presley, and whether you want me to be or not I am in this with you, one hundred percent. I’m not here just when you need me because I think we both know that you’ll never admit you need me. I’m here when you fight me, I’m here when you hate me, and I’m here when you want to drag me along I-25 tied to your bumper.”

The corner of her mouth tips up in a smile.

“You fighting me at every turn doesn’t mean I’m going to finally give up. You should know something about me, the harder you fight, the more it makes me want to prove to you that not everyone in your life is worthless. I’m right here.” I lean over caging her in against the vanity. “I’m here for you, Grayson, and this baby, no matter what. I am right here.”

I press a soft kiss to her lips and push back, leaving her alone to relax in the tub.

Moving around her space, I gather toys, clothes, and any dirty dishes and put them in the rightful places.

By the time she’s out of the bathroom I’ve washed the few cups and silverware that were in the sink. I’ve gathered up Gray’s toys and put them in his room.

I hear the sound of her feet on the tiled floor and look back over my shoulder just as she emerges from the hallway. I see her look over the space and then finally she settles on me. “You cleaned too.” Her hair is wet, her face makeup free, and a worn out robe covers her body.

I turn, dry off my hands and fold the towel laying it on the counter. Crossing my arms over my chest I lean back. The pull I feel is new, like an unstoppable force to grab hold and comfort her even though she isn’t asking me to. Fuck she is incredible, beautiful, and I don’t even think she realizes it.

“The carpet could use a good shampooing if you’re feeling extra energetic.”

I hold her stare.

“What? Suddenly all the arrogance you had earlier is gone?”

“It wasn’t arrogance.” My pulse is racing. “It was irritation and determination.”

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