Page 62 of Waiting for Redemption

“Listen to me.” He tilts my chin back up, something I’ve always loved that he does to bring my attention back to him. “If this is going to work, we’re going to have to make it seem as real as possible. That means we play the part and we make it believable. I’m not letting you lose Hendrix, but if this is what it’s gonna take, then we have to be all in for it. Are you sure you’re ready for that?” I take a moment to appreciate the changes I see in the man standing in front of me today.

He’s so steady in the midst of a storm that isn’t even his to weather. He’s confident in his ability to do this, when there was a time not so long ago that he would have run for the hills at the request. He would have tried to convince me he would only make things worse, but I see none of that self-doubt in him today. Isheready to be all in for this charade? Because if I’m honest with myself, I don’t know if I am. The feelings I’ve had for Tank are nothing short of complicated, and to marry him,legally marry him,and have to make it believable to anyone who may be watching—all while having no clue how he feels about me after being apart for six months—sounds like very dangerous territory to waltz into.

“For Hendrix?” I ask, unable to ask the question that’sreallyburning in my mind. He nods once in agreement.

“Then yes. I will marry you.” He gives me a questioning look, my last chance to back out. “I’m ready.”

“Okay. Then we have a lot of details to discuss,fiancée.” He smirks, gesturing for me to follow him to the sofa. Still shirtless, dreamy as ever, and sending a rush of heat through my body at the sound of him calling me hisfiancée.

Shit, I am sonotready for this.

“Hey, Tank?”

“Yes, Honey?”

“When did you get a puppy?” I point to the dog that just appeared in the hallway that could be Riley’s miniature twin.

“Like I said, a lot to discuss.” He winks, nodding over to the couch.

CHAPTER23

TANK

It’strue that I would do anything to help Ruby keep Hendrix with her and away from the asshole who shares his DNA, but I’d be lying if I said I’m not thrilled by the opportunity that’s fallen into my lap. The time we spent apart was agonizing, yet necessary. For me to heal, to forgive myself, to accept things that had been keeping me in the dark, and to grow into someone worthy of her—her love, her time, her respect. I had every intention of proving that to her when she was ready to see me again, but now that I’ve realized she never read my letter, I wonder if she even cares about those changes at all. She thinks I abandoned her and Hendrix and without the explanation IthoughtI gave them, that’s exactly what it looks like.

I’m not here because she still has feelings for me, or even because she missed me. I’m here because I inserted myself back into her life when I thought she needed me, and caused a problem only I can help fix now.

Ruby can think my participation in this is strictly to keep Hendrix safe—which will always be top priority—but she’s sadly mistaken if she thinks I won’t take this time to prove to her just how much we should be together. In a few days, Ruby will be my wife, and I fully intend to treat her as such.

“So, does Hendrix know about any of this yet?” I ask as Ruby’s eyes roam around my exposed chest.

“Are we skipping the conversation about the dog?” she asks again, moving her gaze to have a nice little staring contest with the gorgeous brown and black Malinois.

“I got Maverick a few months ago. After spending a lot of time with Max and Riley, I thought he would be good for me.” She nods in response as Maverick tilts his head to one side.

“Lay down Mav,” I command, not missing the way Ruby begins rubbing at the goosebumps on her arms.

“I’m sorry, do you think you can put on a shirt?” she says, closing her eyes as she shakes her head in frustration.

“Weird request from myfiancée,” I tease.

“Tank, be serious.” She groans, giving methe look. The look that says“please, for me”that could get me to start wars for her without thinking twice about it. But the edge to her tone isn’t one I’m used to, so I stare at her a moment longer in surprise.

“I’m sorry, I’m fucking starving and having a really shitty day. Plus, I can’t focus when all of your muscles are staring at me so, can you… please?” She waves a hand up and down my body.

“Yes, ma’am.” I grab a clean shirt out of the hamper on my coffee table, holding my arms out for her approval once it’s on.

“Thank you.” She sighs, looking at me bashfully before plopping down on the sofa as she lets her head fall back on the cushion. “No, Hendrix doesn’t know anything yet.”

“Do you think he’ll be okay with it? Us getting married I mean. Do you think he’ll understand?” I feel the nerves shaking in my chest as I sit down beside her on the couch.

“I don’t know, honestly. Ihopehe will. I know he really looked up to you before–” she stops herself, quickly looking my way to gauge my reaction.

“Before I hurt you?” My jaw ticks as I try not to let the guilt and pain from that memory override all the healing I’ve accomplished since then. But fuck it’s hard not to.

“Before youleft,” she corrects, causing a frown to appear on my face involuntarily.

“What?” A small smirk appears on her face as she turns her head to look at me.

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