Page 113 of Rear View
Chickenshit prick. “What’d the cops say about all of it?”
“They told me there wasn’t much they could do. Without a name or description, they won’t investigate, and I can’t get a restraining order.”
Course they’d said that. But a piece of paper wouldn’t stop a guy like him. I’d lived with one of ’em most of my life. If he gave a shit about the law, he wouldn’t be tracking her in the first place. Dicks like him made their own rules.
“He slowed for a while. More reminders that he was there than threats. But things have gotten worse again.”
’Cause he’d figured out I was in the picture, and he didn’t like it. “He been blackmailing you?”
“Not yet.” She swallowed hard. “I’m afraid he will, though.”
Why show her he had the pictures otherwise? My jaw locked. My fists were balled so tight, my knuckles turned white, and I worked to keep my face calm.
Her foot bounced, leg jumping on repeat.
Guilt punched my chest when I set a heavy palm over her knee. I’d wanted to send a message to her—to the goddamn world—that I was proud she was mine, but still… “I should’ve asked to post that picture.”
“You didn’t know,” she said, low and soft. She looked me over, taking in the bruises that started along my arms and neck. The cuts over my face and hands. “You’re okay, though?”
“A little roughed up, but I’m good. Doc ordered Alec and me off for a few days so we’re ready to go for Baythorn next week.” But shit, the idea of leaving her made my stomach knot.
“Your crash”—she stroked her fingers along my neck—“it was my fault. I yelled at you and then—”
“Not on you.” Tucking her phone in my pocket, I stepped into her again. “The drive shaft was screwed. Couldn’t be avoided.”
She pressed her lips to my jaw. “I was so scared, Xavier.”
Me too. Was the first time I’d watched a roll bar buckle. Last thing I saw before snow filled the car was Alec’s gray face. I thought we were good and done. But she didn’t need to hear that. My girl had enough to scare her.
She nudged my throat. “I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice a whisper. “This isn’t what you signed up for.”
My arms cinched her tight. “I signed up for you, Ryah. All of you. Every goddamn piece. You’re part of my life.” The best fuckin’ part. “The only way I walk is if you tell me to, yeah?”
Her body settled and she hummed, “Yeah.”
“From here out, I drive you where you need to go.”
She drew back. “I appreciate that, Xavier, but you’ve got your career. You can’t always be around.”
“Then I get you an Uber.” I tipped my chin up. “They got trackers.”
Her eyes pinched. “That’ll cost you a fortune.”
I cut my head to the side. “Don’t care. You ain’t takin’ the bus alone. We’re in this together now, you and me. So, you either stay here, or I stay at your place.”
The small, timid smile that tugged her mouth lifted some of my strain. “Are you asking me to live with you?”
My voice rumbled through me when I told her, “Damn right I am.” I angled in and nipped her bottom lip. “You can’t hide this stuff, darlin’. I get why you did. But no more. Movin’ forward, you tell me everything.”
She winced, her expression torn. “I don’t want you dragged into any of this, Xavier.”
“I’m in it now. Neck fuckin’ deep.” I pivoted, squaring myself to her as I met those eyes, letting her see just how serious I was. “I can’t think about anything happenin’ to you. You don’t do this alone.” I set my forehead to hers. “I love you too goddamn much, darlin’.”
She stilled. Stopped breathing. She settled her palms over my chest, then trailed them up until her arms looped around my neck. “You love me?”
“Yeah,” I said, no hesitation. “I do.”
She ducked her face and smiled, the first full smile since I’d carried her in. “What would you say if I told you I love you too?”
