Page 35 of Twisted Bonds
"Yes, well, it's understandable. I hope she knows that she will always have a place here. She doesn't have to do this by herself." Bain's sincerity shines through, warming my heart just a little.
I smile. "She knows. I tell her that exact thing, but whether she believes it or not is another story."
"It will take time, but she will get there."
"Yeah, I know," I agree but then change the topic as I broach why I came back to the house to begin with. "Agent Castor called. He has another big bust coming up. Underage females are involved."
I see precisely when Bain realizes what I'm about to say and starts shaking his head. "No. I refuse to have you put yourself in that kind of danger, Ryan."
"I understand, but what if I promise to wait out of sight until the perps are taken out of the vicinity?" I know I don't need his permission, but I'm asking out of respect, and I will take it all into account.
"Ryan, I called you into my office because it's come to my attention that Detective Harrison has been camping out nearby."
My forehead furrows, not understanding at first, but then the name clicks, and I gasp. "Liv's husband knows she's here?"
"I don't know if he knows, but he at least has some suspicion if he's been around all week. It's best that Liv stays here or at one of the shelter houses on the property, but she shouldn't be seen outdoors until we figure this out."
"Yeah, okay. Well, I guess that answers my question about going on this mission with Castor," I sigh and stand.
Bain is out of his chair and around the desk in a heartbeat. "Ryan—" he slips his hand around my waist and cups my cheek with the other. "I've missed you. I would like for us to talk. I think we need to figure things out."
My breath catches in my throat as I stare into his soft brown eyes. I nod slowly as my eyes wander down to his mouth, and I respond with, "Yeah, that's a good idea."
His hand on my cheek slides back into my hair, and he tugs on it just enough to make me look at him. "I need to kiss you, Ryan. Please, don't deny me this…"
"Bain," I say his name softly, and I don't know what he thinks I'm going to say, but he rests his forehead against mine as a pained expression passes his face. "Please hurry up and kiss me because I need you, too."
I've surprised him. His head snaps up, and he gazes into my eyes, probably making sure I'm not just saying it because I know he wants me to say it. One minute, our eyes are locked together, and in the next,our lips are locked. I fist his shirt in my hands, not caring if I cause it to get wrinkled, as our kiss becomes very heated.
"I thought I may have lost you because of that night…" Bain murmurs against my lips.
I pull away reluctantly, just enough to look up at him. "I needed time to sort through stuff. I don't know what to think about—us."
"I understand, but honestly, what's there to think about?" He doesn't wait for me to answer before saying, "I know what our agreement was, but I think we both know that things have changed, and I'm not mad about it. Are you?"
I feel as though my heart may beat right out of my chest. Deep down, I know I should walk away from whatever this is, but I'm tired of fighting it. What's the use? It's been almost a year since I've been home, and not a word from Beau. His old cell is still hooked up, yet he never answers when I call. Yes, I still call it, mainly when I have bad days. It makes me feel better to hear his voice and vent how my day had gone. The mailbox has yet to get full, so what does that tell me? He’s getting my messages.
It's time.
"No," I whisper, then clear my throat and say it louder, "No, I'm not mad."
His forehead rests against mine. "I don't know how it happened, Ryan. I really don't, but I can't live without you in my life…"
"What are you saying?" My heart races with what I'm sure he will say next.
"I'm saying that—I love you, Ryan…"
Twenty
Bain
I poured my heart out to her; that's what it felt like anyway, and when she sighed and looked away, I felt the rejection deep down. I went to pull back, but her grip on my shirt tightened, and her caramel eyes met mine; only hers glistened with unshed tears.
"I shouldn't feel this way, but I can't pretend anymore, Bain…"
I watched as a single tear trickled down her soft cheek, and I wiped it away with my thumb. "It's okay, pretty girl…"
"I love you, too…"
