Page 22 of Hard Ride

“You’re a grown, independent woman.”He tried to make himself clearer.“I loved every minute I spent inside you, and I’m ready to sign up for another go any time you’re into it.But you’re right.I don’t own you.Do what you want, Kyra.You’re my friend first.I care about you.All I want is for you to be whole and happy.”

Liar.That wasn’tallhe cared about.But it was the bare minimum he could settle for.

“Oh.”She seemed to shrink then, her sass evaporating.

It was hard for him to see her like that, especially knowing that somehow he was doing it to her.She’d be better off spending more time with Ollie.He seemed to get her.Always made her laugh and built her up like Van wanted to but couldn’t seem to manage.

His voice was gruff when he said, “Don’t worry, Kyra.I’m going to take care of this.Talk to you soon.”

“You’re leaving?Right now?You just got here.”Devra looked to Quinn and then Trevon as if asking them to stop Van.Neither man did.Because if it were their wife in danger, they’d already be blazing out of Middletown on their motorcycles, hunting down the threat.

Van scanned the group of friends, nodding at Jordan and again at Ollie.He attempted a tight smile at Kyra, then spun on the heel of his boot and headed for his truck, lifting his hand to acknowledge their goodbyes and demands that he be careful.

He couldn’t bear to look back and see Kyra, where he’d left her, in another man’s very welcoming embrace.

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