Page 59 of The Doctor's Twins

“How could I? It’s bad enough that I have no faith left in men, but how could I know that you wouldn’t run for the hills when you found out that I’m still married? I was too ashamed to tell you, Ben. And I’m terrified that Mateo will hurt you.”

“Listen to me, Peyton,” Ben said and wiped away the tears from my face. “Mateo will never hurt you again. Never! I won’t allow it. You’re safe with me. Now that I know the truth, I will protect you with my life. And I don’t care that you are still married to him. We’ll fix that.”

“Mateo will never divorce me.”

“We’ll go to the police and have his monstrous ass thrown into prison.”

“Mateo has the Mexican authorities in his pocket. It’s no use. Promise me that you’ll stay away from him, Ben. Swear it!”

“Okay, Peyton. I’ll stay away from him. But you won’t need to worry about him anymore. Move in with me. I’m in love with you, and I want you to live with me.”

“Are you sure? I’m a mess, Ben, and you don’t deserve to invite such chaos into your life. You’re too good for that.”

“Bull! I love you, Peyton. Take a chance on me. I swear to you, I won’t let you down.”

How could I refuse him? His eyes were warm and his voice thick with heartfelt sincerity.

“Please, Peyton.”

“Okay. I’ll move in with you. Thank you, Ben.”

“You’re safe with me, Peyton. I won’t allow anything or anyone to hurt you again. Do you believe me?”

“I do. I love you too, Ben.”

17

PEYTON

Moving into Ben’s house was a challenge with one broken arm. Not that I had a mountain of earthly goods to move. Ben chuckled when I arrived at his place with two boxes.

“I had no idea you were a minimalist, Dr. Taylor,” he teased.

“There’s a lot about me you don’t know, Dr. Forbes.”

“I know you have the cutest heart-shaped birthmark on your left butt cheek. What else could I possibly need to know?”

“Spoken like a man who is looking to get him some,” I grinned.

“Oh, yeah.”

Ben picked me up and carried me to the bedroom.

“I think we’ll start here,” he said in a husky voice, “and then work our way through the entire house.”

“In one day?”

“Hey, I’m good if you are.”

“You’re just showing off now, aren’t you?” I chuckled.

“Are you impressed?” he purred.

“Seriously.”

Ben kissed me slowly, passionately.

“I love you, Peyton,” he whispered into my ear and traced his tongue along the lobe.

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