Page 69 of Tabitha

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RIVER

Imentally curse, panicked at being put on the spot. I pick at a scab on my knuckle until it bleeds, then heave a sigh and decide to be honest. “I’m worried you’ll like them better than me, and you’ll leave me out of your harem.”

Her eyes widen, and she shifts back on her heels. Gage drops a pan and starts cursing. I’m probably the last person who should be talking to her about our relationship, what we want from her, but fear is gnawing a hole in my gut.

I have to know if I need to up my game and kidnap her or some shit. Once she’s in love with me, I’ll bring her back to the others to share all proper like.

I just have to make sure I have a place in her heart first, before the other fuckers get there and fill it up. I’m ready to chase Tabitha down if she runs—that kind of sounds like fun actually—then tie her up and force her to let me explain.

My muscles tense. I’m seconds away from pouncing, but the foolish girl doesn’t run. I’m not sure if I’m proud of her for facing her fears or if I want to spank her for ruining my fun.

“Harem?” The trepidation in her expression fades, replaced by curiosity, and she tips her head to the side. “What do you mean?”

My heart is beating a mile a minute in my chest, thrashing so hard, I expect it to stop at any second. If I fuck this up, the guys will never forgive me.

Fuck! I want to kick my own ass right now.

If I mess this up, we could lose her forever.

I tug at the collar of my shirt, the room suddenly feeling abnormally warm. “Well…there’s you and Pierce. It’s like he knows everything about you. Then you and Gage are now all buddy-buddy. He can supply you with chocolate, so his place is secure. Bast has a voice that makes women do stupid shit. He usually doesn’t chase the ladies, but if he puts his mind to it, you’ll be helpless to resist. He has all the charm.”

The more I speak, the more defeated I become.

“I don’t have anything to offer you,” I mutter, feeling disheartened.

Tabitha snorts and crosses her arms, an amused expression on her face. “Somehow, I don’t think you’re lacking when it comes to the ladies.”

The bite of snark in her voice pleases me, and I preen, almost able to pretend that she’s jealous.

I shrug my shoulder modestly. “Getting them, sure. Keeping them is a different matter. I’ve never tried to keep a lady before. Somehow, I don’t think tying you up in my basement to make sure you don’t leave is the way to go.” I rub a hand along my jaw as I contemplate the idea, then shake my head and mutter, “You’ll just escape and probably try to kill me.”

“Probably,” she agrees with a nod, then her face softens, her expression appearing almost vulnerable. “Why do you want to be part of my…harem?”

I grip the back of my neck, feeling my face heat. “Have you seen yourself? You’re the perfect woman. You’re gorgeous, don’t have any fear of talking back, you’re wicked smart with a knife, and even faster with your fists. If it came down to a fight between us, I’m not even sure which one of us would win. If anything, I would say you’re a bigger threat than me. You’re the full package.”

I glance down at the ground, shuffling my feet. “Being near you keeps my darkness at bay.”

My skin itches, like it’s trying to crawl off my body.

I hate feeling so exposed.

Past experiences have taught me that vulnerability can leave the biggest wounds, some that never heal.

I’m just tired.

If she rejects me, I don’t think I have it in me to try again.

I won’t ever find anyone as perfect as her ever again, and I know it.

Tabitha clears her throat. “And what would you do…in my harem?”

I jerk up my head to see a glorious blush filling her cheeks, but it’s the curiosity in her silver eyes that has me hypnotized. “I could be your protector and bodyguard. Not that you need one.”

Fuck!

I’m screwing this up!

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