Page 39 of Love Letters From Memphis

Cade’s back was still turned as he said, “We’re never going to agree on this, Lei, so let’s just drop it. We promised not to let our cases come between us. Don’t switch up on me now.”

Lei’s eyes watered as she watched him walk away. It would have frustrated her if it was anyone, but for it to be her own brother, it hit Lei in a deeper place. Outside of the courthouse, Cade was a completely different person. One who was kind, compassionate, and understanding. The moment he stepped in front of the judge, he became a judgmental, cutthroat beast. While those traits made him an awesome prosecutor, it made him a horrible person in Lei’s eyes.

She kept trying to tell herself not to let the case affect her so much, but in that moment, all she wanted to do was crawl into Londen’s arms and cry.

??????

Lei was stretched out in the middle of the bed, grinning from ear to ear. She’d come to Memphis a few hours after court, just to feel closer to Londen. After telling him about what happened, he had his assistant book her a suite at the Peabody hotel. He’d added a package that came with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries. Lei took a long, hot bath, then indulged in the treats. Just the act of him caring for her in that way lightened Lei’s mood, but she felt even better when he called her again to check on her.

“I feel good, babe. Just… feeling closer to you has a smile on my face. I can’t wait to see you tomorrow.”

“Glad I could help. I never want to hear so much sadness lacing your tone.”

“Trust me, I didn’t want to be crying on the phone, but I was glad you called. I really needed to talk to you.”

“You can always express your feelings with me. I want to be that safe space for you.”

The soft taps on the door had Lei sitting up in bed. “Um… did you have Walter to order room service or something?”

“Open the door and see.”

Hopping off the bed, Lei slipped her silk robe over her gown and almost toppled over, trying to put on her house shoes. Up until that point, she was sure her love language was words of affirmation, but the more Londen spoiled her, the more she reconsidered that. Lei opened the door, and at the sight of Londen and a guard standing behind him, she gasped and dropped her phone. She took a step back weakly before hopping into his embrace.

Londen’s laugh was soft and light as he stepped inside, tightening his grip around her. The door closed and locked behind him as Lei cupped his cheeks with tears in her eyes.

“Are you real? Is this really happening?”

Londen covered her lips with his and gave her a kiss that had her body weakening against him.

“Does it feel real?” His lips were more persuasive than Lei cared to admit.

“I have to be dreaming. There’s no way you’re standing in front of me.”

Londen scoffed as he carried her to the bedroom. “I’m Londen Graham. I can be anywhere you need me to be.”

“But, babe…” Her mouth hung open and head shook in disbelief. “How are you here?”

“A lion is still a lion, even in a cage.”

It was in that moment that Lei realized just how powerful Londen was. Even with his hesitance to share everything about who he was and what he did, Lei now wondered if it was wise for her to know. All she cared about was his presence. She’d ask questions later. Right now, she just wanted to enjoy her favorite being.

“Londen,” she almost whispered against his lips before connecting them with hers again. “I don’t think I have the words to describe how grateful I am to have you here. Whatever you had to do to make this happen, I hope I can do something so that you know it was worth it by the time you leave.”

“You don’t have to do anything, Baby. I came here because I was worried about you. As long as you’re happy by the time I leave, that’s more than enough for me.”

“How much time do we have?”

“Four hours,” Londen answered, placing her on the edge of the bed.

She crawled up it, telling him, “You need to take off your clothes.”

He gave her a sexy chuckle and obliged. With nothing but his boxers and socks on, Londen climbed into bed and made his way between her legs.

“I can’t believe you’re really here.”

“There isn’t anything I wouldn’t make happen for you, Lei. I hope you can trust that now.”

Biting down on her bottom lip as her eyes watered again, Lei nodded. “I do,” she muttered, before sniffling. “I really do.”

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