Page 170 of Mad Love

He grimaced. “Mads, that means Cori’s always going to be a big part of our lives.”

I tilted my head, not sure what he was getting at.

He slipped a hand under the back of my shirt, his wide palm spanning most of my lower back. “She’s not going to grow up, go away to college, and get married the way most adults would. She’ll be a constant, major part of my life forever.”

My eyes narrowed. “What are you trying to say?”

His gaze lowered. “That I don’t expect you to—”

I pressed a hand over his mouth, scowling. “You better not even be thinking about saying what I think you were going to, Ryan Cain. I swear, I’ll beat your ass.” I glared at him. “We’ve already talked about Cori. If you think I’m going to feel burdened by her or some other shit, then you better think the fuck again.”

He chuckled, the low sound soothing as he pushed my hand down. “Easy, killer. I just wanted to make sure you were good with this.”

“I love your sister,” I snapped, annoyed he’d think that I’d push her off like an inconvenience for a single second. “I’m all in for the rest of our lives. I’m the one who told you that we’d need a house with room for her.”

“Saying it is one thing, but now it’s a reality,” he pointed out.

I shook my head. “I’m going to have Mrs. Beechum lace all your food with the strongest laxatives known to man if you ever bring this up again, so hear me now—I’d adopt Corinne with you tomorrow if the courts would let us. I love that girl, and I always will.”

A smile twitched on his lips. “Okay, baby. I hear you.”

“You freaking better,” I grumbled, still glaring. “I know that losing Grandpa is, like, the worst thing that could’ve happened to you, but that doesn’t give you a pass to ever think I’m not a thousand percent with you and Cori.”

He nodded, lips pressed together as he held back a grin.

I jabbed his chest with a finger. “And seriously, the next time you even insinuate I would consider walking away, I’m strapping you to the bed and shoving a giant dildo up your ass.”

His eyes lit up, wicked and curious. “Is that a fantasy you have? Because turnabout is fair play, baby. If we’re talking bondage and dildos, I’ve got some ideas myself.”

“That’s your takeaway from my threat?” I stared at him, jaw open.

His gaze dropped to my mouth. “You know how I feel about an open mouth, Mads.”

I snapped it shut with an annoyed look that softened when he laughed, the sound warm and rumbling as it eased some of the tension in the room.

“Fuck, I love you,” he murmured fiercely, pulling me against his chest once more.

CHAPTER 60

MADDIE

The house was overwhelmingly packed with well-wishers who had attended the funeral and returned to Brookfield to pay their last respects. Michael Harris had been a pillar of the community for years, and people came from across the globe to attend the funeral.

I’d tried to convince Mrs. Flounders to let us cater the event so she could take the time to grieve herself, but she’d swatted me away, offended at the notion that anyone could handle this house and kitchen better than her.

She had relented to us bringing in extra staff to help. They now mingled amongst the attendees, carrying trays of finger foods and alcohol. The longer the reception went on, the more a part of me wished I could hide in the kitchens alongside Mrs. Flounders.

Mrs. Beechum flitted around the room, intent on making sure the wake was up to the standard Michael Harris deserved. I watched as she effortlessly handed a woman tissues while continuing to talk to an older man.

Word had hit the papers that Gary Cabot had been shot and killed by his former son-in-law. The gawkers and onlookers were here just as much to see Ryan and me as they were to pay their respects. I was getting tired of ignoring the stares and whispers every time I walked by. Some were even bold enough to ask questions.

How was I doing? How was Ryan doing?

My favorite was when people tried to dig up information about whether or not Ryan would entertain bids for Brookfield.

Each time, I clenched my teeth and replied that he’d handle it his own way, but the vultures were circling, just as Ash had warned they would. It wasn’t just because of Grandpa’s death or the world-renowned company left hanging in the balance.

There’d never been a hint of interest on Ryan’s part about taking over this side of his family’s business. As far as the world knew, he was destined to rule the boardroom of Cain Industries, a mantle he’d already assumed.

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