Page 92 of Into the Woods

He shot me an incredulous look. “Everything has changed, Becca.”

“Because we had sex?” I couldn’t help but glance down at my body.

His cheeks flushed just a smidge. “That was more than sex, baby. You’re mine.”

“Right,” I said slowly, still not getting it.

He rolled his eyes. “I’m not about to let you put yourself in danger.”

“Whoa.” I pulled my hand back and leaned away from him. “I’m sorry—did you say you aren’t going to let me?”

He shook his head, almost like he was annoyed. “You know what I mean.”

“No, I don’t think I do,” I replied. “Court, last night was amazing, and I love where this could be going, but I’m not going to stay home and just wait in bed for you every day.”

“I didn’t ask you to. I’m not sending you away—I’m going with you,” he pointed out. “We’ll be together.”

“And you’re cool with leaving your brothers here?” I spluttered.

His jaw tightened. “It’s not ideal, but you’re more important.”

“Court, my mom is here. My grandparents are here. Hell, my cousin is dating Eric’s brother,” I said, my panic rising as it sank in just how fully entrenched in this world I was. Even if I wanted to run, I couldn’t leave my family at risk while Eric was loose.

He frowned. “We can—”

“Take them with us?” My laugh was slightly hysterical.

“Well, no.” He grimaced, his frustration becoming clear. “Becca, you are my priority.”

“And I lov—” I cut myself off. “I appreciate that, but we can’t run away from our problems, Court.”

“Fine. Then you leave, and I’ll stay. I’ll handle Eric and the auction and my dad,” he reasoned, like that was an answer. “You can stay with Ryan and Maddie for the time being.”

“No. Hell no,” I retorted. “I’m not leaving my family or you.”

“Becca—”

“I said no,” I snapped, standing up and grabbing the towel waiting for me. I used my foot to lift the stopper, and the water started to drain.

Court watched me rise and offered me a hand to step out of the massive tub. I held on to him only long enough to not slip and fall and break my neck. I tried pulling away, but he didn’t let go.

Standing up, he drew me against his chest. “I don’t want to fight, sweetheart. I just want you safe.”

I melted a little, looking at our reflection in the mirror. “I know you do, but I can’t leave. And if I can help, I want to. Please don’t make me choose between you and helping them.”

He sighed, the sound reluctant. “I won’t. But I don’t like it.”

I turned and looped my arms around his neck. “I know this is all new, but we’ll figure it out. I promise I won’t take any unnecessary risks, okay? And I’ll stay back and let you and the guys do your thing. I just need to be here in case my family needs me.”

Nodding, he gave me a soft kiss. “Fine. I’ll try not to be an overbearing ass.”

“Look at that,” I mused with a laugh. “He can be taught.”

Court rolled his eyes and swatted my ass. “Get dressed. I have food waiting for you in the living room.”

“Sir, yes, sir!” I chirped with a mock salute.

His gaze heated. “Smart ass.”

---