Page 120 of Bragg's Christmas

She gestures to the room. “I can see you regret it and wish it was different but what about the next time something happens. What if some guy flirts with me? How will you react then? How can I ever trust you again? Loving a man you don’t trust is a surefire way to cause yourself pain.”

Hope fills me. “You love me?”

She scowls. “I didn’t say I love you.”

“I’ll say it first.” I cradle her face with my palms. “I love you, Love Hill. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. Besides Skye. I’ve loved you since the moment you fought me about my daughter. You were determined you wouldn’t break your promise to play with her and I fell head over heels. Anyone who fights for my daughter is a woman I want in my life. Forever.”

“Skye’s easy to love.”

“But I don’t only love you because you’re good with Skye. Although when your Mama Bear came out at the school, I wanted to bend you over the principal’s desk and have my wicked way with you.”

Her eyes flare. I want to fan those flames with her but I need to finish this apology first.

“I also love you because you’re you. You haven’t had it easy. In fact, you’ve had it pretty hard. But you aren’t bitter about it. Have you made some mistakes? Yes, but we all have. Witness me breaking up with the woman I can’t live without.”

“Can’t live without?”

“Angel, I haven’t slept since the day I sent you that text. According to my brothers, I’ve been pretty unbearable to be around.”

She bites her bottom lip and I clench my muscles to stop myself from pulling her lip away from her teeth.

“I don’t know. I can’t survive you not believing me again.”

I place my forehead against hers. “I promise to always listen to your side of the story. And, if I’m a complete idiot again, I give you permission to tell the gossip gals.”

Her eyes widen. “You do realize the gossip gals will tar and feather you if they get the chance.”

I smile. “I have it on good authority Winter Falls adheres to a policy of non-violence.”

“Okay, they might not tar and feather you, but they will make you walk around in the cold without the twenty layers of clothing you usually wear.”

“I do not wear twenty layers of clothing.”

“Sure, you don’t.”

I smile. “Does this mean you forgive me?”

“I love you. You decorated my house for Christmas. You had me at ‘Where are you going?’”

“But you had to torture me first?”

She rolls her eyes. “Duh.”

“I love you, too, Angel. I promise you won’t regret giving me another chance.”

She pushes up on her toes to meet my mouth. I sigh in relief when her soft pouty lips hit me. I missed this. I missed her.

I won’t screw up again. I will protect Love until the last breath leaves my body. And, afterwards, I’ll haunt anyone who dares to touch a hair on her head.

Chapter 39

Cash – a rocker whose time is up

Cash

“Stop,” I growl. “This isn’t working.”

“No shit,” Dylan grumbles.

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