Page 95 of Witness Protection

“I’ve been thinking about everything for the past few nights. It’s been like having a fucking devil on my shoulder. I’m used to having things my way, and in this situation, I’d normally tell both of you to fuck off. I have no problem being on my own. It’s all I know.”

“Don’t say that.”

He ignored her. “But things changed somewhere along the way, you know? I did something I promised myself I’d never do.” They stood up. He was so much taller. “I fell in love with a girl. And everything changed.”

Her lips parted as her breathing picked up. She could feel him all the way to her marrow—everything Cayden, the good and the bad. Sophia wanted all of it. “What’s going to happen now?” she whispered.

His jaw clenched. “When I was a kid, grade five, one of the foster fathers did something to me that changed me forever. I’d already been through countless fucked-up homes. The beatings, the burns, the neglect—nothing compared to that. I wanted to tell my teachers, but it was too embarrassing. I was just a kid. I felt dirty. Humiliated. Disposable. People never cared about foster kids. I did the only thing I knew that would get me out of there. I stabbed him when he was watching TV. He survived, but I ended up in juvie, exactly where I wanted to be. It was hard to give a shit after that, impossible to trust.” He took a breath. “Once my feelings changed for you, I didn’t feel worthy. You were too pure. Too perfect for a piece of shit like me.”

“Don’t say that, Cayden. It wasn’t your fault. You know that, don’t you?”

“Doesn’t change the past. Doesn’t make me whole.”

She cupped his cheek, finally understanding all his broken pieces. Sophia’s love only blossomed. He deserved a happily ever after. “My feelings haven’t changed. You’re still the same man I fell in love with. Strong, kind, and perfectly imperfect. I’m glad you told me.”

“How can it not bother you?”

“Cayden, I only care that you’re still hanging onto all this pain.” Everything made sense. She knew he’d been keeping something bottled up, something that really messed with his head. He trusted her enough to tell her, and she hoped it would help him heal.

“I never told anyone before. Still not sure I did the right thing telling you.”

She interlocked her fingers with his. “Thank you for telling me. I don’t want anything coming between us,” she said. “And nothing from your past will change my feelings for you.”

“I wanted you to see the sunrise,” he whispered.

“It was perfect.”

He blurted the next words. “I’ll give what you want a chance.”

“Oh God,” she murmured, her relief instantaneous. “Thank you.” She tried to kiss him, but he held her at arm’s length.

“I was worried I’d fuck things up because of the shit I’ve lived through. But I could never hurt you. Never.” He held the sides of her head and massaged her temples with his thumbs. His features were set hard. “But it has to be equal. I’m tired of being second best. Do you love him more than me, Sophia?”

She shook her head emphatically. “If I did, I would have chosen him. Please never think my love is diluted because of Hawk. It’s just different with all of us.” Sophia closed her eyes and took a deep breath before focusing on him again. “I told you I’m fucked up.”

He tugged her against him, his mouth coming down on hers, kissing with hunger and a claim so strong her knees became weak. She wrapped her arms around his neck, unable to get enough of him. It had been like pulling teeth to get his attention back at the cabin. This was real. Perfect.

“I need you,” she said. “I want to be yours.”

He licked his lips, and she saw the need glazed over in his eyes. “Remember the trailer? I still remember the taste of your pussy. Sweet as fucking honey.”

“Cayden. Oh, please…” She unzipped his leather jacket, running her fingertip along the single gun holster he had over one shoulder. Everything about him turned her on, made her desperate and wanton.

He leaned close, his words a gentle brush against her ear. “Are you wet for me?”

Sophia’s words caught in her throat. She wrapped her hand around his belt and tugged his hips toward her.

“You’re not a virgin anymore, are you, baby doll?”

Her cheeks flushed.

“That’s okay. For now.”

“Cayden, I want you. Take me and never let me go.”

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