“I’m sorry.”
“This is serious. I think Reed just apologized for something.”
I want to break James' nose, but that would require me to look away from Tinsley. A mistake I won’t be making again. Unless she’s cuffed to me. Then I know she can’t try and slip away again.
“You don’t have to be sorry.” She gives me the saddest fucking smile.
“I’ll always be sorry if you cry.” I take another step toward her.
“I know. Because you're a good man.”
James snorts. I swear I’m going to murder him later.
“I’m not a good man, Tinsley.” It is the truth. I’ve spent most of my life digging myself deeper into her without her ever knowing. Keeping her close.
“You are.” Still that sad fucking smile.
“You think you’re leaving me?” It is time for the truth.
“It’s for the best.”
“You’re not leaving me.” I stand in front of her. I’m not going anywhere and neither is she.
“Is there a problem here?” I hear someone ask. I don’t look.
“Reed.” She lets out a soft sigh. She makes the mistake of stepping closer to me.
“Tinsley. Can you do something for me?”
“I can try.” Even hurting, she is still willing to try and do something for me when I’m the one who put that hurt there.
“Just remember what you said.”
“What I said?”
I grab her, pulling her into me. “That I wasn't a bad man.”20TinsleyMy heart pounds as he pulls me out of the store, his hand wrapped tightly around my wrist.
When he touches me, everything always feels better. That’s the way it’s been since we were young. I feel loved and protected. I know he would never let anything bad happen to me if he was near. That he would protect me even if it were detrimental to himself. The same way he always has.
Being in his arms is the one thing I want most in the world, but I know I can no longer be selfish. Not with someone who has been selfless to me. I have to set him free because he’ll never do it out of some weird obligation he feels to protect me.
Everyone thinks Reed is stoic. A ruthless businessman that always gets what he wants. Things are always black and white to him. All of those things are true. When Reed sets his sights on something, there is no stopping him or changing his mind. Sometime long ago he’d made it his mission to be my protector. In doing so he’s going to throw away the chance of finding someone he can love in all ways. That isn't something I want to take from him. Not with knowing how it feels to have found that kind of love myself.
“Tinsley.” I look up at the sound of his deep voice as we come to a stop next to his car. Those beautiful eyes stare into mine. I hear someone shout telling Reed to move his car. He opens the door. “In.”
I jump, having never heard that tone from him outside of the bedroom. Oh, I’ve heard him bark at people, but this is different. I get in the car. He slams the door behind me, making the whole thing shake. He gets into the driver's seat.
“Reed.” I say his name softly as he pulls out.
“Don’t speak.” I jerk my head over to look at him. His jaw is set in a hard line. I lick my lips, not sure why he’s so mad. I know now is not the time, but the tone of his voice is turning me on.
“Reed.” I try again. He makes a sharp turn down a side street, pulling off to the side. He turns the car off.
“I said don’t speak.” There are so many things on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them in. Instead I do exactly as he asked. I have no idea why he is this mad, but my body seems to respond to it. His hands are gripped so hard on the steering wheel his knuckles are turning white. “Are you scared of me?”
“No.” My response is instant. I can tell he’s pissed. Actually I think we’re past pissed at this point. “I’ll never be afraid of you.”
“You should be.” He finally looks over at me.
“Are you trying to scare me?” His mouth parts, but he doesn't say anything. “It’s not going to work.” He glances around the outside of the car. I’m not sure what he’s looking for.
“Do I want to scare you? No, sweetheart. I never want to scare you. In fact, I try real fucking hard to not scare you.” His hand comes down on my thigh as he pulls my legs apart. “To hide things from you.” What would he hide from me? His hands drifts up my leg, dipping into my pants. “Like right now.” He stares into my eyes. “I want to pull you across the console, pull your pants down and spank your fucking ass for leaving the house without panties on. It pisses me the fuck off.” I swallow.