Pain? I was fucking dying. Fighting through nausea. But it didn’t all have to do with my balls. I’d seen hate flash in her eyes right before she kneed me. It confirmed my fears. She wasn’t about to forgive and forget what happened at county or what I’d said.
Unfortunately for her, when I wanted something or, in this case,someone, I was relentless and ruthless. I would never stop fighting for her.
Tara sat beside me, rubbing my arm while cooing toLuna. I enjoyed her touch and the sound of her husky voice. It was low like a whisper, rough like sandpaper, and when it left her lips, it glided over my skin and made every nerve ending tingle with desire. I had never heard a sexier voice than my Roja’s.
Finally able to inhale a deep breath, I took her hand and carefully rolled toward her.
“I’m sorry,” she told me as our eyes connected. “You didn’t deserve that, even if I hate you. Will you be okay?”
Hate me?Jesus, her words sliced me open.
I had my work cut out for me. “I don’t think there’s any permanent damage. We’ll find out next year.”
She screwed up her beautiful face. “What do you mean, we’ll find out next year?”
“If you’re not pregnant, there’s permanent damage. Are you open to adoption in the event I’m sterile? I want a few kids.”
She stared at me like I was a few fries short of a happy meal. “We’re not together.”
Still holding her hand, I entwined our fingers and pulled her hand to my lips. “I’m sorry, Roja. I’m sorry for not coming back after the run and for lying to you.”
She tried to pull her hand away.
“Don’t, baby. I want you. You’re mine, and I’m never letting you go.”
Tara blinked back tears and shook her head. We stared at each other for a long, hellish minute. I wished I could hear what was going on in her head. Was she warring with what to do? I already knew her secret. Had seen the video back at the club and found the evidence in her bathroom while I waited for her to get home. No way in hell was I giving up on this woman because of a couple of skeletons in her closet. We all had some we didn’t want anyone else to see.
I wasn’t justanyone, though. I was the man who would love and protect Tara for the rest of her life. I washerman. Even if she didn’t want me, she had no choice. We were it for each other. Period. End.
I raised myself into a sitting position, screwing up my face from the pain. “Roja. We’re doing this, baby.” With my free hand, I cradled the side of her face. “Gimme a chance to make it up to you.”
“I told you at county—”
“I know what you told me.” I held her face firmly. “And I’m telling you I lied. I was in fucking jail, woman. I’ve got shit in my past I was dealing with and—”
“And that makes it okay? We all have shit in our past.” She snapped her mouth shut. I didn’t like her holding back from me.
“How do I know you’re not lying now just to get in my pants? How am I supposed to trust you?” She tilted her head, assessing me. Searching my eyes for the truth.
“I’ll tell you the truth from here on out. Well, not anything to do with the club.”
She rolled her eyes. “Right.”
I stroked my thumb across her cheek. “You can trust me. You’re right. I won’t deny wanting to get in your pants. I fucking want to live between your thighs, Roja. But I don’t only want your sweet-tasting pussy. I want your heart and soul. In return, I’ll give you mine.”
She jolted as if taken aback by my speech. “You’re full of shit. You told me you couldn’t give me what I wanted.”
I dropped my head in shame, then lifted it, getting eye to eye with her. “I thought you deserved better than me. Hell, I figured I’d be in jail for years.”
She jutted out her chin defiantly. “Yet here you are. How is that?”
“Grizz got proof the weed was planted on me.”
The corner of her lips curled. “I knew you were innocent.”
“Then you also know I’m not feeding you a load of shit.” I pulled her face to mine. When she didn’t pull back, I kissed her softly. “I’m sorry,mi vida.” I pressed my forehead to hers. “I’m sorry for everything. I won’t let you down again.”
She sniffled, hooking her arm around my neck, releasing Luna to scamper off. “You better not let me down again, if you know what’s good for you.”