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When he’s had his fill of me, he pulls back, his mouth scant inches from mine, our breaths mingling as we pant, both breathless.
“I’m sorry,” he says finally. “I didn’t intend to drag you into my mess.”
He knows small words, so I sign just the word “What?” rather than asking him what’s going on.
He seems to understand what I’m asking because he tips his head back to look at the ceiling, all the while holding my hands in his.
“I fucked up. I should never have claimed you like that.”
My heart stutters and stops. His words lance through my chest. “You don’t want me?” I sign.
I can tell he doesn’t understand, so I tug my phone from my pocket and retype the question, not caring how needy, how desperate I sound. I need answers from him.
“Baby, God no. I want you. That’s not in question.”
My heart rate picks up speed.
He kisses the side of my head. “I told you before you’re mine and that hasn’t changed. I want you, Mackenzie. Always.”
“Then why shouldn’t you have claimed me?” I question, letting the text-to-speak sound out the words.
“Like that. I shouldn’t have done it like that. You deserved better. I was backed into a corner with Mav, though. I did what I had to in order to keep you and those girls safe.” He leans his head against mine. “Do you want me to take it back?”
I shake my head vehemently. I absolutely do not want him to recant any of this.
“Good.” He lets out a breath that is filled with relief. “That’s good, baby. I’ll speak to your brothers—”
I shake my head again. If anyone is going to face them, it’ll be me.
“Mackenzie, I owe it to those men to tell them face-to-face what I’m doing with you, and to assure them that I’ll fucking take care of you. They need to know that.”
My stomach rolls. “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
He throws his head back and full on belly laughs. “Darlin’, I’m not scared of your brothers.”
I imagine he’s not, but he should be—there’s three of them and only one of him.
He silences my thoughts by pressing his mouth to mine, stealing my doubts away with one gesture.
“It’ll be okay, little one. I promise.”
And I really believe him. Because although he’s only been in my life romantically for a short time, I’ve known the man a long time, and in that time Dane has always been honest with me, so when he tells me everything will be okay, I know it will.
I also want to believe it myself.
