groan. No matter how many times I slip into her wet heat, it’ll never be enough.
“Let talk about something else.”
“Like what?”
“Like how do you feel? That’s the first time you saw Mark in months. What do you think about his plea?”
“I think he feels bad about what he did.”
“I don’t know how you do it.”
“Do what?”
“Forgive the assholes in your life.” I trace the pad of my finger along her jawline and wish I wasn’t driving right now.
“I think it’s something my mother would want.”
“I hope that’s true.”
“Why?”
“As the biggest asshole in your life, I’d like to think I’d have her forgiveness, not to mention her blessing as well.”
Grace leans back and closes her eyes. She breathes out a long sigh and rolls her head until she’s looking at me. Something in her expression puts me on alert.
“I think she would have. I learned everything I know about love and forgiveness from her.” She reaches for my hand.
With an eye on the road, I split my attention between the traffic and the way Grace’s light touch outlines each of my fingers before turning my hand palm up. She traces the lines on my palm and then threads her fingers with mine.
“Brody?”
“Yeah?”
“It’s been a really long and emotionally draining day. I need…”
“What do you need?”
She turns her eyes on me. “I need to get out of my head.”
“You do?”
“I very much do, and I know one sure way to do that.”
“How’s that?”
“Ask me what my word is.”
The energy between us suddenly shifts. My girl needs a different kind of loving, the kind only I can provide.
“What’s your word?”
“My word is red…”
Red. It’s the word that defines us. The beginning and the end.
That word means everything.
We’re on the cusp of what comes next, where she gives me permission to take her away. It’s a tremendous gift and a terrible responsibility, but it’s everything I crave.
And this time, I won’t let her down.
As far as driving all the way to Napa, I take the next exit and circle back around to my—our apartment.
I’m going to take her to bed and show her how desperately and madly in love I am with her.
“Grace Atwood, you are my forever.”
Her smile is sweet, but not nearly as sweet as the screams I’ll soon be pulling from her throat, or the smile on her face when I go to one knee in the morning and show her exactly how mine she will be.
Grace Atwood means everything to me. I need her in my life and I intend to make her my wife.
But first, I intend to make love to the woman with the grace to forgive my sins and I make a solemn promise to never hurt her again. I can’t wait for our forever to begin.
I hope you enjoyed reading Brody’s story. If you’ve yet to read Asher’s story, you can grab your copy HERE.
FOR A LOOK AT CAGE’S STORY, TURN THE PAGE.
Forty-Five
Cage
GWEN
Storm clouds roll in, darkening the sky, and bring with them the scent of rain. My spine stiffens, and with it, my resolve. I have arrived, and maybe, just maybe, I’ll get the answers I seek. Or at least a new lead. A musty inhale fills my lungs. The rain is almost here.
With its blacked-out windows and imposing facade, the renovated textile mill promises shelter from the brewing storm. However, it's a false promise. The men behind those doors want nothing to do with me.
The first drops splash on my cheeks as I pick a path through the parking lot. To my left, Benzes flank BMWs. A whole flight of Harley's stand on the right, more leather and chrome than I've seen in a lifetime.
I glance down at the rock and dirt. What did the Hog owners think when they drove their pristine rides over the gravel? Did they worry about chipping their precious chrome? What about the Benzes, the BMWs, the Porsche's, or that sweet yellow Corvette? Did their owners worry about the dust dulling the shine of their rides?
Of course, the owner of the Hummer would park his behemoth upfront. I bet he didn't care about paint chips or dust, although this gravel lot is probably the most adventure that poor Hummer will see in its lifetime.
I shift my backpack and take my time walking between the high-priced cars. In full view of those who watch from inside, I bet they're wondering who this girl is who walked up the mile-long drive wearing a black leather micro-mini skirt, combat boots, and a