The Enforcer - Kelli Callahan Page 0,37

conversation was centered around how I can be more godly, how I could improve, earn a place in heaven,” I say, shaking my head in bewilderment― I’m surprised I’m able to tell him these things. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I don’t think I would have chosen to have been with Michael if I had known from an early age that I had value simply for existing. I don’t think anyone ever told me that.

“I was taught that I was born with original sin that I needed to repent for. Do you know Adam and Eve? The apple and the serpent?” I look down at him as he stares up at me. “I was never simply good enough just for being Diana. God, that feels so good to talk about, to say out loud. I’m surprised that I can talk to you about this, actually. I struggled to tell my therapist about this. When I’m with you, things just come out. And there’s no stopping me, I talk a mile a minute. Then I feel stupid at the end,” I say, slowing down, realizing that he hasn’t said much during my monologue. I run my fingers through my hair. “It feels good to be able to say things like this, to just be with someone and to know that they listen and care. Who knew that person would be you?” I frown, and he laughs.

“Well, I’m just as surprised as you are,” he replies with a grin. “But I’m glad you’re able to talk to me.”

“You’re a good listener. Probably comes from being the quiet type.”

“That’s true. I do have plenty of opportunities to practice those listening skills,” he winks.

“Maybe I should learn to listen better,” I laugh. “Maybe you could teach me.”

“Okay,” he chuckles. “First lesson, smile and nod, even if you have no idea what they’re talking about. That’s all you do.”

“What? That is not true,” I laugh.

“Maybe not. But it’s a start!”

“Listening skills 101,” I laugh, leaning forward and kissing him on the cheek. “I’m glad you do listen because talking about it is one of the hardest things in the world for me. I don’t have anyone to talk to other than my therapist.”

“Is she good?” he asks.

“Yeah, she’s incredible. I haven’t seen her the past couple of months, and I feel like I’ve made a lot of headway. Why do you ask?”

“Because I’ve been told that I should look into counseling...” he trails off.

“Really?” I wonder, gazing at him.

“Yes.”

“Do you think you would go if I gave you her name?”

“Maybe,” he shrugs, “I would feel fucking stupid. And it might damage my reputation.”

“No one would know,” I say quickly. “You can look like a badass on the outside while secretly working on your emotional and mental health. Nothing sexier than a bad boy who’s a good man.” I grin.

Chapter Thirteen

Jake

“Do you really think there’s nothing sexier than that?” I laugh down at her, enjoying this little conversation we’re having.

“I really do, and lots of women think it, too. It’s all over social media. Pinterest, Tik Tok, Tumblr, you name it…” she trails off.

“Can’t say that I spent much time on any of those.”

“I don’t either. Holly talks about them trying to get me to date like she wouldn’t be into the tough guy that you are,” she says, and I smile, shaking my head.

“Yes, well, it’s not completely an act.”

“Oh, I know it isn’t,” she says, running her hands up and down my sides. “It takes a strong man to carry an unconscious woman out of a burning building and bring her across state lines, go into hiding and then sleep with said woman! Even though logic told him to do otherwise.”

“Yeah, I suppose that’s true,” I laugh. “But you were very persuasive throughout it all.”

“Is that so?” she laughs.

“It is. Believe me, I don’t risk my neck for many people.”

“Oh, that’s sweet,” she says, rising up and kissing me on the lips softly.

“I don’t think anyone has ever called me ‘sweet’ before,” I say.

“You don’t show that side of you very often, do you?”

“I can’t,” I shrug, “that’s bad for business. People would start thinking that Noah Knights, right-hand man is a pussy… And that would cause all kinds of problems for everyone,” I explain resting my head on hers and inhaling the sweet scent of her hair.

“Did it take you long to build up this gruff exterior? This reputation?” she asks.

“Most of my life,” I smile. “It got easier, though. Once