Page 75 of Iron Will

He pauses a beat. Then he leans down.

His lips brush mine.

“And dammit, I want more firsts with you,” he rumbles.

Then he reaches for me, his eyes shimmering like the only stars in my sky.

And just like that, my heart starts to crash against my ribcage. I’ve been fighting against believing there could ever be anything more serious between Rourke and me than just a fleeting affair. I’ve tried not to indulge a fantasy I knew was crazy. I couldn’t imagine what the hell a guy like him would want with someone like me.

Because of that, I’ve tried hard not to let Rourke think I had any expectations. Not to letmyselfhave any.

But now, here he is.

Saying the words I never dared even hope to hear.

“I know we’re from different worlds.” He puts one arm around me. His other hand comes up to my face, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw more gently than you’d ever expect from such a mountain of a man. “Maybe what I have to offer ain’t for you. My world can be dangerous. I know it’s not what you’re used to. But I promise you one thing, Laney. I will never let the bad parts of that world touch you.” His eyes grow dark as coal, fierce and determined. “I’ll keep you safe. I guarantee you I will always keep you safe.”

As he tilts my face up to his, I think back to the first time I saw Rourke Powers. What I thought about him then.

Huge. Scary. Dangerous. Potentially violent.

How different that is from what Iknowabout him now.

Fiercely loyal. Surprisingly kind.

Sexy as hell.

Strong as iron.

A protector.

A man I trust. More than any other man I can think of.

A man I love. Completely, with my whole heart.

“I believe you,” I whisper.

Rourke’s impossibly dark eyes grow tender, then. They’re heartbreakingly beautiful right now. And they’re looking right at me. Like I’m the only thing in his universe.

“I’ve never said these words to any woman, Laney Hart. So here’s another first: I’m pretty sure I’m in love you.” He shakes his head, and laughs softly. “I’m so fucking in love with you I didn’t even see it coming. You hit me like a freight train, babe. You’re outspoken, and strong, and you aren’t afraid to do what’s right. And damned if you don’t keep me on my toes.”

“Rourke.” Despite the warmth of his body, I have goosebumps. “I’m pretty sure I love you, too.” As I say the words, for some reason laughter bubbles up from somewhere deep inside me. I’m not sure why.

And then I realize it.

I’m happy.

“Holy fuck,” he chuckles again. “This is one hell of a thing, isn’t it?”

I laugh and lay my head against his chest, my eyes suddenly wet. “Yes it is,” I say softly, breathing in the scent of him. The scent of soap, and leather, and the open road that I already know so well.

It’s crazy. All of it is. But looking back, I don’t think I’d change one single thing about the way I met Rourke Powers. Not for the world.

Rourke leans down, and kisses me. Deep and slow. My whole center of gravity seems to shift as I return the kiss. I’m dizzy, but grounded. Centered by him.

As he picks me up and carries me to his bedroom, I wrap my arms around his neck, feeling the size, and strength, and heat of him. Everything in the world feels exactly as it’s supposed to be. I don’t have a job, or a clue what I’m going to do with myself going forward. But I have him. And somehow, I know that’s all that really matters.

Whatever our future holds for us together, this is right. I’m sure of that.