Page 32 of Rattlin' Bones

Good.

“But your father needs to know what happened tonight.”

I didn’t argue as Skel led me to the garage. He didn’t move to his Harley but brought me to his truck instead. We didn’t say much on the ride to my building. Both of us were lost in our heads. We let that conversation about having kids rule us, and instead of dealing with it, we retreated.

Skel pulled in front of the high rise and parked by the doors, idling his truck. He didn’t shut off the engine.

“You’re not coming in?”

“No.”

I didn’t know why that hurt so much. He’d been there the whole time—a rock for me to lean on. And now, because of some minor issue, we couldn’t seem to discuss, he was pulling away. “I would feel better if you did.”

He seemed to think on it. “The judge is going to be upset, rightfully so, and I don’t think my presence is wanted.”

“It’s wanted by me.”

“Lacey.”

“Come inside with me, Bran. I’m asking.”

“I know it seems harsh, but I’ve got to say no.”

Unbuckling my belt, I slid from the seat and opened the door, running from Skel because I couldn’t believe he was acting like this. I never thought he’d stop fighting. He’d been an unmoving force of nature, a warrior, and a bodyguard. Nothing seemed to faze him. He faced every obstacle and quickly conquered it. Movies and songs were written about men like him. Strong. Brave. Everything. He waseverythingto me.

My heart broke as I realized what we shared had been far too brief but just enough to ruin me for anyone else. I wanted my Skel. My masked vigilante.

Maybe I was a silly girl who fell in love too fast. It was a character flaw that I clung to the people I cared about and held on too tight. After my mother died of cancer, it seemed to intensify. That was my shit to deal with, but it didn’t mean that what I had with Skel wasn’t real. I just wished he wanted me enough to push beyond his baggage and his past.

The building was quiet as I rushed inside. I ignored James as I walked to the elevator, too deep in my thoughts to notice much around me. The penthouse elevator lifted me high into the building, swinging open as I gasped.

Two men in black suits held guns pointed at my chest.

“I’m so glad you could join us,” Luis Diego announced as he stood inside my door. “Your father is waiting.”

Skel! I need you!

Chapter 10 Skel

Three years earlier—

My palm hit the steering wheel. Twice.

Frustration warred with the logical side of my brain. Lacey was too young. The age gap between us was too wide.

But it didn’t feel that way when we were together. She was sweet and innocent in many ways but also sexy, determined, and courageous. Her maturity made her seem older, closer to her late twenties than younger.

I’d never met anyone like her. She brought out a wild, carnal side to me but also a tenderness that I’d never felt with another soul since my mother’s death. What were the odds that Lacey would lose her mother the same way I lost mine, to the same cancer? It was tragic. Heartbreaking. And we both understood that helpless feeling that came along with it.

I couldn’t put her through more heartache. It wouldn’t happen tomorrow or even next year, but she’d want a family at some point, and I couldn’t give her one.

Lifting my head, I glanced at her building before pulling away, knowing I wouldn’t set foot inside again. Pissed that I was forced into making this decision when I just wanted to say fuck it and run to her made me feel edgy and tense.

I’m already falling in love with her.

I hadn’t formed that thought yet. I hadn’t put it into words, but that was the truth. I fucking loved this fierce, stunning woman, and I wanted to be with her.

James moved in front of the door and stared at me, something about the way he remained still, his eyes wide, immediately alerted me. He seemed scared. I ticked my chin at him and put my truck in drive, pulling away to park a shortdistance away from the building by the park. If anyone watched, they’d think I left.