Page 15 of A Fighting Chance

I throw open her closet doors and start rummaging inside.

“Where exactly do you think I’m going?”

“You’re coming to stay with me,” I say in frustration, still not finding what I am looking for.

“What?” she yells. “You can’t be serious!”

Stopping my search, I face her. She is the most beautiful, stubborn woman I have ever met. And seeing her long legs sticking out beneath my t-shirt is just the cherry on the cake.

“Babe,” I say taking a deep breath. “I need to make sure you are safe. I have no fucking idea what the hell is going on or who could be doing this, but I can’t protect you here.”

She stares at me with her mouth hanging open. “I won’t be chased out of my own home,” she finally says.

“If I could stay with you I would,” I run a hand down my face in frustration. “But your yard isn’t enclosed, and I won’t leave Zeus alone. So, we are going to my place.”

“And you think because you just had your dick inside me you get to make decisions for me?” she asks as she walks right up to me, challenging me.

It has always been like this. Neither of us is ever willing to back down, both of us willing the other to bend to our will.

“No. I think I get to make decisions because you aren’t thinking clearly. Because your life is in danger. And because I love you and want to keep you safe.” Shock flits across her features. “Getting to fuck you is just a bonus.”

“You’re an asshole, Alistair Chance,” she hisses.

“I have never pretended otherwise,” I chuckle. “Where are the suitcases?”

She glares at me before pointing at a cupboard in the hallway.

“Great,” I smirk as I retrieve a large black and purple one with wheels. “Let’s get you packed. I’m going to organize someone to board up the window and then we can go to lunch over at my mom’s place.”

“Shit!”

I turn to look at her and find Mercedes blushing red. It takes me a moment to realize what the problem is but when I do I burst out laughing.

“It’s not funny!” She throws a pillow at my head.

“Babe, people are bound to find out about us. We do live in a small town.”

“I would prefer not to have to face your mother after screaming your name like a damn banshee.”

“Do you want me to tell her we can’t make it?” I ask trying to give her an out.

I’m not the least bit embarrassed but I want her to be comfortable as well. And if that means missing lunch with my mom and brothers, so be it.

“Are you crazy?” She throws another pillow at my head, and I catch it. “We are going to lunch.”

Throwing the pillow on the floor I walk to her, tangle my fingers in her hair, and kiss the shit out of her. When I finally pull away, she looks slightly dazed.

“Stop throwing shit at me,” I murmur.

“You bring out my crazy.” She smiles.

“I love your crazy. But we need to get you packed up and showered before we head next door.” I step away from her. “And seeing you half naked and fiery is just making me want to bend you over and make you scream again.”

“Don’t. You. Dare.”

Mercedes backs away from me slowly, watching me like a hawk. A deep chuckle escapes me.

“There will be time for that later. Now we need to get shit done.”