“You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved.” He couldn’t live without her. Didn’t want to. “I’m selfish, Josie. Life is hard, and I don’t want to fight it without you.” Sparks flared in her stunning eyes, and he fought a grin. “Because I love you. Because I need you with me. When I stopped by your house on the way to Seattle, I was going to ask you for another chance. Ask you to go with me to meet Matt.” Of course, he’d found bugs in her house instead.
He rested one knee on the bed. If he had to get her naked to listen to him, he would. “Now I could lie and say you need to stay here for safety.” He shrugged. “But you don’t. We could get you a new identity. Lots of money, lots of safety. You don’t need my protection.”
“I know.”
“But I need you. We’re family, and I need you in my life more than I need air. Please stay.”
Josie eyed her husband. She didn’t need his protection, but it was nice that someone finally had her back. The world was scary, and she’d navigated it for so long by herself. “I like your protection.” The words hinted at a vulnerability she’d never allowed herself to voice. “I like feeling safe.”
While they may only have three months together, she wanted every second. And she’d do whatever she could to make sure they had longer.
His gray eyes warmed to heated silver. Sliding forward onto the bed, he rolled onto his back and lifted her to straddle his groin. She settled herself away from his bandages. “I’ll keep you safe, angel.”
“Sure.” She flashed him a smile that even felt flirty. “We just need to catch the commander, destroy that bitch Dr. Madison, and find the truth about Jory. While remaining safe.”
Shane ran his hands down her arms to clasp her hands. “So you’ll stay married to me?”
“Yes.” Hell yes. He was everything she’d ever wanted. Family. Hers. And even better, he came with brothers.
Sorrow swirled in his eyes. “There’s a chance I can’t have kids. We don’t know if it’s possible. They might’ve goofed up our DNA so much that we can’t.” Vulnerability twisted his lips.
Her heart warmed, and she reached out to frame his face. “We’re going to get past the next three months and make sure that chip is gone. Then, we’re in this life together. If we can have kids, and we want to, we will. If not, we’ll adopt. Or it’ll just be us. Together.” Equal partners. “But I want all of you. The good and bad—no more secrets or hiding.”
“What about your numbers and accounting? I know how much it means to you.”
She shook her head. “Being needed and being counted on matter to me. I can have that without the numbers, without the clients. I have that with you.” There was no comparison between a job and the man she loved. He won, hands down.
“I do need you.” He smiled. “You have all of me. Forever.”
Those were the words she’d needed to hear for so long. Her heart warmed, and peace settled her shoulders. “Good. Since we’re here, and I’m a genius with accounting as well as business… how about I help Nate with Sins Security?”
Approval lit Shane’s dark eyes. “Excellent idea. The guy could use help.”
“And when you need a woman on a mission, I’m your gal. Sometimes men can’t go everywhere.”
“When I need a woman, you’re the only one I’d want.” His grin promised he wouldn’t be asking.
That’s what he thought. “I plan to help.”
“You will.” His lids lowered to half-mast, his gray gaze darkening. Her thighs softened in response. With a quick movement, he yanked her shirt over her head.
“Hey,” she protested. “You’re injured.”
“So be gentle with me.” He reached for the tie on her sweats.
“Why? I don’t like gentle any more than you do.”
“I like you any way I can get you.” He lifted her to tug off her pants. His nimble fingers ran along the outside of her panties. “I love you, Josie Dean.”
“I love you, too.” Her heart melted while her body quivered. “I’ll try to be very gentle with you since you’re so obviously injured.” She rolled her eyes. “But I wouldn’t want to tame you too much, Major Dean.”
The world tilted, and she yelped, finding herself under a soldier. He settled his erection between her legs. “I’m not too worried about that.”
She grinned, winding both arms around his neck. “Prove it, Major.”
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and hearing examiner—only to culminate it all in stories about alpha males and the women who claim them. She is a member of RWA, has won awards for her works throughout the industry, and has a journalism degree with a poly sci emphasis from Pepperdine University as well as a juris doctorate from the University of Idaho.
Growing up amid the glorious backdrops and winter wonderlands of the Pacific Northwest has given Rebecca fantastic scenery and adventures to weave into her stories. She resides in the wild north with her husband, children, and extended family, who inspire her every day—or at the very least give her plenty of characters to write about.
Learn more at:
www.RebeccaZanetti.com Twitter, @RebeccaZanetti Facebook.com/RebeccaZanetti.Author.FanPage
Rebecca Zanetti’s thrilling, sexy series continues!
See the next page for a heart-pounding preview.
Chapter 1