More Than Protect You: A More Than Words Novella

by Shayla Black

  “Changing Oliver and getting dressed. Hey, Dad…”

  I turn to find an older version of Stephen entering the room. His shoulders have begun to round with age. His slicked-back hair is more than a little silver. He smiles my way and sticks out his hand. “Mr. Kirk, we finally meet.”

  I’m just not sure why.

  Reluctantly, I shake his hand in return. “Mr. Lund.”

  “Douglas,” he corrects.

  Stephen offers me a fresh mug. “Cream? Sugar?”

  “Black.”

  He takes a sip of his own brew with a sigh. “A man after my own heart.”

  “Forgive me, but I thought I was here to talk to Amanda. If you two brought me here to threaten, bribe, or bully me into getting the hell out of her life, you can stop. She already tossed me out, and I left. Mission accomplished.”

  “That’s not why she asked you to come,” Lund Senior assures. “I want to apologize for busting in like a bull in a china shop and to thank you.”

  Am I hearing this right? “For what?”

  “Being the kind of man my daughter needs. I misjudged you.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Amanda called us here and reamed us out for interfering. Then she explained what you did for her, how you put her first…and I realized I’d judged you wrong. I feared you had the same motives as Barclay.”

  It takes me a minute to connect the dots. “You thought I would use my position of power as her protector to seduce her because I wanted a piece of ass.”

  Stephen laughs, and Lund Senior has the good grace to look chastened. “Not the words I would have chosen—”

  “Only because he’s more blunt,” Amanda’s brother puts in.

  The older man concedes with a nod. “But that was my fear, yes.”

  I understand a man wanting to protect his daughter, but does he know her at all? “She’s not weak. She’s not a pushover. And she’s definitely not easy.”

  At least I never thought she was. But if she’s engaged to Bruce now…

  “I’m beginning to grasp that. Last night, she called and unloaded more than a few choice words on me. I happened to be in San Francisco on business, so when she demanded I… What was it she said?” He looks Stephen’s way.

  “To stop treating her like a kid, get your ass out to Maui, and listen for once, damn it.”

  Lund Senior nods. “Yeah. That sums it up. So I hopped on a red-eye, and we’ve spent the last few hours talking. We know everything about Barclay now. The whole truth. I had no idea…”

  Really? “So you know she was just a child when—”

  “Yeah.” And the truth is clearly killing him. “I feel so guilty that I never saw it.”

  “I had my suspicions,” Stephen admits. “I should have done more. I’ll have to live with that regret. But after she gave us both a tongue lashing, she called you over so we could apologize to you for assuming the worst, butting in, and being pains in your ass.”

  “Precisely,” Amanda’s father seconds. “I hope there are no hard feelings.”

  It’s damn hard not to have them. “Bruce wasn’t the answer, and you shouldn’t have told him where to find Amanda last night.”

  “I know. I just wanted to protect my daughter from more heartache, and I knew he’d never hurt her.”

  He’d never make her happy, either.

  “She’s perfectly capable of managing her own life.” And dishing out heartache in return.

  I ought to know.

  “We’re, um…figuring that out.” Stephen laughs at himself.

  I wish I had a sense of humor now. But Amanda still hasn’t appeared. Because she didn’t really want to see me? Her family apologizing is all well and good, but who gives a shit if she and I have no future?

  “We are,” Lund Senior assures me. “So I hope you’ll accept our sincere apologies. I also wanted to give you this.”

  When he thrusts an envelope in my hands, I open it to find a check for ten grand. “What’s this?”

  “The money Amanda owes you, plus expenses…and a bonus for putting up with us.”

  For him, it’s chump change. And I’m not a chump. I need the money, but not enough to compromise my ethics.

  “No thanks.” I push the envelope back at him. “I appreciate the apology, but I don’t need it. I won’t take your money, either. I came to talk to Amanda, but if she didn’t ask me here to talk to me herself, I’ve got nothing left to say.”

  With a curt nod, I turn away. I fucking wanted that money when Amanda hired me. I wanted that apology after her family tried to bully me.

  Now I just want Amanda.

  Sure, I could march to the back of the house and demand that she talk to me. But it would be pointless. She has to want to meet me halfway. And if she doesn’t… Well, forcing her would accomplish nothing. Best to tuck away the memory of our time together and walk away like a man.

  Footsteps take me closer to the door. With every second, my dread grows. I wanted to see Amanda one last time. I didn’t even get that. I’m leaving empty-handed, poorer, and broken fucking hearted.

  The first two I can deal with. The last… I have no idea how I’ll get over. Even losing Ellie didn’t hurt this much.

  Then I hear the voice that first gripped me, even before I saw the face that went with it. And just like the earlier song said, it leaves me tongue-tied and speechless. “Tanner, wait!”

  * * * *

  Amanda

  After settling Oliver in my brother’s capable arms, I wring my hands and stare at the back of Tanner’s big, broad shoulders, willing him to face me.

  Slowly, he pivots. His dark eyes are stark and pain-filled. Seeing him is a body blow. I press my hand to my chest. It feels like I’ve stopped breathing. Like the world has stopped turning.

  How am I going to reach him before he walks out the door for good?

  “I’m sorry,” I blurt and approach him slowly.

  The raw tangle of anger and pain on his face nearly kills me. I did this. He tried to help me when I needed it. He protected me when I felt threatened. He listened when I needed understanding. And he loved me when I started to fall.

  I repaid him with a knee-jerk, courtesy of my fear and mistrust. I didn’t listen to his side of the story before I sent him away. I owe him at least that—and so much more.

  “For what?”

  He tries to look impassive, but I see through his expression. He hasn’t slept much and he’s hurting. I feel horrible.

  “Last night. Overreacting.” I remember the rest of my family is standing in the middle of the kitchen, watching us. “Would you come with me? Like I said, ten minutes. Please.”

  Tanner hesitates, his gaze flicking over the other men in my life before settling on me again. “All right. Ten minutes.”

  He’s already hedging his bets, and I don’t blame him.

  As he heads back in my direction, I ease closer. Our fingers brush. As I lead him to the sliding glass door at the back of the villa, I ache to tuck my hand in his, but I have so much to say before I have any right to touch him. And I respect that because I know too much about what it’s like to be touched by someone who shouldn’t.

  Like a gentleman, he opens the door and leads me out. His guiding hand at the small of my back makes me tingle. Then it’s gone in a flash, and I feel alone again.

  Tanner shuts the door, then glances at his watch as if he’s taking note of the time before he crosses his arms over his chest. “What?”

  He’s not hostile…but he’s not friendly. I don’t blame him. He’s just coming out of a divorce. I’m probably the first person he opened his heart to since his ex-wife. And I treated him horribly.

  “I wish I had a do-over on last night. Everything happened so fast, and I admit I was terrified of being hurt again.”

  “I would never have hurt you on purpose, but you were too afraid to even listen.”

  He’s not wrong. I swallow, wishing again that I could touch him. “The minute
you were gone, I realized that I was way more afraid of being without you than I am of being hurt by you.”

  “I don’t know if I can believe that. I told you I love you—”

  “And I love you, too. I’m sure everyone will think we’re crazy. A week ago, I had no idea you even existed. Now I can’t imagine living without you.”

  His posture relaxes. His arms drop from his chest. “What are you saying?”

  Here’s my moment. I drag in a deep breath and go for broke. “I want you. With me. Near me. Protecting me—”

  “If I stay, it’s because I’m doing more than protecting you.”

  “Yes!” I dare to step closer, but I have to clench my fists to stop myself from touching him. “I want you to love me, too. Now. Today. Forever. I don’t know if that makes sense or if you’re ready—”

  “Fuck, Mandy.” He grips my shoulders and hauls me closer, wrapping that possessive palm around my nape and sliding my mouth inches under his. “Are you sure?”

  “Very.” Tears sting my eyes.

  “I think I’ve known from the minute I laid eyes on you that I wanted to love you forever. You’re not afraid anymore?”

  “I am. I can’t lie, but I won’t give in to fear. I’m determined to put the past behind me.” I caress his face. “I want to be with you. I don’t know what that means yet or what that looks like but—”

  “We’ll figure it out together.”

  My lips tremble as I smile. “I wouldn’t want it any other way. You definitely staying on Maui?”

  He hesitates. “I thought about that some last night. I like it here. I’m ready to start over and make a new life. Maui seems like a good place. I know there are a lot of good people.”

  I nod. “I have a new job. You have a new range to open…”

  “Neither of us have a place to live.” His fingers tighten around me. “You thinking we should find one together?”

  My smile widens. “Why wouldn’t I live with the man I love?”

  Finally, an answering grin slides up his face. “You should. So…we’ll find a place.”

  “Soon, yeah.” I look into his dark eyes. There’s nowhere I feel happier or safer. “I can’t wait.”

  He drags me against him. “Same, baby.”

  Then Tanner dips his head and slides a slow, solemn kiss across my lips. I feel the weight of it. The seriousness. It’s a solemn vow, so I answer in turn, holding nothing back. This time when my heart lurches like it wants to be closer to him, I know he’ll be there for me. And I’m right. He holds me tight and barges into my mouth, like the dam of his restraint broke. The kiss suddenly turns relentless and passionate. Eternal.

  “I love you,” he pants.

  “I love you, too. I’m sorry I ever made you doubt that. I won’t do that again.”

  He tucks a strand of hair behind my ear. “I’m going to marry you someday.”

  My smile turns up to something even more uncontained. “Yeah? Are you asking?”

  His expression turns wry. “I have to officially be divorced first, but…once that’s done, I just might.”

  Given the possessive way he’s holding me, I know he will. One step at a time. One day at a time. We’ll find our forever.

  “I’d like that. What should we do now?”

  His hand travels my spine, burning a path down my body until he cups my hip and presses me against his hardness. “How long are your dad and your brother staying?”

  “I can tell them to get lost anytime. But you know Oliver and I come as a package deal.”

  “Absolutely. I have a feeling your little guy will keep our lives interesting.”

  “Along with other children? You want them, right?”

  “Hell, yeah. The sooner the better.”

  Me, too. And I hate this, but I have to ask. “Everything really has happened so fast. Are you sure?”

  “Damn straight. Are you?”

  “For the first time in my life, I know I’m exactly where and who I belong with.”

  “Mandy…” He brings me close and kisses me again, slowly, heatedly, thoroughly.

  Reluctantly, I break away. “That’s it. I need you. I’m telling my family to leave. Oliver should be down for a nap in the next thirty minutes.”

  “Good. Then we’ll get on with the rest of our lives. What do you say?”

  “Yes. You’re my forever. I know that in my heart now.”

  “I feel it too, baby. Let’s get started.”

  Then he takes my hand and leads me inside, so we can start our future together.

  <<< >>>

  The End

  * * * *

  More Than Possess You

  A More Than Words Novella

  By Shayla Black

  Coming September 28, 2021

  Click here to purchase.

  New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black returns with a new story in her More Than Words series…

  Can the enemy I seduced for revenge be the woman I need forever?

  * * * *

  Also from 1001 Dark Nights and Shayla Black, discover More Than Pleasure You, Dirty Wicked, Forever Wicked and Pure Wicked.

  Sign up for the 1001 Dark Nights Newsletter

  and be entered to win a Tiffany Key necklace.

  There's a contest every month!

  Click here to subscribe.

  As a bonus, all subscribers can download FIVE FREE exclusive books!

  Discover 1001 Dark Nights Collection Seven

  Click here for more information.

  THE BISHOP by Skye Warren

  A Tanglewood Novella

  TAKEN WITH YOU by Carrie Ann Ryan

  A Fractured Connections Novella

  DRAGON LOST by Donna Grant

  A Dark Kings Novella

  SEXY LOVE by Carly Phillips

  A Sexy Series Novella

  PROVOKE by Rachel Van Dyken

  A Seaside Pictures Novella

  RAFE by Sawyer Bennett

  An Arizona Vengeance Novella

  THE NAUGHTY PRINCESS by Claire Contreras

  A Sexy Royals Novella

  THE GRAVEYARD SHIFT by Darynda Jones

  A Charley Davidson Novella

  CHARMED by Lexi Blake

  A Masters and Mercenaries Novella

  SACRIFICE OF DARKNESS by Alexandra Ivy

  A Guardians of Eternity Novella

  THE QUEEN by Jen Armentrout

  A Wicked Novella

  BEGIN AGAIN by Jennifer Probst

  A Stay Novella

  VIXEN by Rebecca Zanetti

  A Dark Protectors/Rebels Novella

  SLASH by Laurelin Paige

  A Slay Series Novella

  THE DEAD HEAT OF SUMMER by Heather Graham

  A Krewe of Hunters Novella

  WILD FIRE by Kristen Ashley

  A Chaos Novella

  MORE THAN PROTECT YOU by Shayla Black

  A More Than Words Novella

  LOVE SONG by Kylie Scott

  A Stage Dive Novella

  CHERISH ME by J. Kenner

  A Stark Ever After Novella

  SHINE WITH ME by Kristen Proby

  A With Me in Seattle Novella

  And new from Blue Box Press:

  TEASE ME by J. Kenner

  A Stark International Novel

  FROM BLOOD AND ASH by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  A Blood and Ash Novel

  QUEEN MOVE by Kennedy Ryan

  THE HOUSE OF LONG AGO by Steve Berry and MJ Rose

  A Cassiopeia Vitt Adventure

  THE BUTTERFLY ROOM by Lucinda Riley

  A KINGDOM OF FLESH AND FIRE by Jennifer L. Armentrout

  A Blood and Ash Novel

  Discover More Shayla Black

  More Than Pleasure You

  A More Than Words Novella

  Click here to purchase.

  Can I convince her our hot but temporary engagement should last forever?

  I’m Stephen Lund, confirmed bachelor…and son of a s
uccessful billionaire whose sins I can’t forget—or forgive. Though he insisted I get over his transgressions, I can’t. So I put space between us with a temporary getaway to Maui. My rental’s sexy caretaker, Skye Ingram, is a beautiful distraction. Yeah, it’s a terrible time to start a fling, but I can’t help wanting to give her every bit of pleasure she’s willing to take.

  When Skye needs a date to her ex-boyfriend’s wedding, I’m game to play her pretend fiancé. The jerk should see what he passed up…and that I’m holding her now. But our pretend engagement begins to feel real. Our passion certainly is. So are the consequences. When I’m confronted with the reality that our lives are now irrevocably entwined, I have to choose between leaving Skye to return to the life—and wealth—I’ve always known or abandoning everything familiar to start over with the woman who awakened my heart.

  * * * *

  Dirty Wicked

  A Wicked Lovers Novella

  Click here to purchase

  After being framed for a crime he didn’t commit, former private eye Nick Navarro has nothing but revenge on his mind—until a woman from his past returns to beg for his help.

  Beautiful widow Sasha Porter has been hunted by his enemies. Desperate, she offers him anything to keep her young daughter safe, even agreeing to become his mistress. The last thing either of them want are emotional entanglements but as they entrap the ruthless politician who arranged Nick’s downfall and passion sizzles between them, danger closes in.

  Will he choose love over vengeance before it’s too late?