“Sonya.”
Big brown eyes met his gaze, and his chest constricted. Her beauty, her size, everything about her, brought on a desperate need to protect her. Would she be his and for how long? He would be lying if he said letting Sonya in his heart didn’t scare him, but he was a man and he wouldn’t allow fear to make him back down. Not when he felt this strongly about her.
Romy dropped down on the blanket beside her. He took a look around and spotted Jody not far off. When Romy met his bodyguard’s gaze, the man looked away and faded into the trees. Good. Romy was used to having eyes on him at all times, but right now he wanted to feel like he and Sonya and Arron were the only ones in the world. He held out his hand palm up, and she didn’t hesitate to place her small hand in his. He closed his fingers over hers and drew her hand to his lips to kiss.
A tremor shook her, and he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her. She succumbed to his kiss and then relaxed in his embrace. He rested against the tree trunk feeling content. Birds tweeted overhead, and the shade protected them from the bright sunlight. Not a single cloud marred the perfect blue in the sky.
He nuzzled the top of her head with his cheek. “I’m not asking for marriage.”
“Of course not.” She sounded a little worried. “We can—”
“I love you, Sonya.”
She gasped. “Y-you’re sure?”
He turned her to face him and caught her cheeks between his hands. “I’m positive. I love you. I don’t claim to be perfect, and I know it will be a challenge to move beyond my past.” He hesitated, and she waited quietly. The look of trust in her eyes was almost overwhelming. She didn’t have the hang-ups he did. It made him want her more. He didn’t know what tomorrow held, but a sense of excitement passed over him thinking about it.
“I love you too,” she said softly and sweetly. She was killing him.
He drew in a deep breath and blew it out. “I want you to know something.”
She looked at him and waited for him to speak. He forgot what he intended to say for a while as he enjoyed the feel of her in his arms.
She’s mine, and I won’t allow another man to touch her.
“What, Romy?”
He cleared his throat. “I believe you. About my brother. I know how Cason is, and I believe you. If he comes on to you again, tell me. I’ll straighten him out. From now on, we’re a family—you, Arron, and me. Are you okay with that?”
Her face glowed. “Nothing would make me happier.”
“Good.” Romy gathered her close. He shut his eyes and let time drift slowly by, content for the first time in years.
The End
About the Author
Tressie Lockwood has always loved books, and she enjoys writing about heroines who are overcoming the trials of life. She writes straight from her heart, reaching out to those who find it hard to be completely themselves no matter what anyone else thinks. She hopes her readers enjoy her stories.
A Note From Tressie,
I would like to thank you for reading my book. If you enjoyed it, please take a moment to review it and to let a friend know about me. A good review can help an author reach more people, and others will take a chance like you did. Thank you for your help, and happy reading.
- Tress
Also by Tressie Lockwood
For Other Clean Works Try:
The Sartoris
Accepting His Name
Raising His Baby
Standalone
Involuntary Daddy
For Hotter Works Try:
The Marquette Family Series
Creed
Damen
Stefan
Duke
www.tressielockwood.com
Raising His Baby Page 11
