James: I’m following her.
Before I can call him he’s already shared his location with me.
Me: Don’t lose her.
James: I have a work meeting in ten so I’ll follow her for a few more minutes.
I’m going to fucking murder him. He answers before it rings.
“I’m fucking with you.”
“It’s not the time, asshole.”
“You’re a mean bastard for someone who needs my help.” I grit my teeth, hating that I need anyone’s help. I do everything myself. This is how you know things get done.
“Thank you,” I grit out as I hop into my car.
“I thought sex would loosen you up.”
“You-”
“Who is this she’s meeting?” I know it’s not a man. I know it. Still doesn’t stop all the fucked-up thoughts that enter my mind. I push harder on the gas. “Cute girl. The one she’s meeting with, not Tinsley, so don’t break my nose when you get here.”
Carly. I’ve met her a few times before. Tinsley was happy she moved here so I was happy. The girl being here was another reason for Tinsley to stay. Another excuse for her to plant some roots here. I’d hoped to convince her that I was reason enough, but I’ll take all the help I can get. As long as it guarantees that she stays.
I hear him exit his car. He doesn’t say any more comments to piss me off. He’s either getting that I’m on edge or there is something he doesn't want to tell me.
“What’s happening now?”
“I’m in the store. Hold on.” The seconds tick by as I speed through traffic.
“Sorry.” I hear a girl's voice.
“Is that yours?” James asks the person. What the fuck is he doing?
“It’s in my hand, isn't it, big guy?” The woman laughs.
“Are you fucking hitting on someone?” I almost roar into the phone. If he loses Tinsley I’ll kill him, cousin or not.
“James. Did you follow me?” I hear my girl now. I don’t listen. I toss my phone into the seat as I throw my car into park, not caring that I double-parked, blocking part of the road. I run into the drug store. I hear someone shout at me. I ignore it. I ignore everything. The only thing that matters is getting to my girl.
When Tinsley sees me, her eyes go wide. Her eyes are red and I know she’s been crying. I go for her, but Carly steps in front of me. The bubbly girl that is always smiling and laughing looks like she’d put a knife right in my gut right now, then give me a smile afterwards.
“Come here, sweetheart. When you’re pregnant it’s not wise to stand in front of wild animals.” James say as he grabs Carly’s arm, pulling her to him, for once trying to temper my mood.
“Reed.” She says my name. A hitch in her voice.
“I’m sorry.”
“This is serious. I think Reed just apologized for something.”
I want to break James' nose, but that would require me to look away from Tinsley. A mistake I won’t be making again. Unless she’s cuffed to me. Then I know she can’t try and slip away again.
“You don’t have to be sorry.” She gives me the saddest fucking smile.
“I’ll always be sorry if you cry.” I take another step toward her.
“I know. Because you're a good man.”
James snorts. I swear I’m going to murder him later.
“I’m not a good man, Tinsley.” It is the truth. I’ve spent most of my life digging myself deeper into her without her ever knowing. Keeping her close.
“You are.” Still that sad fucking smile.
“You think you’re leaving me?” It is time for the truth.
“It’s for the best.”
“You’re not leaving me.” I stand in front of her. I’m not going anywhere and neither is she.
“Is there a problem here?” I hear someone ask. I don’t look.
“Reed.” She lets out a soft sigh. She makes the mistake of stepping closer to me.
“Tinsley. Can you do something for me?”
“I can try.” Even hurting, she is still willing to try and do something for me when I’m the one who put that hurt there.
“Just remember what you said.”
“What I said?”
I grab her, pulling her into me. “That I wasn't a bad man.”
20
Tinsley
My heart pounds as he pulls me out of the store, his hand wrapped tightly around my wrist.
When he touches me, everything always feels better. That’s the way it’s been since we were young. I feel loved and protected. I know he would never let anything bad happen to me if he was near. That he would protect me even if it were detrimental to himself. The same way he always has.
Being in his arms is the one thing I want most in the world, but I know I can no longer be selfish. Not with someone who has been selfless to me. I have to set him free because he’ll never do it out of some weird obligation he feels to protect me.
Everyone thinks Reed is stoic. A ruthless businessman that always gets what he wants. Things are always black and white to him. All of those things are true. When Reed sets his sights on something, there is no stopping him or changing his mind. Sometime long ago he’d made it his mission to be my protector. In doing so he’s going to throw away the chance of finding someone he can love in all ways. That isn't something I want to take from him. Not with knowing how it feels to have found that kind of love myself.
“Tinsley.” I look up at the sound of his deep voice as we come to a stop next to his car. Those beautiful eyes stare into mine. I hear someone shout telling Reed to move his car. He opens the door. “In.”
I jump, having never heard that tone from him outside of the bedroom. Oh, I’ve heard him bark at people, but this is different. I get in the car. He slams the door behind me, making the whole thing shake. He gets into the driver's seat.
“Reed.” I say his name softly as he pulls out.
“Don’t speak.” I jerk my head over to look at him. His jaw is set in a hard line. I lick my lips, not sure why he’s so mad. I know now is not the time, but the tone of his voice is turning me on.
“Reed.” I try again. He makes a sharp turn down a side street, pulling off to the side. He turns the car off.
“I said don’t speak.” There are so many things on the tip of my tongue, but I hold them in. Instead I do exactly as he asked. I have no idea why he is this mad, but my body seems to respond to it. His hands are gripped so hard on the steering wheel his knuckles are turning white. “Are you scared of me?”
“No.” My response is instant. I can tell he’s pissed. Actually I think we’re past pissed at this point. “I’ll never be afraid of you.”
“You should be.” He finally looks over at me.
“Are you trying to scare me?” His mouth parts, but he doesn't say anything. “It’s not going to work.” He glances around the outside of the car. I’m not sure what he’s looking for.
“Do I want to scare you? No, sweetheart. I never want to scare you. In fact, I try real fucking hard to not scare you.” His hand comes down on my thigh as he pulls my legs apart. “To hide things from you.” What would he hide from me? His hands drifts up my leg, dipping into my pants. “Like right now.” He stares into my eyes. “I want to pull you across the console, pull your pants down and spank your fucking ass for leaving the house without panties on. It pisses me the fuck off.” I swallow.