Secrets We Keep (Ruthless Sinners MC 3)

“Already told you. You have nothing to apologize for.” I leaned over and kissed her on the forehead as I teased. “Just glad I was able to bring you back to your senses.”

“That you did.” Since she’d opened the door to the conversation again, I thought it might be a good time to ask her about what Menace had uncovered during her background check, but I lost my chance when she said, “You were right. It’s time to leave the past where it belongs, and that’s just what I’m going to do. No more worrying over my parents or Kate. It’s time for me to focus on the future.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

Her face lit up as she asked, “Did I tell you I was going to start taking some classes in the spring?”

“First I’ve heard of it, but I think that’s great.”

“I wouldn’t have been able to do it if it hadn’t been for Ford.”

“The old farmer guy from the bar?”

“Yes.” A soft smile crossed her face as she said, “He gave me the money and insisted I go back to finish what I started. I felt bad accepting it, but he insisted.”

“That’s awesome, Marlowe. Just goes to show what an impression you make on folks.”

“I guess.” She went on to tell me how Ford and his wife hadn’t been able to have kids of their own, and how he’d felt he and she were meant to cross paths. It was clear from the way she spoke Ford’s gesture had meant a great deal to her. “With my hours being the way they are, I should be able to finish my business degree by next fall.”

“I’m really proud of you. If there’s anything I can do to help, all you have to do is ask.”

“I know, and I appreciate that.” She snuggled back in the crook of my arm as she yawned, “Seem like things are really coming together.”

“That they are. Remember that whenever you’re around Kate and start having doubts.”

She nodded as she closed her eyes and yawned again, longer this time, making it clear she was fading fast. I kissed her on the forehead once more, then watched as she drifted off to sleep. Nothing felt better than having her right there next to me. While it was too soon to admit it, the truth was, Marlowe was the kind of woman I could see myself with for the long haul. Fuck. She was everything I wanted and more, and she was right here next to me. Marlowe was right. Things were really coming together. My entire body started to relax as I lay there listening to the soothing sounds of her breathing, and it wasn’t long before I gave into my own exhaustion.

The next morning, I woke up to an empty bed. After lying there for a moment, I could hear her scrambling around in the kitchen. Curious to see what she was up to, I eased out of bed and put on boxer briefs before going into the kitchen. When I walked in, she was standing at the stove wearing nothing but my t-shirt and a smile. She licked her lips, then smiled and said, “Good morning, handsome. You sleep well?”

“I did. And you?”

“Very well.” She glanced back over at the stove as she said, “You hungry? I was just about to make some breakfast.”

“Yeah.” Seeing her standing there looking so unbelievably hot had the blood rushing to my cock. Damn. What was this woman doing to me? I took a step towards her as I answered, “I’m hungry all right, but pretty sure breakfast isn’t what I’m in the mood for.”

She turned back to face me, her eyes blazing with need as they slowly drifted over my body. When they reached the tent I was pitching in my boxer briefs, she licked her lips once more and asked, “Oh really? And what exactly are you in the mood for?”

“I think you know the answer to that.” Fuck, if she licked her lips one more goddamn time, I was gonna take her on the table right then and there. Fuck. She was killing me. I held her gaze as I told her, “Marlowe, you need to stop.”

“Stop what?” she asked innocently, but I knew better. She knew exactly what she was doing to me, and I won’t lie, I liked the fact that she did. I considered it a sign her confidence was officially back. She bit her bottom lip and batted those beautiful eyelashes as she teased. “I’m not doing anything.”

“Suit yourself.”

I took a charging step towards her, wrapped my arms around her waist, and she let out a shriek when I lifted her into my arms and carried across the room. As soon as I’d sat her down on the table, I took the hem of my t-shirt and lifted it over her head, leaving her completely bare as I laid her back on the table. I lowered my head between her legs and teased her just long enough to make her ready for me, then I spent the next half-hour knocking the edge off for us both. I knew it was only temporary, but it was enough to get us both through the day. I left there feeling pretty fucking good about things. Unfortunately, it was a feeling that wouldn’t last.