Relenting (Dirty Cops #2)

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Roxy

“ H ow the hell did you find me?” Again, my question gets ignored. His handsome face just stares out the windshield. The pulse in his jaw ticking as he keeps it clenched. He got dressed up for our date, wearing a black Henley that’s showing off every single one of his sculpted muscles, and jeans, which are clinging to his strong thighs. And here I am, wearing leggings and an oversized sweatshirt.

“So, what? You’re just going to give me the silent treatment? Wow. I’m falling in love already.”

His head snaps in my direction, eyes giving me one hell of a glare. “I’m hanging on by a fucking thread, princess. All day my dick’s been in a noose, anxious as hell to see you tonight, only to find out you wanted to bail on our date. Excuse me if I don’t feel much in the way of small talk. But if you want to start talking about that ex of yours and what the fuck he did to put you off men, I’ll gladly listen.”

For six years he strung me along, promising me the world, and I held on like a desperate fool waiting for the day to come when he’d choose me, but he never did. I wasn’t good enough. It’s not about being put off men, it’s about being a realist. I’ve known this man for forty-eight hours and he’s chasing me down hard. Why? Because like he said, his dick is aching for me. He likes what he sees on the outside, but he doesn’t know me. And once he does, he’s going to run and leave me on the side of the street just like Derek did.

“Tell me why you like me, Officer? You’ve known me for what—two days? I’d love to hear all the reasons why you think we’re compatible because I’m sure the list is long, given how little you know about me.” Because right now the only reason he wants to be with me is because he’s attracted to me. “And don’t give me some lame excuse that it was love at first sight and if you know you know. This isn’t an instalove book, it’s real life.”

“I just can’t get enough of your stubbornness.” He smirks, giving me a look out of the corner of his eye. “The answer is simple.” His voice takes on a more serious note. “Your strength calls to me. I love the fact that you say whatever the fuck is on your mind, not giving a shit what I think. You don’t butter me up with sweet nothings and make it easy for me.” So he likes the fight. “You don’t change who you are to make someone happy. Shows confidence and strength.”

That’s because I spent my life trying to fit in with my family, trying to be someone I wasn’t, and look where it got me. I’m done trying to please other people; I just want to be loved and accepted for me.

“I love that you’re down-to-earth and not enamored with the idea that money makes you happy.” That’s because it doesn’t. “I love that you’ve fought your way through adversity and came out one badass bitch on the other side.” I’m badass? “I love that talking to you is easy. Not once have I felt like you’re a stranger. From the first moment we met, it felt like I’ve known you all my life.” I’ve felt the same way. Last night felt like our twentieth date, not our first. There was no walking on eggshells or filtering myself like I used to do with Derek. Stupid stuff came out of my mouth and Bentley just laughed and smiled, telling me I’m a goof. He didn’t roll his eyes at me, making me feel like an idiot like my father and Derek always did.

“I love how just spending a night in your room doing nothing was one of the best nights of my life.” I felt the same way. It was so much fun, and yet we were just thumbing through a cookbook. “Your smile lights me up. And there’s this driving need to get to know you better. And yeah”—he pins me with a look—“I’m not going to deny that I find you hot as hell and I want to fuck you in my sheets. And after getting a taste of you, I’m pretty much obsessed. But I don’t bank a future on sex because like my parents always said, ‘the honeymoon phase ends, and you have to like the person you’re waking up next to every day.’ And for some unknown reason”—he winks—“I like your stubborn ass.”

He turns his attention back to the road, and my heart pounds as fast as the tires are rolling on the pavement going sixty miles per hour down an old country road. I like him too. There’s no denying it.

“All I’m asking for is a chance, Roxanna. A chance to prove that I’m the real deal. And if you won’t give me one willingly”—he hits me with a wicked smirk—“I’ll just have to take one.”

I can’t help the smile that burns up my cheeks, thankful he’s not taking no for an answer, because something tells me he’s worth a shot.