Relenting (Dirty Cops #2)

Chapter 12

CHAPTER 12

Bentley

M y heart beats fast as I see her smile. I thought I might need to use sexual coercion to get her to ease up on me, but it looks like she’s finally cooled off. I pull into my driveway and shut the car off. “Home sweet home.”

“Do you own this place?”

I smile when I hear her surprise. “Yep. It’s kind of off the beaten path, but you get the best sunsets from the back porch, and in the morning, the deer graze in the yard. It’s my little oasis.”

“It’s amazing.” The wonder rings loud in her voice. I wanted her to like it.

“I’ve always pictured having kids here. Building them a tire swing out front in one of the big oak trees, raking leaves and having them jump in the piles, rolling around in giggle fits. I pictured sitting out back with my wife and a cold beer, looking up at the stars and counting my blessings.” I look over at her, seeing her pretty face looking out the front dash as if she’s picturing it all. “And now…I’m getting the feeling that those dreams might actually have a chance of coming true.”

Tears sting her eyes, and I feel them right in my chest. I can tell she wants it. A safe place to land, somewhere to truly call home. A man in her life who will protect her. It’s been decided. She’s allowed to fight me all she wants, but I will keep tearing down her walls, chipping away at the scars of her past until the day she agrees to be mine.

“Come on, babe. Dinner’s getting cold.”

“Dinner? But I thought you were taking me out for dinner?”

“I changed my mind. Made you a home-cooked meal instead.” I wanted to be alone with her. Without the noise and distractions. Plus, I was aiming for brownie points, wanting to win her over with a Thanksgiving meal. Seems like my girl could use some spoiling in her life. I’m getting the impression that no one’s ever gone above and beyond for her, and I’m about to change that.

“So, what are you serving up in this prison?” she teases as she reaches for the handle with her cuffed hands. I climb out of my side, coming around to help her out, reaching into my pocket to find the key to release her hands. Although, I damn well love having her at my mercy. I’m gettin’ all kinds of ideas of what I’d like to do to her. Drag her into the house, pin her facedown onto the table, pull up a chair and feast on her cunt. Shit. Need to tone down the thoughts, so I can feed her first.

“We’ve got a Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings.”

Her smile takes my breath away. I pull her toward me, looking down at this rare beauty, her cheeks tipped up, the tears in her eyes shimmering under the stars’ light, and my mouth waters for a taste of her. “Give me some sugar, baby. I missed you all day.”

Her eyes flutter and her body sways right into my hold, giving me her weight. I lean down and press my lips to hers, and it’s just as incredible as I remember. Even better because I can feel her giving in. The want, the desire, the emotion—it’s all swirling around my tongue, making my heart thump wildly.

“Come on.” I pull back, pressing my head to hers. “Need to feed my girl.”

If I keep kissing her, we’re going to end up in my bed first, and I’m trying to remember my manners and be a gentleman.