Claim - Page 102

“Everything you’ve done for me has shown me that you’re a good man. Even this morning’s misguided attempt at whatever the hell it was. Actions speak louder than words. Carr taught me that. He looked the clean-cut nice guy, who was raised by a good family, but under it, he was a monster. Everything he did showed how ugly he was. Every action you take speaks to your character. The blood in your veins doesn’t make you who you are.”

“Bell—” My voice was low.

She shook her head. “I’m still not done.” She pulled in a breath. “I love you. Now, I’m done.”

“My turn,” I said.

“As long as you aren’t going to be a knuckleheaded idiot.”

I glanced over at a scowling Gio, who had his arms crossed over his barrel chest. Colt was wearing a faint smile. Mila and Macy were watching me expectantly. My gym goers were all rapt by the impromptu entertainment.

I focused on Bell. Here she was, being brave again. I pulled her into my arms. “I’m still not sure I deserve you, but I do love you, Bell.”

Her face changed. The hard lines melted away as her features softened.

“I love you more than I can ever tell you, or show you. And you might all think I’m an idiot, but I wanted to give you a chance to go back to your old life, if that’s what you wanted.”

“There is no old life. It’s my past. I want to live this present life.”

“Then you do that with me.”

She smiled. “I feel like I should make you grovel some more.”

I dropped to my knees, wrapped my arms around her, and pressed my face to her stomach. “I’m sorry, angel. I hated seeing you cry. Forgive me?”

“Beau.” She tugged me up. “I forgive you.” Then she went up on her toes and pressed her mouth to mine. She leaped up and I caught her. She wrapped her legs around my waist.

She was right where I wanted her.

I nibbled at her lips and lowered my voice. “I couldn’t have stayed away.” I knew in my heart I would have caved eventually. “You might be pregnant with our baby.”

She gasped. Everyone gasped. Clearly my voice hadn’t been low enough.

“That’s not why I want you to stay with me,” she said.

“That’s not why I want you to stay with me, either.” I nuzzled her cheek. “I want you because you’re mine and I love you.”

Her eyes glimmered. “Beau.”

I kissed her again.

This kiss was deep and forceful. A claiming. One I’d never let be undone.

I was keeping Isabella “Bell” Sanderson.Forever.

No one would ever hunt her, hurt her, or scare her again.

Not when I’d be with her, at her side, always.

40

BELL

A month later

The upbeat jazz music from the live band echoed over the bayou.

I laughed as I twirled, my flirty, calf-length white dress spinning around me.