“Want you to think long and hard about how good we were together.”
“You must have smoked too much pot or drank too much moonshine because I remember the past just fine. I lived it and barely survived you. Maybe you’re the one who needs to jog their memory. I loved you, and all you ever did was bring me down.”
“I know I hurt you, but I’m here now.”
“You can’t change the past no matter how hard you try. We can’t go back and that’s exactly what I’d be doing if I give in and let you into my heart.”
“So you admit it. You love me.”
“I’ve never not loved you. It’s never been in question has it?”
“Guess not. But I shouldn’t have to remind you that I loved you too. Since the first time I laid eyes on you, I knew you’d be my ruin. And I wanted you anyway. Took whatever I could get knowing it’d never be enough for either of us. You’ve always had a hold on me, pretty girl. Think back long and hard. You’ll see and when you do, you’ll come to me.”
“Don’t hold your breath.”
“You’ll see, Lex. I’ll be waiting.” I brush my knuckles along her cheek, and her face softens. “Come back to me, baby. Promised you’d wait for me as long as it took.”
Unshed tears glitter swirling in those flecks of gold as she stares at me. “James,” my name leaves those sweet lips.
I bring my mouth down on hers, hard and true pouring every ounce of love I have for her into the power of my kiss. I won’t lose her. I’m not so proud now that I won’t swallow my pride and go to my knees to beg for one more shot to make it right. To give her the life she deserves. Show her the love she’s always craved.
Alexa sweeps her tongue against mine tasting of home. Her body melts into mine, and I walk her backwards toward the stairs. She stops abruptly. Palms pressed to my chest she breaks our kiss. “Look at me, James.”
“Got my full attention, babe.”
“You and me...we’ll always be unfinished business. I’ve made my peace with it, and now it’s time that you do too. I’m putting the house up for sale. I’m doing something I should have done a long time ago. I’m leaving. This time I’m not coming back. I’ll always love you. You have two choices. One we say goodbye now or two you can follow me upstairs and give me something to remember you by, but after...I’m done. I walk away, and we go our separate ways. I can’t do this anymore. We’re not getting any younger. Don’t you want something more for yourself?”
“Everything I want is right here and so help me, Lex, if you think you’re packing up and walking out on me I’ll chain you to my bed and spank your ass until you give me what I want.”
“Okay.”
“Glad you see things my way.”
I go to kiss her, and she clamps her mouth shut going still.
“Gimme’ that mouth, baby.”
Her head moves side to side.
“You and I both know you don’t want to deny me.” I shove my hand down the front of her jeans, and she’s fucking soaked like I knew she would be. “Don’t want me, babe. We both know you’re a fuckin’ liar.”
“I hate you.”
“Because you know I’m right. We belong together. Fate brought us together. Waited my whole damn life for someone like you. But I fucked it up. I know that.”
“I’m done with this conversation. I’m drained. I’ve got nothing left to give you. So save your energy, and put it toward building a relationship with your daughter.”
“Already had a chat with Wylla Mae. She knows where my head and my heart are. Said I needed to fix us then she’d talk to me.”
“There’s nothing to fix. I’m not repeating past mistakes.”
“Wanna talk about the past, Lex? I’ll tell you how I remember it all going down between us.” I curl a finger inside her, and she moans. “Yeah, baby. Let’s talk.” I kiss along her jaw, take away my finger, and toss my woman over my shoulder.
Chapter Thirty
“Put me down.” I wiggle and shake, but all I manage to do is force James to tighten the hold he has on me.
Strutting into my bedroom he dumps me on the mattress. Lifting his leg, he kicks the door shut and locks it. “Not leaving this room till you catch on to what’s going down. Got something I can tell you now after all these years.”
“What’s that?”
“Shit that Ruthie was holding over my head all these years. It’s over.”
“Ruthie?” I sit up. He has my attention.
“Yeah.” He sits on the edge of the bed and hangs his head. “I should’ve fucking killed her. Put a stop to her bullshit years ago. Fuck.”
“What did she do?”
“She always knew about us. Was blackmailing me. The night I took care of Lion...after Rochelle died, Ruthie threatened you. Both of us. Bitch claimed she had evidence. Our fingerprints, a video...the axe I used in a secure location. If she turned that shit over to the FEDS like she was claiming to do unless I gave her another child...Wylla Mae woulda grown up without a mother. We’d both gone to prison.”
My breath hitches in my throat. I can’t even process this information. “Why would she do that?”
“Fuck if I know. Jealousy. She blamed us both for Rochelle’s death. Said she took one look at Wylla Mae and knew she was mine. Thought I had it under control. But she kept having miscarriages. Loss after fucking loss. I didn’t want them babies, but I still felt that shit.”
“I’m sorry you went through that, but what changed?”
“Knew she hired those dumbfucks who hurt you. Told her I’d let her live if she gave me what she had on you.”
“Jesus.” My stomach does a somersault.
“I did what I thought I had to for
