Page 141 of Rags's Awakening
“No guys in between the punk and Saber?”
“Dates. Sometimes meaningless sex. But I never gave my heart to anyone until JT.”
Silence sat between them, stretching long enough that Casey wasn’t sure she could take another second of it. Then Rags pulled her into him. Not in a rough or demanding way, but steady and solid. His hand slid up her back, pressing her close, his chin resting lightly on the top of her head.
“Saber’s a fuckin’ asshole to treat you the way he did. No matter what, Case. I’ve got you.”
“If I hadn’t caught JT with that woman in our bed when I did, I probably would’ve made excuses for him for who knows how long? She paused. “I was afraid to give him up, but in doing that I found my strength.”
“And now you’re here.”
His words cracked something inside her. Casey nestled against his chest, breathing him in—leather, sandalwood, and soap—as the tight knot in her stomach eased.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she whispered.
Rags exhaled slowly, his fingers combing through her hair. “I get it. It’s hard when someone you loved and trusted kicks you in the teeth. That shit sticks around for a long time.” His grip tightened just a fraction. “Saber’s a piece of shit.”
A breath of laughter escaped her. “Very well put.”
Rags hooked a finger under her chin and tipped it up. “You’re with me now. That’s what matters.”
Warmth spread through her, pushing back the cold JT had dragged in with him. “I know,” she said softly.
His thumb brushed beneath her eye catching a tear she’d hadn’t managed to hide.
“I’m sorry I ruined your party,” she murmured.
“You didn’t ruin anything. That asshole just needed a reminder about respect.”
And just like that, Rags’s body went rigid. Casey glanced up, catching the hard set of his jaw, the narrowing of his eyes. In that moment she knew he wasn’t done with JT. Not by a long shot.
“Hey,” she said, running her fingers through his hair. “How about we check out the food downstairs?”
“I don’t like the way he was lookin’ at you,” Rags said, like she hadn’t spoken.
“He’s a jerk. I know that more than anyone.” A nervous laugh slipped out. “It’s over. Done and done. Ribs sound pretty good, don’t they?”
“He doesn’t get to walk intomyclub, disrespect you, and act like you’re still his,” Rags muttered.
Casey’s stomach tightened.
“Rags forget about him. I have.” She placed her hand on his chest. “Let’s move on, okay?”
His gaze snapped back to hers. “Too late for that. I don’t forget or forgive disrespect.”
“Rags…”
He leaned in and kissed her, slow and gentle. The tension eased, her nerves loosening. When he pulled back, his forehead rested briefly against hers. “Stay here. I’ll be back.” He pushed to his feet.
Her pulse spiked. “Rags. Don’t. Stay here with me. Or better yet, let’s go grab a pizza.” She forced a small chuckle. “If you can’t tell, I’m hungry.”
“We’ll get food soon.”
“Don’t start anything,” she said, standing.
“I’m not startin’ anything,” he said, though the look in his eyes said otherwise. “If he does, then I’m gonna finish it.”
The knot in her stomach twisted tighter.
