Page 12 of Preacher's Property

“I’m sorry.” He squeezes me close. “I didn’t mean to cause problems for you. I should’ve stayed out of it.”

Another apology. This man knows how to own his wrongs. Dusty Rockland couldn’t even apologize for betraying me. For that, I will never forgive him.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s him that’s the problem.”

“Come.” He guides me to the couch. “Tell me what’s going on.”

I tell him everything. The start, the middle, the up-and-down roller coaster that I’ve been on for twelve years, and then, the final betrayal. That one makes me question our entire friendship.

“I just never thought he’d do something to hurt me. We started as best friends, and I always thought he would have my back. But sleeping with Kollette, that just felt so callous. I never would’ve hurt him like that.”

Preacher lifts my chin, touching me so gently. For such a dominant man, he has such a gentle touch.

“It’s like what King told me, babe. Sometimes it’s out of the pain that we can find something special. Your eyes are open now, and you know what you want. You also know that you deserve better. Now, you won’t settle for less than incredible.”

I want him. That’s what I want.

There’s no denying how I’m feeling for this man. It’d be impossible not to have feelings for him. He’s funny, handsome, kind, and willing to own up to his mistakes. All of the facets of his personality make him special. And the way he looks at me makes me feel special. Dusty never looked at me this way. Not even at the start of it all.

“Hey!” Payton enters the room with a concerned look. “Is everything okay?”

I’m not really sure if everything is okay. I’m falling in love with a man who may actually be capable of breaking my heart.

7

Preacher

As much as I wanted to kiss that girl’s sadness away tonight, it didn’t feel like the right time. She may be over her ex, but her heart is still bruised. When you’ve spent that much time with someone, how could it not be? That fucker betrayed her. Lucky for me, he was too stupid to realize how incredible Chassie is. I think he thought she’d always be around waiting on the sidelines. But in his absence, she realized she deserves better.

I don’t think I’ve ever felt jealousy so intense. When he showed up at her door, my heart began racing. My palms were sweating, and my stomach was twisting so fucking tight. Had it not been for her holding on to me and that little butt of hers grinding against my dick, I probably would’ve hurt the son of a bitch.

When she walked away with him, my heart fucking sank. I wasn’t sure if he’d be able to talk his way back into her life or not. And the thought of losing her…. Fuck, not a good feeling.

But he made a choice that can’t be undone.

I cruise through the streets, looking for his place. I’d gotten a last name from Payton, then I got an address from Bones. Now, I’m getting my revenge for the girl. I park down the street from his house and take to the pavement. At three in the morning there shouldn’t be any witnesses, but just in case, I put on a ski mask.

The fucker seems like the type to care about his car more than he cared about his woman, so I take out my knife, carving “dirty pig” into the special paint job of his Charger. I should go do the same to that Kollette girl. It put me on edge as Chassie was sharing stories about the bitch. If she ever tries any of that shit again, she may end up on the missing person’s list.

Once I’m pleased with my masterpiece, I head back to the apartment. My need draws me to her closed door and I peek inside. She’s breathtaking. All curled up with her head on her pillow, sleeping so peacefully. I don’t know how to stop these feelings from coming so fast. Every moment with her, I’m drawn in deeper.

I tiptoe my way across her messy floor and stop by the side of her bed. If she were mine, I’d slide in behind her and wake her up with my tongue. I’d make her forget every single moment she ever shared with that bastard. But she’s not mine. Not yet. So, I lean down and place a kiss on her forehead.

The stakes of the bet have just changed for me. I’m no longer interested in just one night with the girl; I want more.

8

Chassie

“Honey, I’m home!” I can’t keep the smile off my face as I shut the door behind me, but when Preacher doesn’t answer, it drops. I kick off my shoes and head into the living room, but he isn’t there. He’s not in the kitchen either. I immediately rush to my room thinking of our conversation yesterday, but he’s not waiting for me in the shower either.

“Fuck, that mouth.” I hear the deep grunt coming from the other side of my bedroom wall. “It’s so fucking good, Pay. That tongue drives me crazy.”

For the briefest moment, my heart started to race, but I’d recognize Cage’s voice anywhere.

He’s back. Which means…

Preacher will be leaving. Or maybe he already left.