Page 68 of Reins

“You have the proof you weren’t driving, what more do you need?” Pete raises his bushy gray brows.

“Now? To show them the truth.” When I stuff my hands into the pocket of my jacket, my fingers brush the smooth cool surface of the jade rock I always carry.

I pull it out, twisting it in the light to show the polished shine. “My dad gave me one like this when I was a kid, ya know? Told me it was a monster rock. I used to have nasty fucking nightmares and he promised it would keep them away.” I turn it slowly before tucking it back into my coat. “Who knew the real monsters weren’t in my dreams, huh? I have to bring them out of the shadows, Pete. Or maybe I just stay gone,” I mutter, turning towards the door.

“They’ve escalated to murder, Cade. She’s a lucky gal that you saved her in time. Who knows, she could have been next?” Pete crosses his arms and leans against the corner of the couch. “No one would have even known she was gone.” His mustache twitches over his frown.

With a derisive snort, my palm drops to the door handle. “Maybe I’m the lucky one and she saved me?”

I don’t wait for his reply.

But somewhere deep down, I know I’m right.

Chapter 33 - Rosalyn

I’ve never seen such a thing.

The pile of boxes could be taller than me if I stacked them.

“This is too much.” My hands wring with guilt as Cade drops the last load from the delivery truck.

“Wait until I introduce you to flea markets.” He grins, unzipping his thick coat. “When we get to Texas, you’ll need some furniture for your room. They’re the best places to find some old treasures, like me.” He adds the last part with a wicked glint in his honey eyes.

“You’ll be in one? I’ve seen pictures. They’re like a second hand store?” I know those really well. They’re all that Momma would shop at for me. She always said when I earned my worth, I could have new things.

That memory sours my belly seeing the cardboard containers tilting precariously. What have I done to deserve these?

Nothing.

Whimpering and bitching about my life as a kid who couldn’t stay out of trouble doesn’t warrant all of these gifts.

I should have kept my mouth shut. Cade is doing this out of pity. It wasn’t that bad, I survived.

“Ros?” His gaze narrows and he steps closer, gently grasping my upper arms. “What is that frown for?”

“Too much,” I whisper. “I didn’t earn them.”

When he pulls me to him, my nervous panting slows.

“This isn’t transactional,” he rumbles, his jaw resting against the top of my head. “There’s no payment owed, no labor or act of service.”

I like how he holds me, it feels so…complete.

But I can’t stop the trembling that has me shivering against him.

“Tell me,” he murmurs. “Why does this make you upset? Help me understand.”

I don’t know how to put this sense of dread into words. “I’ve never had new.” The button of his shirt is still cool from him being outside where it rubs against my chin. “I wasn’t good enough for it.”

He shifts his arms to cup the back of my head and snugs me tighter. “Well, I think you’re pretty great, doesn’t that count for something?”

Heat blossoms in my belly, warring with the doubt clouding my thoughts. Can I believe him? “That goes against everything I’ve ever known.” I want to accept it.

Except I can’t.

“I’m being honest.” He leans backwards with that crooked smile. “Calling me a liar?”

“No,” I say quickly. “I’m just not used to this.”