Page 91 of Reckless Love

And now I really do think I’ve stumbled into a conversation I wasn’t meant to hear. “I can go back to my apartment,” I say.

“No,” Vanessa says. “I’m going to my apartment.” She opens Stephen’s back door and then slams it behind her.

“Sorry,” I say. “I came over to tell you that Landon would like you to drive him if you’re not busy, and then…”

“You heard Vanessa’s comments, and you’ve never had trouble defending yourself.”

Except I did for a while. But somehow, someway, I’ve found those parts of myself again.

“You don’t believe the things she said, do you?” I ask, my voice gentle as I step closer.

“Not really,” he says, his voice gruff.

His admission hits me like a wave, threatening to knock me off my feet. I wanted a “no,” and “not really” isn’t even close. “I called Caitlin today, and I asked her to file for divorce.”

“You told me the threats he’s made, Ava,” Stephen says, and his hand hesitates between us for a beat before tucking the loose strands around my face behind my ear. “I know how much your company means to you, how much Landon means to you.”

“She said I can’t serve him with the divorce paperwork until he’s awake. But I’m going to. As soon as he’s awake. We never had much of a marriage in the first place, and I don’t want it anymore.” I suck in a deep breath. “I don’t think I ever really wanted it at all.” That’s actually hard to admit—that I let myself get backed into a corner. That I gave up myself under the guise of getting what I wanted. No matter how sad and despondent I was, I realize the deal I made was one that never should have been done. Having Stephen back is proof that there’s so much more to a full, happy life. “I’m done being afraid, but I’m not done fighting. Not even close.”

“I used to love that about you.” His palm cups my neck. “That fight. That fire.”

“You were always so patient with me,” I say.

“Until I wasn’t.”

“Everything that’s happened is my fault.”

“I don’t know,” he says, searching my face. “I packed up my hurt feelings, and I left the country. Not much of a chance to resolve anything, to change our minds.”

We’re so close now that his minty breath feathers across my cheek, and his distinct scent, one I’ve probably spent more time and money than I’d like to admit recreating, wafts around us. I let out a shuddery breath.

“If you could have anything in the world right now,” I whisper, “what would it be?”

“You.” His voice is rough. “It’s always been you.”

“Then take me,” I say, pressing against him.

His breath becomes shallow. He searches my face. I don’t know if he’s fighting with himself or trying to determine if I mean it, but we’re close enough that I can feel how turned on he is, how much he wants me, how much what I said just tipped him closer to the edge.

“I’ll beg if you want me to,” I murmur.

“Fuck it,” he mutters, and with a little groan, his hand tightens on my neck, and his lips descend on mine. The kiss is hungry, tongue and teeth and panting breaths that make my lungs hurt, but I don’t even care. God, I love kissing him. I rise on my toes, trying to get closer, deeper, keep the connection longer.

He lifts me into his arms, and I hook my ankles at the small of his back as he presses me against the wall. My ribs ache, and I barely stifle a gasp. Every part of me wants this, and if he stops now, I might cry. The pain is worth it for the pleasure I know will come. But then he shifts slightly, and a sharp stab shoots through my ribs, and I can’t stop the whimper from escaping.

Immediately, his kiss slows, and he presses his forehead against mine, holding me still for a moment. “Fuck, Ava,” he rasps. “I’m better than this.”

“I’m not,” I say, kissing his neck.

He gives the tiniest little thrust and then buries his face in my neck, breathing hard. “There’s something I’ve wanted to talk to you about, and I’ve been avoiding it.”

Tension streaks through my limbs, and I shift, urging him to lower me. “Should I be worried?” I ask. Maybe this is where he tells me that the chemistry is still there, but we’re not right for each other, not even now.

“I don’t know how you’re going to feel about what I have to say.” He runs a hand through his hair, and it takes him a minute to look at me.

“I just need you to say it.”

“When Landon was injured, I don’t know if they told you this, but he has a rare blood type.”