Page 72 of Taken

“That was terrible. But it could have happened to anyone,” he said. “Even Apexians get caught out sometimes. None of us are perfect.”

“I should be. I’m trained for exactly that situation.” Her hand gripped his waist as if she needed something to keep her on her feet. “I was surrounded by a troop of armed Siblet. I killed several before they captured me.”

“You fought hard.”

“Not hard enough.”

“You didn’t give them any information.”

She lowered her head. “That I’m aware of. They used drugs on me. I don’t remember everything about that time. I don’t think I said anything, but I can’t be sure. What if I got people killed because I let something slip?”

“You didn’t. You’re true and loyal. You’re a warrior.” Ash touched her lips with his fingers.

She stiffened for a second then leaned into his touch. “I just want to be strong enough. I don’t want to have to rely on anyone. If it’s just me, then I’m the only one who can get hurt.”

His heart throbbed at the loneliness peeking through those words. “Yeah, everyone knows what a fierce, independent fighter you are. But it’s also my job to stick by your side. Together, we’re unstoppable. But only if you stop resisting me and what I can give you.”

“Which is?”

“The best sex of your life. An amazing partnership. My devotion. My love. You won’t get a better offer.”

She huffed out a laugh. “You’re pretty sure of yourself.”

“I am when I’m with you.” He lowered his head and kissed her cheek.

Fear flashed into her eyes and she leaned away.

“Georgia, I promise you, I’ll always be here. I will never hold you back and always encourage you. I’m yours. Do you want that?”

Chapter 14

There were so manyemotions flooding through Georgia that she didn’t know which one to settle on. She felt scared, excited, overwhelmed, and angry by Ash’s declaration of love.

He wanted all of her. Who the hell would want all of this? It was too much to process.

She needed to pull this apart one piece at a time as her muddled brain failed to work through everything he’d said.

“You won’t stop me from going on this mission?” Georgia placed a hand over his and stared into his intense purple eyes. It almost brought her to her knees when she saw the openness and devotion shining back at her.

He sighed. “If that’s what you really want.”

“I need to do this.”

“And I understand. We’ll go on the mission. We’ll do it together.”

“I don’t want you hovering over me all the time and watching my every move.”

“That’s non-negotiable. I have to hover and watch. That’s my job. But I won’t get in your way. If you plan to enact a little revenge on this mission, I’ll make sure that happens as quickly and cleanly as possible.”

Ash loved her. He wanted her safe, yet he was willing to let her go on this crazy-assed mission to get payback.

Georgia stood on her tiptoes and caught hold of his chin. She traced her thumb across his full lower lip. “I didn’t mean to explode back there. It was a shock when you said you didn’t want me going on this mission.”

“I know. It was a dick move. They all told me so.”

Her eyebrows shot up. “They did?”

“Of course. Even Rexx. He told me I was being an alpha douche around you.”