“When did he ask for it?” I try to play dumb, but the look on Henry’s face tells me he isn’t buying it.

“Called me about thirty minutes ago. He seemed pretty agitated. Then when I told him no he got pushy about it.” He straightens and puts his hands in his pockets.

“What did you say?”

“I told him to fuck off. Like I’m going to give him your address. I should’ve seen it coming. He asks about you every damn day.”

My cheeks warm at his words.

“Fuck me,” Henry says, shaking his head. “Not you, too. Pandora, you know what happens when you fall in love in this family.” He runs his hands through his hair just like his father does when he gets frustrated.

“Give me his address,” I tell him, not caring. I want this.

“Come on, Pan.” He gives me a look like I can’t be for real.

“I’m not messing around. I want it.” I pull out my phone and wait.

“Fucking hell.” He rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh. “I’ll text it to you. But only because I know you can take care of yourself.”

He pulls out his phone and taps out a message. I see it pop up on mine, and I nod. He walks over to me and pulls me in for a hug.

“I know we’ve been at each other’s throats the past few months with work, but I love you, and I just wanted to check in on this.”

“I love you, too,” I tell him. “But if I catch you leaning on my car again, we’re going to have another problem.”

He laughs, pulling away and walking into the house.

I hop in my car and put the address in my GPS. My hands are shaky, and I feel anxiety creep up my spine, but I’ve never been more sure of anything. I know I’m headed in the right direction.

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER 8

Royce

I shouldn’t have let her go.

That’s the only thing running through my mind the past few days. I should have carried her out of that fucking basement and brought her home. I should have made her mine that second and not let any time pass between us.

I pace back and forth through my living room, trying to rack my brain about what to do. I’ve already been sneaking down to her floor for made-up reasons. I don’t know how much more I can take. Days have gone by, and nothing. I see the look in her eyes. There’s so much need there, and I know exactly how to make it better.