He moved closer and took her hand, cupping it gently. ‘Your father knew, though. He said I would work for you. But not in my wildest dreams, did I ever believe I would answer to you. It was for no other reason than I wanted to be the one you looked up to, that you felt protected by. I wanted to be the man that would wrap you in my arms to keep you safe.’

She looked up through her thick eyelashes and longed for his arms to hold her close and protect her. Because at that moment, she knew that as much as she had a tough exterior, she had a fragile heart. But she was safe now – safe in the knowledge that she would be loved unconditionally and secure in the fact that he was her man. It was inconceivable that he could ever destroy her by breaking her heart. He was the one man who had the potential to crush her. He never would though.

‘I’m so sorry, Zara . . . ’

‘Shush.’ She smiled. ‘Let’s just take this one step at a time.’

‘No, we won’t. There are only a few steps we’ll take and those will be up that fucking aisle. Now then, woman, you’re coming home with me to our house, and that’s the end of the subject.’

Her face suddenly shone with laughter. ‘So you think you’re the boss, huh?’

‘Sometimes, babe, I’ll dish the orders out, starting with now. Kiss me!’

Just as she was about to lean into him, his phone rang. She pulled away.

Mike looked down at the number. ‘It’s Ricky.’

She nodded. ‘Well, answer it, then.’

‘Hey, Son, is everything okay?’

‘Dad, they said I can come home tomorrow, around lunchtime. Can you pick me up?’

‘Yes, my boy. We’ll be there, don’t you worry.’

‘We?’

‘Yes, Son. Zara and me.’

‘Dad, don’t fuck up this time. She’s . . . ’

‘I know, Son, I won’t, not ever again. I’m gonna hang on tight to my family. See you soon.’

He turned to Zara. ‘Now, where’s my kiss?’

If you enjoyed The Rules then why not try The Choice, another heart-racing thriller from Kerry Barnes?

Click here if you’re in the US

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my editor Robert Wood for his hard work and dedication. His generous input and advice has been invaluable.

Deryl Easton and the members of the Notrights book club who have given me so much support.

Annie Aldington, the voice behind the audio who has done a fantastic job.

Lee, my hubby, for all his patience.

Keep Reading

Turn the page for an extract from Kerry Barnes’ thrilling novel The Hunted. . .

PROLOGUE

South London, 1968