You’re not in this alone anymore. I’m not going anywhere, and if you’ll let me, I’ve got broad shoulders for you to lean on whenever you need me.

She stepped back, staring up into my eyes. “You’ve given me hope.” She ran her hand up my chest. “I don’t know how to thank you for that.”I grinned. “You can start by taking my calls.

A shard of glass cut my belly as I slid into the battered SUV, but I managed to keep the family jewels intact. I’d be counting every small victory tonight.

Once we were on the road, I glanced at my passenger. “If you’ve got any ideas about how I can get this shit storm cleared up, I’m all ears.”Tank snorted, sneezed, and lay down on the bench seat, plopping his head on my leg. I rested my hand on his back, eyes glued to the winding two-lane highway. “Yeah, I don’t have a goddamn clue either.

My pulse pounded in my ears, heat smoldering deep in my belly. I’d never been so tempted. “This is a dangerous game.

His barely there smile warmed me. “You try really hard to hide behind that Ice Queen disguise, but that’s not who I see. I see a girl who had to grow up fast, and a mom who would sacrifice everything for her son. You’re beautiful, Taryn, inside and out, and I want to get to know the woman you keep hidden away.” He lowered his hand and my body ached at the loss. “If you’re willing, I’ll walk through the fire with you.

He'd watched the world change around him, civilizations rise and fall, and although he could have anything, anyone, he wanted her.