Any Means Necessary

by Lila Herron

I can tell that his nose has been broken more than once, adding character to otherwise perfectly masculine features.

IM WHEEZING 😭 BROKEN NOSES ADD CHARACTER ?

My willingness to act with blind loyalty disappeared with my mother’s ability to walk.

“I don’t like to repeat myself, Lexie. But you were drunk, so I’ll make an exception just this once,” Callum says. “I will slit the throat of any man who thinks they can have you.” He means it, and even worse—he intends to carry out this threat while we’re standing here.

Who makes bruschetta with fig, goat cheese, and honey as a snack at two in the morning? It’s fucking adorable.

A fight broke out, and one of my Mom’s brothers pulled out his gun.” “Someone got shot.” My eyes widen, and Callum nods. “The bullet went through my mom’s spine, almost killing her. Because those fuckers lost their temper, my mom will never walk again.” His hand runs over his beard as he thinks back. “That’s when I realized blindly acting on emotions was dangerous. There are much better ways to get what you want.

She’s been disturbingly subdued this whole trip, this smart mouth of hers too quiet and polite. The unease of shopping in a bigger body has dampened her spark, and I can’t help but miss it.

“Give me your word that you’ll save them all, and that can be arranged.” She negotiates. I can pretend to mull it over, but there’s no point. Lexie’s won, there’s no way I can deny her this. . I’ll give this woman the world.

“Is this a new car?” I ask, looking around at the dashboard and into the back seat. I feel like I’m missing something. Callum shakes his head and glances over at me. “No, why?” “The seats are different. I thought they were leather.” My fingers run over the fabric covering the seats. It’s smooth as butter and feels expensive. “They were. I had them reupholstered.” “You did? Why?” I ask, surprised. Callum’s eyes look pointedly at my bare thighs. “Do you like your little dresses?” “Yes, I love them.” “So do I. Now you don’t have to stop wearing your short skirts.” He places a hand on my exposed thigh, giving it a telling squeeze. I stare at him, shocked and touched by this gesture.

“I would tell you this is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me, but I wouldn't want your head to get too big to fit in the helicopter for the ride home.” “You're the only one my head grows for,” he teases, a breathtaking grin spreading across his face as he stands up and straightens the dress shirt I rumpled. “You’re such a flirt,” I laugh, letting him help me up and shimmying my dress back into place. Callum draws me against his chest, his hands gripping my hips. “This is only the beginning,” he states, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

“I’m no hero, Dewdrop.” “I know,” she says it so certainly. And she does, she knows me. Standing here, I suddenly feel naked. Exposed. I’ve never felt such vulnerability before, and I’m suddenly fighting the intense urge to end this. Lexie knows me, she sees me like I’ve never been seen before. It opens me to weakness. I should see her as a liability, but I can’t help but long for her attention. I fucking yearn for her.

I love her. Staring down at Lexie, I’m hit over the head with the revelation. It’s undeniable, settling so deeply in my chest that it’s a part of me. I don’t just care about her, she’s the only thing I care about. She’s become my first priority and my last tether to sanity.

When I reach for her, she sits up to look me in the eye. I turn my head to meet her gaze head on. I’m not hiding from this conversation, there can’t be anything left up for interpretation between us. The sooner we get this cleared up, the better. “I’d never smother your spark, Lexie. I like your fire. I don’t want to control you, you’re perfect just the way you are.” Like the fucking sun that gives life to everything under its rays. And I’m a selfish bastard addicted to her warmth.