Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls #1)

by Catherine Cowles

“Can’t handle being away from you,” he croaked. “Especially not when you’re hurting.” He swallowed hard. “I didn’t want to care about anyone. But you shot that all to hell.” My heart hammered against my ribs, butterfly wings dying to break free. A muscle fluttered in Anson’s cheek. “You didn’t sneak past my defenses, you bulldozed them. Reckless to the bone. And maybe you made me brave enough to be reckless, too.”

Anson simply stared at me, taking in every detail. His fingertips traced over my breast and down my sternum. He took a detour to my side, tracing the scars the fire had left behind. “Your beauty scalds, Reckless. Anyone who’s ever had the pleasure of looking at you will never be the same.” Breath caught in my throat. “Anson.”

I wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into me, my lips close to hers as I stared into those green and gold eyes. “No more hiding.” Those eyes flared. “No more hiding,” she whispered. I dipped my head, my mouth taking hers. My tongue stroked in, her taste exploding in my mouth. God, I could drink her in for an eternity. But I forced myself to pull back.

“What’s in that beautiful brain now?” “Nothing,” I muttered, barely coherent. “Absolutely nothing.” And it was glorious. “Good.” Anson unfastened the belt, rubbing each wrist as he freed it. “Never seen a more beautiful sight than watching you shatter.”

“I’ll always give you what you need, Reckless.”

“No one’s more important to me than you, Rho.

“You’re with me. If I leave, if I stay, wherever the hell the path leads, you’re with me.” Rho’s hands fisted in my tee. “Always. Whatever comes our way.”

“Finally, someone is testing out the brooding god’s goods!” “Mom!” Nora shouted from inside. “Oh, hush, child. Don’t ruin my fun,” Lolli called back. She turned to me. “I knew you wouldn’t be able to resist my Rho for long. Now, I hear you were a Fed. Please tell me you aren’t one of those anti-marijuana sticks-in-the-mud who thinks missionary position is the only way anyone should ever have sex.” “Lolli!” Her name was shouted by at least three people at once, including Rho. Fallon appeared then, wrapping an arm around the older woman. “I’m so sorry, Anson. You’ll have to excuse Lolli. She’s going a little senile.” Fallon gave her a stern look as if to punctuate the point.

Lolli just made a pfft noise and waved her off. “I’m not going to let my granddaughter be stuck in missionary position for the rest of her life.”

“But you stormed in anyway. You tore down every wall I put up. I didn’t want to love you. But I fucking do. With every part of me. It’s not a sappy love. It burns. Scars. It changed me. All in the best ways. I love you, Rho. And it killed that I was too scared to give you those words until now.” Tears pooled in my eyes, spilling over and tracking down my cheeks. “I love you, too. I don’t want sappy love. I want the real kind. And that’s what we have.” Anson leaned down, his lips ghosting over mine. “Even though I’m a broody asshole?” I grinned against his mouth. “Yes.” He kissed me again. “Even though I hate color?” I chuckled. “I still think I’m going to get you into a pink shirt one of these days.” Anson’s forehead rested against mine. “You know, I’d do anything for you. Even wear a damn pink shirt.” He cupped my cheek. “I love you.” “With every part of me.”

My eyes burned. “You want to live with me?” “Home is wherever you are,” he whispered. “You’re my sanctuary. Where I feel peace. Where I feel seen. Don’t want anything more.” “Yes,” I whispered. “I want you to move in.” My eyes watered as my lips pulled into a smile. “You’re going to have to deal with dick flowers and color, though.” Anson barked out a laugh, then leaned in, his lips hovering just above mine. “Small price to pay for a life with you.”

And on it read, The End is only a chance for another beginning.