Never with Me

by Kaylee Ryan

My father doesn’t care that the man hurts me or that he has a different woman warm his bed every night. All he cares about is binding our families together.

The man standing before me is one I’ve seen before. I’ve never met him, but I’ve seen pictures. Hell, I’ve been to his house. I turn to look at Palmer, and she’s beaming.

“Ramsey, meet my big brother, Deacon. Deacon, this is my bestie, Ramsey.”

Palmer set me up with her older brother. Deacon Setty is… the sexiest man I’ve ever seen. His gold-colored eyes take ...

“She’s like a puppy. Nipping at your ankles until you play with her.” He laughs, and the sound washes over me like a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day.

She doesn’t want me to touch her wrists, and wants to know my actions. I scan for scars or bruising and see nothing.

I swallow back the rage that someone hurt her, and give her all my attention.

“Never with me, Ramsey. When you’re with me, you tell me what you want. I don’t care if I hate it. If you love it, that’s what matters to me. I never want you to hide who you are.”

“I never want you to hide your needs, wants, or desires from me. Never.”

It’s not just a “thank-you for the refill” smile. No, this smile is one he only seems to be giving me. It makes me feel things I’ve never felt before.

He said he can’t stop thinking about me, and I so badly want to tell him that I know exactly how he feels. I’ve done nothing but think of him since the photo shoot, and then after our dinner on Monday night, he's my first and final thought each and every day.

could work my other job during the day and work here at night. I was determined to build a nest egg for myself.”

“And have you done that? Built your nest egg?” he asks.

“I have. I don’t ever want to rely on someone else to...

Hank is still in his office. He never leaves any of us here on our own, and that’s one of the reasons I love working here. He ensures we are all safe.

I don’t bother to tell her I’ve never been given the choice before. I was never allowed to choose who I dated, or hell, even what I wore on those dates. This is all new to me.

me into his arms, hugging me. It’s the best hug I’ve ever received. My parents were never affectionate. I didn’t really know that’s how families were until I moved to Willow River. Out of all of the hugs I’ve ever received in my lifetime, this one is my favorite.

“I’ve never been on a date with someone I chose. I’ve never kissed someone I wanted to kiss. My life wasn’t my own.”

“I’m so sorry.” I press my lips to the top of her head.

“Your girl?” he asks. “What part of we’re dating do you not understand?” I laugh. “You’re claiming her? That’s a hell of a lot more than just dating.”

I’m the obvious choice to buy them out. If they don’t choose me to do that when they retire, then I’ll just start my own practice. It’s time to start living.

The four of them file into the room, and although they’re all smiling, I can feel the tension all around us. “Just say what you have to say.”

“She’s family,” Brooks speaks up. “And too damn young for you,” Declan adds. “Too sweet to be tossed away,” Sterling comments.

I’ve never met a woman who could hold my attention like Ramsey does. When it’s the two of us, even in a crowded bar, it feels like we’re alone.

A vision of life with him by my side flashes through my mind. “I want a man who will love me and honor me.

I want someone who will stand beside me and let me make my own choices. I want someone who is in my corner always but still not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong.”

It’s the best I can do without telling him that he owns my heart. I’m not ready to bare that truth just yet.

don’t feel like the meek girl who stood by and let those who were supposed to love her walk all over her. I feel strong and confident.