Free Protecting His Forever by LeAnn Ashers Page A

and then I went to war.”
    Sighing, I say, “Yes, there is more to you, Kane. Growing up like that doesn’t define you. It doesn’t change the way I see you.” Propping myself up on one elbow, I look him directly in the face. “We all have demons, Kane. Some are deeper than others. You can’t let those demons dictate your life. You are someone. You are someone to me . You make me happier than I have ever been in my whole entire life. Since being with you, you put me above everything else. You want to protect and care for me.”
    Kane eyes never leave mine. His face is full of raw emotion. “Baby…” he starts, but I stop him with my mouth on his.
    This kiss changes everything. This kiss is so much more than a kiss. I have fallen for him. Hard. I know he feels the same. You don’t need the words to know someone loves you. You can tell by the way they look at you. When Kane holds me, it’s like I’m his world, and I’m the only thing holding him together.
    His hand sinks into my hair, and he lays me gently down onto the bed without breaking our lips. His body lying on top of mine, his other hand framing my face gently, he leans up so he is looking down at me. His eyes are full of emotion. Mine are showing him the same.
    He lays his head at the crook of my neck. Wrapping my arms and legs around him, I let out a deep breath and close my eyes.
    I drift off into a deep sleep. Kane’s body never leaves mine the entire night.

Chapter Eight
     
     
    Today is my mom’s birthday. We’re all getting together for dinner. Grabbing her gift off the counter, I hurry out the door and into my car. My mom is turning forty-five-years-old, but she doesn’t look her age. Most people think we’re sisters.
    Smiling, I turn up the radio and sing along when “Yours” by Elle Henderson comes over the radio. It’s been two weeks since the incident at the club. Braelyn is doing better, but she’s closed into herself again.
    Kane and I have become closer. That night changed everything. Everything is intensified. I love him. I’ve never been in love before and this happening is so fast it’s overwhelming.
    Pulling in front of my mother’s house a few minutes later, I see I’m the only one that’s here. Chase is bringing the guys’ Sergeant.
    Walking into the house, I see my mother cooking; I offered to cook, but she wouldn’t let me. Pulling her into a hug, I tell her, “Happy birthday!”
    “Thanks, baby.” She pats my back before turning back to the stove.
    Laying her gift on the island, I ask, “Do you need me to do anything?”
    “You bring the food to the table?” She motions to the food across the room.
    “You should have let me cook, Mom.” I huff as I pick up the first huge dish of food. She waves her spatula at me.
    “Pish posh. Do as I say.”
    Setting the plates on the table, I go back to the kitchen to spend some time with Mom.
    “How are you and Kane?” She gives me a sly smile.
    Not able to keep the grin off my face, I say, “Everything is great.”
    She laughs under her breath. “I knew everything would turn out, honey. The way that man looks at you…”
    “Mom, I love him,” I answer honestly. She turns around to look at me.
    “I know you do, honey. He loves you too.” She grins.
    The roar of a truck coming up the driveway has me running out of the house. I haven’t seen Kane in two days. Too long in my opinion.
    The screen door smacks against the siding as I go onto the porch. He steps out of his truck. His black t-shirt is tight around his broad shoulders, bulging at his arms, and loose around his waist. The tattoos on his arms are bright and glowing in the sun.
    Running down the steps, I tackle him in a hug. My legs go around his waist, and his hands go to my butt to hold me up.
    “Hi, sweetheart.” His breath tickles my ear. Shuddering, I raise up to meet his gaze.
    “Hi,” I whisper back before sealing my lips to his. He growls low in his throat as he bites my bottom lip. Gasping, I