Oz clips out each word at the end, but all Alexander can do is nod. His breath is coming out in choking gasps, and he’s turned from red to purple.

Walking over, I place my hands on Oz’s back. “I want to go home,” I tell him, and I feel him release a deep breath. It takes a solid minute before he relaxes, but he finally releases him, letting Alexander crumple to the ground.

Oz turns to look down at me, grabbing my hand once again. I look over at Paige, who’s looking at her father like he’s a pile of trash on the floor. After a beat she turns to us, and I see something flash in her eyes, but it’s gone so quickly I’m not sure if I even saw it.

“Your driver’s out front, sir.” Captain’s words break the silence that’s fallen over us.

I glance around, not knowing what to do, but Captain walks over to Paige and takes her hand. He looks back to us and he and Oz share a look, and I feel that there’s so much passing between them that I still don’t know. But there’s not time to explain, because Oz wants to get me as far from here, and as far from Alexander as possible.

He wraps his arm around my waist and we walk out to the street and quickly climb into the back of the limo. I don’t fight him, wanting to put distance between that situation as much as he does. Oz wastes no time in pulling me into his lap.

“You okay?” I ask, worried about what the confrontation might have done to him.

“I’ve been after revenge for my mother all these years, and she doesn’t even seem to give the man two thoughts.” He lets out a deep breath. “But I knew when you came into my life that it needed to end. I couldn’t live a life where I was worried about you around every corner.”

“I’m not scared of him, if that’s what you’re thinking. I’ll keep my security and do as you guys ask if you’re worried about him coming after me,” I offer.

“You don’t want me to let it go?” he asks, a hand coming up to cup my cheek.

“I want you to do whatever it is you think you should do, but I don’t think Paige is going to let it go.”

He’s still for a few seconds, as if he’s thinking about what he should do.

“I wouldn’t stand in the way of Paige,” he tells me. He wouldn’t but I also can’t stand aside and let her walk alone. I don’t tell Oz that. Maybe with time I can bring Paige and Oz together. Make us all a family.

“Did it scare you when I grabbed him in there? Threatened to kill him?” he asks, and I can see the worry in his eyes.

“I’ve never been scared of you, Oz. You were protecting the people you love. That doesn’t scare me. It’s another reason I love you.”

“I told myself I’d never be like him but I can’t help but compare some of our similarities.”

“Oz, you are nothing like that man! How can you even think that?”

“How can you not?” he returns, his words sounding sad.

I cup his face. “You’d never hurt me. Ever. Think about it, Oz. Everything you have ever done when it came to us is for me.”

“Is it? Or is it for me?” He takes my hands and places them on his chest, letting them rest there. “I stalked you when I knew I wanted you, did everything to make sure I could have you. I mapped out your whole life to lead to me, so that you would need me. I’ve even been trying to get you pregnant. Each time I took you that thought flooded my mind. That if we had a baby you could never leave me. We’d have something that linked us together forever. The worst part is knowing that I’ll never let you go. Can’t you see how selfish I’ve been?”

I smile at that because he’s put himself in the corner. “Oz, am I like your father?” He tries to cut me off but I keep going. “Because I would never let you go either, and if anyone ever threatened you or tried to take you from me I’d kill them, too.”

His eyes search mine. The longing to believe that what I’m saying is true is written all over his face. Has he done crazy things to get me? Yes. I could see myself doing those things, too. He’s watched me for years, and I can see why he’s gone a little crazy. I haven’t known him long either, and I’m starting to have those thoughts already.

“I love when you take me bare.” I drop my voice and try my own seduction. I have the same need to tie us together as he does.

I watch all the fear and worry drain from his face and body, realizing how much I care about him. His actions tonight don’t make him like his father. He kisses me softly. “I think I should make love to you for the rest of the night.” His hands roam my body. “I don’t know if this dress is going to make it home.” He growls the last part as my back hits the limo floor.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Miles

* * *

I hear the soft tones of my alarm, and I reach over to quietly turn it off.

Mallory is on her stomach, her hand tucked under her pillow. Her lips are slightly parted as she sleeps, and I ache to lie there and look at her. I could watch her every second of every day and only fall deeper in love with her.

I tuck the blanket around her and slip out of the bed silently. I pull on a pair of jogging pants and a T-shirt and make my way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.

When I get there, I call down to the front desk and make sure the arrangements are in place. Then I get to work on making my woman breakfast in bed.

We stayed up late last night, and my cock twitches with the memory of getting her home and ripping that scrap of a dress off her body. Her curves were driving me insane all night. I took her until she passed out, and then I watched her sleep. I’d made some calls after that, and put things into motion. I couldn’t wait any longer. I’d waited years, and I was done.