Inevitable Detour (Inevitability Book 1)(75)

“Don’t be,” he murmurs.

He’s hard beneath me. One shift of my body and he could be sheathed within me. “I want you,” I groan.

“So, take me,” he says playfully.

I do.

I shift.

He groans.

We move.

Our sex becomes urgent and raw, reflective of the day we had. Afterward, I remain wrapped up in Farren’s strong, capable arms. He kisses the top of my head, and I nestle in closer. “Are you still afraid?” he asks.

“How can I not be?” I say.

Sighing, he says, “I told you once before that I would be fine. And I was. This time, I’ll be fine as well, Essa.”

“Promise?” I ask him.

“I promise, darling.”

I intertwine my fingers with his, bringing them to my mouth. Brushing my lips over our joined hands, I say, “And what about us? Will we be fine, too?”

I feel Farren peering down at me, but I don’t look up. I can’t. “What are you asking me, Essalin?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Nothing, I guess.”

I don’t want to pressure Farren into saying something he doesn’t feel. But I can’t stand it any longer. My feelings for him are boiling over. He included me in his statement about protecting the ones he loves, but I need to know where we stand, especially since he’ll be leaving me at some point.

Farren is watching me; I feel his eyes on me. I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze, though. He’ll see right through me.

Farren, however, isn’t stupid. He knows.

“Ah,” he says, “you want to know how I feel about you. You want the words.”

“Well, yeah. You give me nothing, Farren. You’re so”—I search for the right word—“withholding when it comes to relationship talk.”

“Withholding?” He laughs, and his chest rumbles beneath me.

I lift my head, finally glancing up. He’s smiling, confident, sure. “I give you everything, Essa. How can you not see that?” He loosens my grasp on his hand and reaches for my cheek.

I swat him away, but not because I don’t want his touch. “You’re leaving,” I say, choking up as I express what’s really weighing on me.

“Essa, Essa.”

He touches my cheek again, and this time I don’t swat him away. “I wish your hand could remain on me forever,” I say.

“I just promised you that I’ll be back,” he reminds me. I say nothing, and he adds, “And do you know why?”

I shrug and try to look away, but his hand on my cheek ensures I remain looking at him. His expression softens as he says, “I’ll be back because nothing will ever keep me away from the woman I love.”

“What?”

He chuckles and cups my face. “I said I love you, Essalin. Somewhere along the way, throughout this crazy journey, I fell in love with you.”

I’m still in shock. “How long have you known?”

“For a while now,” he admits.

“You love me,” I echo, amazed. I can’t believe Farren has said the words, words I’ve longed to hear. I’ve felt his love, but hearing him say it out loud leaves me happy and elated…and every other good thing you can think of.

“Essa, do you love me back?” he asks.

I touch his face, my fingers gliding along his day’s-end stubble. “You know I do,” I whisper.

“Say it,” he rasps.

His hand moves down to my lower back, caressing and soft, promising more.

“I love you, Farren,” I whisper.

“And I love you,” he tells me again.

Then, Farren Shaw shows me how much he loves me.

Let’s just say it’s a lot.





Lead-in to Inevitable Circumstances (Inevitability #2)



After Farren, Haven, and I arrive in New York City, I keep waiting for the ax to fall, for Farren to be pulled away from me. I fear Dawson, and I loathe the thought of Farren leaving to go hunt him down. But I know Dawson and his organization must be stopped. If not, we will always be in danger.

As Farren helps Haven and I settle into his spacious, luxurious apartment—the one with the amazing view of Central Park—my worries are temporarily assuaged. Rick and Vincent are unable to pinpoint a location on Dawson, so Farren gets to stay…for now.

Farren tells me, “Let’s make the most of it.” And we do.

Farren shows me and Haven around the city. Our first two weeks are spent sight-seeing, going to museums, eating in a variety of restaurants. We even take in a couple of shows. Haven loves those nights most of all.

When Farren and I are alone, we stroll over to Central Park. We walk, and we talk. Sometimes we pack a picnic lunch and eat in Sheep Meadow. And every day I fall more in love with Farren. He loves me as well. Apart from telling me often, his love shines in his emerald eyes.

Haven, who recovers fully from her traumatic experience, becomes more and more interested in Rick. He seems to definitely like her, too. They speak whenever they can and text often. She tells me he plans to spend some time in New York City, once the situation with Dawson is resolved. Haven also stays in contact with her father. Mr. Barnes again invites her to his mansion in Connecticut, but she politely informs him she’s still not ready.