White Knight (Dirty Mafia Duet, #2)(13)

The brightest part of his smile dies, and Cannon’s expression is freshly stamped with seriousness. “The other thing I know is how to trust my instincts. You’re in love with me, whether it’s as Drew Carson or Memphis Lockwood, and there’s not a single fucking chance that you’re going to betray me again.”

He stalks around the island, and my chest rises and falls faster the closer he gets.

“You’re my woman now, whether you like it or not.” One corner of his mouth quirks up. “And I promise I’m going to make damn sure you fucking love it.”

I stare at him in awe as he stops in front of me.

I excelled at hiding who I was from the world. Even more, I excelled at hiding my fears and my demons from myself. So, how in the hell did Cannon Danger Freeman find my heart anyway?





11





Cannon





I may not be a mobster, but I’m a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to take it.

Memphis is mine. For better or for worse. I’m claiming her and I’m not fucking giving her up, no matter what happens next. The decision is made, and the entire goddamned city could come at me and it wouldn’t make a bit of difference. I’m not afraid of a challenge or to watch life unfold with uncertainty. Hell, I’m ready.

Bring it.

I sweep her off the stool, loving the expression on her face. That softness paired with amazement unnecessarily confirms everything I already knew. It was all fucking real. There’s no doubt in my mind. She may try to hide behind her makeup and wigs, but I see through her now.

As I carry Memphis into the bedroom, the plan I have for our future is solidifying with each step. Whoever killed her father will face justice, and I’ll help her make that happen—without getting her fucking killed.

I don’t give a damn how she came into my life, only that she did, and I won’t lose her now.

Once I’ve lowered her to her feet beside the bed, I place my palms on her shoulders and close the gap so that our faces are only inches apart.

“I’m in love with you, Memphis. From now on, it’s just you and me. No more lies. No more hiding. Out in the world, you can be whoever you need to be and say whatever you need to say to keep yourself safe. But when it comes to us, there will be no more secrets.”

Her eyes turn shiny again, and relief smooths her features.

Even as I make the proclamation, I know what I’m doing. I’m opening up the entirety of my past to her, along with my present, and most importantly, my future. Our future.

“You belong with me, and you’re staying with me. We’re a team, and we handle everything together. Got it?”

I never thought I’d say those words. Never thought I’d ever find someone who would understand my life, who could survive it along with me. With her beside me, I feel stronger than ever.

“It can’t be that easy,” she says.

A tear escapes her eye, and I lift my hand to catch it on my thumb. “Not everything in life has to be hard.”

She presses her lips together and slips out of my grip. “Give me two seconds, okay?”

I let her move around me, and she disappears into the bathroom. The faucet turns on, and three minutes later, the real Memphis appears.

No wig. No contacts. Her face scrubbed clean of makeup.

“You’re so fucking beautiful.” I hold out my hand, and she crosses the room to take it.

“I’m in love with you too.” The words tumble from her lips like she just realized how easy it was to say how she feels now that the disguise is gone. After a lifetime of hiding the real Memphis, she’s letting me see her, and I’m fucking proud.

“Good, because this would be awkward as hell if you weren’t.” I lower my head and take her lips, catching whatever she was going to say next on my tongue.

The time for talking is later. Right now, I need to show her exactly what’s on the table. We were fucking explosive together last time, and I know this time will be no different.

Her hands clutch my shoulders when I leave her mouth and trail my lips down her jaw, scraping my teeth along the tendons in her neck as her head falls back with a moan.

“So fucking beautiful,” I whisper against her collarbone as I shove her club vest and shirt down her arms. Beneath is a silky tank I remove with ease, along with her bra. The skirt goes next, leaving her standing in front of me bare-faced and naked but for the tiny scrap of lace masquerading as panties. “On the bed, baby.”

She backs up a step and bumps into the edge before sitting and moving into the middle. I slide my suit jacket over my shoulders and toss it on the chair behind me without turning to see if it made it. Memphis’s gaze locks on my fingers, and I loosen my tie to slide it free. It follows my jacket. Then button by button, I undo my shirt. With each moment that passes, she shifts on the bed, her fingers gripping the coverlet, and I love it. I want her just as eager as I am.

I toss the shirt, then my belt, shoes, and pants. When I’m done, I stand before her naked, with my cock rising to bump against my lower abs.

Memphis sits up straighter as I place a knee on the bed and move toward her. Her hands outstretch, reaching for me, and I know I made the right decision.

Whatever else happens, I won’t regret making this choice. I won’t regret choosing her. Choosing us.