The Solemn Vow by Bree Dahlia

Author:Bree Dahlia [Dahlia, Bree]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

“I’m not okay.”

I slipped out of the house early this morning and headed for the city. I ended up downtown, but I didn’t go to the farmers’ market.

“I know. Come here.”

I let Jake pull me into his arms, and he holds me while I cry. I wasn’t sure what to expect when I showed up on his doorstep, but he’s been nothing but a godsend.

“I don’t understand why he’s changed so much.” I choke out the words, not going into detail but not hiding my pain either. “It’s like he’s a completely different man than the one I married.”

He strokes my hair, and the amount of tenderness in his touch makes me cry harder. I’m soaking his shirt, and all he does is grip me tighter.

“I’m here for you, Maddie. As long as you need me. It might not seem okay now, but it will be.”

I think of Rowan’s same assurances, swearing it’ll all be fine, but that’s where their similarities end. Unlike her, Jake isn’t telling me I’m misperceiving Cain’s behavior. I’m aware of the possible conflict of interest, but his support trumps everything. It’s exactly what I need right now.

“I love the birthday present,” I whisper, eyeing the stuffed elephants sitting on top of a wrought iron corner table. Its strength resembles the chest I’m pressed against, the arms embracing me.

He chuckles softly. “I thought you might.”

“I think your niece will too.”

“The trunk also moves to rock her baby.” He sways me in his arms. “Like this.”

My heart gets gooey, and when he kisses the top of my head, the rest of me follows. It’s all very sweet.

“I didn’t mean to bombard you with so many texts yesterday, but I was worried. I’ll always care. More than you can know.”

I disagree. Based on what I’ve experienced so far, I do know. I’d have to be devoid of feelings not to.

“I’d like to see my design again.” I pull away from him and look up. “On your arm.”

He rolls up his sleeve, and this time I show no restraint. I touch his skin, tracing the ink with my fingers, marveling at the creation that’s both mine and his.

“It’s so beautiful,” I say. “I still can’t believe it.”

I press deeper into the muscle, tracing the heart. In awe, I partially circle my other hand around his bicep and stroke the rich colors of the dragon’s scales. He sucks in a breath, and at first I fear I’m hurting him until I realize how ridiculous that is.

“You should stop,” he says in a voice that indicates the opposite. I respect his words anyway, letting my arms drop to my side.

“I didn’t mean to get carried away.” My gaze travels the length of his body. Now I suck in a breath. Everywhere I look is so… hard.

“You didn’t.” He takes my hand in his, stroking my palm with his thumb. “I did. I can’t help reacting to you.”

I feel the same. “We can go back to me crying all over you while you console me.

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