Brazen and the Beast: The Bareknuckle Bastards Book II

Nora gasped, and Nik was out the door for the doctor, and Hattie tightened her hand in his, and said, “That was a very tempting offer.” He laughed at the words, unable to keep the tears from spilling down his cheeks. “I’m very happy to hear it.” Her hand came to his head, her fingers tangling in his hair, weak, but there. “Tell me,” she whispered.

“I should have told you how beautiful you are. I should have said it more. I should have said it until you forgot there was a time when you didn’t believe it.”

“I’ll never not be hers.”

And I should like very much for that life to be so long that we grow old next to each other, rattling about in our home, with our children and grandchildren coming and going and rolling their eyes at how I never stopped being a fool over you.”

“You love me?” Heat flashed through her, followed by cold, and then pure panic. “What? No. What?” She paused, her breath coming harsh. “What?”

“It is he who should be afraid of me,” she vowed, fury coming hot and powerful. “I should like to have a good go at him with my bare hands.” His eyes went wide, and he huffed a little, surprised laugh. “You are very angry.”

And there it was. Her answer. “That’s what this is; you keep me safe from him.” He met her eyes. “Until my dying breath.”

“So far above you, you can barely see her,” Devil said softly. The words full of memory.

“Now, tell me how you cocked it up, so I can impart additional wisdom as your older, wiser, brother.” “We were born on the same day.” “Yes, but it’s clear my soul is wiser.”