Well February will certainly go down in Texas history! I left Alaska to retire in Texas especially for the less dramatic winters and what happens? We get down to -4 degrees in a winter storm. I can guarantee you I never thought I’d see that in NE Texas! And it snowed twice! Many years Texas never sees snow!
Last week it was as high as 80 degrees and melting this author into a puddle. Weather Whiplash!
Anyway, despite the excitement of broken water pipes, loss of electricity, and taking out my “Alaska” clothes from the back of the closet, the month is gone and I have no idea where it went!
But, regardless of the craziness of the month’s weather, I was able to put out book 3 of Safe and Secure, Saving Ivy.
First, she stole his heart and left him bleeding, then she stole from the Mob. Now he is the only one who can save her. If he will.
Passions burn hot when Kaden rescues Ivy from kidnappers, but she leaves without a word when her fears overcome her. Amid new chaos, Ivy reappears with the mob on her tail and nowhere to run but to Kaden. He will protect her.
It has been a year since sexy as sin, heiress Ivy Linton made the mistake of leaving Kaden’s protection and his bed. When a someone wants her dead or alive, she rushes to the only man who can rock her world and keep her safe.
Kaden ignored his instincts and was too gentle the first time, but he won’t make that mistake again. He wants all of Ivy, and he won’t accept less. To keep her safe, she must agree to his rules and follow his commands, in and out of bed, or there will be consequences. The price is high, and he wants her first payment upfront.
Kaden shook his head as he pulled Ivy into his arms. “Hush, sweetheart. I don’t have a girlfriend. Why would I when I was waiting for you to figure out you belong right here in my arms?”
“Really?” She had to see his face. “You haven’t moved on? You still want me? After I left for so long?”
“Oh, I still want you, but do you want me? You chose to leave without talking. And you need to realize the rules governing my life haven’t changed. My expectations are what they were when you met me and when you walked away from me.”
“But not because we weren’t good together. I left to find out how I really felt about my whole life. Rules?” but she could feel her face heating up. “I’m not sure I remember any rules.”
“Ivy, you know there are things important in my life. I live by certain rules, and you did too. I’ll refresh your memory later. For now, are you coming back to stay, play, or just passing through?”
“That isn’t what I did, Kaden. I wasn’t just playing around. I needed the space.”
“From us?”
“From everything.
“I’m glad you understood when you needed to take a step back to think about those things, but I expected better. We deserved better. There should have been a real conversation, not a bolt to the nearest exit.”
“I know. I’m sorry I didn’t know how to tell you. I couldn’t explain my feelings because I didn’t understand them myself. I panicked.”
“If I take you back now, you have to agree to my way of handling things.”
“Kaden, I can take care of myself. A relationship with you doesn’t mean I’m giving up my autonomy.”
He smiled and hugged her tight again. “Good, because I don’t want a clingy woman in my life, but when I say something is for your safety or health, you will have to trust me.”
“You mean if I don’t see the health or safety hazard myself.”
“I mean, if I say there is a problem, you believe me.”
“Of course. When have I not listened?”
“Montana? Here, last year, when I said I knew there was a problem and going home wasn’t safe. Sharlee offered her home, you accepted then disappeared. We tracked you until you got home but do you know what that did to me?”
Ivy shook her head. “Not then, but as I figured things out in my mind, I realized what happened. I was scared.” She hoped her expression showed how she’d beg for his forgiveness if necessary.
Kaden brushed Ivy’s wind tousled hair away from her face. She ached at the seriousness of the man she knew she loved. “When you’re confused or have questions, you aren’t going to run off and hide; you will come talk to me.” Not a question.
“Yes.”
“And I’m the boss when one is needed.”
“Oh, but… Um, okay. That’s acceptable.”
Kaden cocked his head to the side and openly scrutinized Ivy. “You don’t sound sure.”
“I am. It’s just a big step. I like to be my own boss, but I miss you so much it hurts. I want to agree with your way of doing things, but I’m afraid I don’t know how to let go. What if I can’t?”
“Ivy, do you want to be with me?”
Ivy’s shoulder muscles, held tight, seemed to tighten even more. “Isn’t that what I’ve been saying? But what if I can’t be all you want?”
“Is that a formal commitment? Because I want you, but I’ve already gone through the pain of losing you once. I won’t do it again.” He pulled back to stare into Ivy’s face.
“I suppose I am if there is an “us.”
“Oh, there’s an “us” sweetheart. It has taken you a while to work it out, but there has always been an us. You’ve just been on a long hiatus but no more, understand? I need you in my life every day, not just when it’s convenient. If you stay, there is no leaving. We will move heaven and earth to make this relationship work. I’m in for the long haul. If you stay, so are you.”
The fearful uncertainty vanished in the wake of Ivy’s growing annoyance. “I told you. I didn’t leave you because it was convenient. Nothing in my life has been convenient in the last year and a half. Don’t be such an ass.”
Kaden threw his head back and laughed without restraint. “I have missed you, honey.”
The irritation melted away in a smile. “I’ve missed you, too.”
His head swooped closer and warm kisses tickled Ivy’s lips. Gentle pressure gave way to a deeper, probing kiss, his tongue showing a slight impatience to enter her warmth. Before his libido was too high and his control was gone, he lifted his head.
“And you are due one whopper of a spanking for leaving me hanging for so long.”
Now, on to MARCH!
Alyssa Bailey 