Screaming, Ronnie exploded. Her claws tore into the marble counter leaving deep gouges, and her body shook from the strength of her climax.

Shaw finally unclamped from her shoulder and roared out his orgasm. His entire body shuddered behind her and his grip tightened around her body.

Slumped over the counter, the two of them panted and didn’t speak.

Ronnie didn’t know what to say. What did you say to a man who just made you his for eternity?

Especially when she had the distinct feeling the big-haired idiot hadn’t even realized it.

Chapter Fifteen

O nly the sounds of their harsh breaths filled the large kitchen. Brendon still rested against her and he could feel her body shake beneath his with every rough pant.

She’s mine.

That one thought kept ringing through his head. Over and over.

She’s mine.

She’d always be his. Just as he would always be hers.

Brendon’s lips curved into a smile and he hugged her close. She’s mine.

“Get off me, Brendon.”

Whoa. That didn’t sound good. Especially when she used his first name. She never called him by his first name. And she’d never sounded that cold before. Not ever.

“Now. Get off me now.”

Slowly, Brendon stood straight, gently pulling out of her. He stepped back, quickly disposing of the condom and tucking himself back into his jeans.

Ronnie pushed away from the counter and reached down to grab her shorts. He watched her silently pull the denim on, tug her shirt back into place, turn, and head out of his kitchen. The entire time she never said a word and she never looked at him.

He followed her as she walked to his front door, opened it, and walked to his elevator. She pressed the call button and the doors immediately opened. She stepped inside, pushed a button, and finally looked up at him.

Confused and a little panicked, he demanded, “Where are you going? You promised you’d tell me if you were going to be gone for a while.”

“You’re right. I did.” She gave a casual shrug. “Europe.”

Refusing to believe he heard her correctly, “What?”

“Europe. I’m going to Europe. See ya.”

Then the doors slammed shut in his face.

Ronnie walked out into the main lobby, her eyes focused on the floor. She needed to go. She needed to run. She needed to do something but stay here and face this. She couldn’t face this.

She pushed open the front door of the hotel and stepped outside. After walking past the doormen who helped new arrivals, she stood on the corner. It could have been minutes she stood there or hours, she didn’t know.

“You may wanna put on some shoes.”

Ronnie looked down at her big feet and realized that not only did she not have on shoes, she still only had on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.No wonder she felt cold.

She looked up into the handsome face of Mitch Shaw.

Concerned, he asked, “Sweetie, are you okay?”

“I’m leaving. Before I get trapped any more than I am, I’m leaving,” she spewed out.

“Leaving? Now? You sure that’s a good idea?”

“I always leave.” She headed down the street.

“But why? You and Bren—”

“No. No.” She stopped and spun on him, slamming her hands against his chest like she’d done to his sister. Unlike his sister, however, Mitch didn’t move. Not even a flinch. “Me and ‘Bren’ nothing. I’m going before I start driving a minivan and worrying about the school system.”

“You can’t just leave him.”

“Well, Lord knows I can’t stay!” She knew she sounded hysterical. People on Manhattan streets were actually staring at her. Took a lot to get their attention.

Shaking her head, embarrassed, Ronnie walked off, Mitch right behind her.

“Why are you following me?”

“I’m walking with you. I was leaving anyway.”

Ronnie stopped again and turned, Mitch walking right into her. If he hadn’t grabbed her, she would have hit the ground after bouncing off all those muscles.

She immediately noted the duffel bag on his shoulder. “You’re leaving, too.”

He looked slightly ashamed. “Yeah. Me and Marissa had this fight. She kind of stormed off and…I thought maybe if I—”

“Ran away?”

Gold eyes narrowed. “I don’t see you sticking around.”

Without answering, Ronnie again turned and walked away. She didn’t want this conversation. She didn’t want to talk about this. She wanted to leave. She wanted to go far away. As far away as possible.

“Ronnie, wait.” Mitch grabbed hold of her arm. “Please wait. I’m sorry.”

“He loves you, Mitch. You can’t leave without telling him.”

Mitch gave a low chuckle. “He loves you, too.”

She shook her head. “I can’t hear this. I can’t—” She tried to pull out of his grasp, but Mitch wouldn’t let her go.

“Let’s do this.” His free hand cupped her chin, his fingers smoothing along her cheek. She knew that move. He was trying to soothe her. Calm the yipping dog before she started barking at the neighbors again.

“Let’s go back inside,” he offered, “and talk. I’ll buy you a hot chocolate. We won’t go anywhere until we talk. Okay?”

She knew she should leave, but she didn’t want Mitch to go, too. That wouldn’t be fair to Shaw. “You’ll stay?”