Yours Always, Lukas

"Why were you repeating the word small?" I prodded.

He hesitated before starting to write. It's something I tell myself. It helps when people are around.

"Helps with what?"

If I think small, if I'm small, they aren't as… He took a few seconds to think about the word he wanted. Intimidated?

He underlined the word twice and shrugged one of those massive shoulders. He inhaled deeply and his shoulders slumped.

"Lukas."

Those deep brown eyes met mine.

I don't want you to be scared of me.

My heart broke for him as I read the note. "I'm not scared of you."

I should have been. After what I'd gone through with Dylan, I knew what uncontrolled anger turned into. I should have been terrified to be in this man's presence. I was fairly certain that not much would survive if Lukas Banks ever lost control of the fire storm that was burning within him.

He watched me, looking for any sign that I might be lying.

I moved my hand from his arm and pressed it over his heart. "Lukas, you don't have to be small for me."

Viv

I've spent the past five years of my life with one thing on my mind: Franny. My daughter is my heart and soul. I'd never really had any interest in men since leaving her dad, but that changes the instant I see Lukas walk into my grocery store. The small mountain of a man who doesn't talk has a storm brewing in his eyes, yet I've never felt safer than when I'm with him. But someone out there doesn't want me to be happy and suddenly, my life is in chaos.

Lukas

My entire life, I've been different; I've scared people. Ever since I've lost my voice, it's been even worse. When I walk into a grocery store and the gorgeous redhead at the till talks to me like I'm not a freak, I have to admit, I'm blown away. When she shows up with pie to check on me a week later, I have to tell myself not to be an idiot. Nice girls like her don't fall for monsters like me. Of course, it doesn't take long to fall for her and her daughter. They're amazing.

When someone starts to threaten them, I make Viv a promise. I'll keep them safe. Because the waste of skin trying to ruin her life is wrong: those two little redheads aren't his… they're mine.