Chapter 56

I won’t step in the middle of your business unless something seems dangerous or wrong. I know you’ve managed just fine for many years without me, and I’d never presume to think that’s changed.”

God, just when she thought the walls around her heart couldn’t crumble anymore . . . “Thank you.”

“If you think I’ve overstepped, we’ll talk. In return, I’ll ask only three things of you.”

Was this the catch she’d been looking for? “What?”

“First, no more stripping. The male population of Louisiana doesn’t need to see my wife naked anymore.”

“Done.” The last thing she wanted to do was take her clothes off for a bunch of drunk, slobbering strangers again. The fact he cared about who saw her body warmed her heart.

“Good. Second, I need your trust. After Peter’s attack, it became clear that someone once raped you. I don’t need details today or tomorrow. But I want you to know you can trust me with whatever you want to tell me.”

She’d figured he’d come to