Total pages in book: 35
Estimated words: 32750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32750 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 164(@200wpm)___ 131(@250wpm)___ 109(@300wpm)
He backs away slowly. “Y-you’re going to regret this, Skyler. You and Crystal, both.”
“No, I don’t think she will,” I growl. When his beady eyes dart toward me, I raise a clenched fist. “Now run along before I give you a black eye to match your broken nose.”
Nate scampers out the door with his tail tucked between his legs like the wounded animal he is. As soon as he’s out of sight, Skyler slumps against me.
“I thought he’d never leave,” she mutters, flexing the hand she used to punch him. A slight bruise has already started to form on her knuckles. She touches the tender area with her uninjured hand and hisses.
“Don’t touch it,” I tell her. “It’ll be sore for a few days, but with a little bit of ice and rest, you’ll be back to defending the gym in no time.”
Skyler cracks a small smile. “Okay, but don’t let any villains take over while I’m out of commission. Can’t let all of my hard work go down the drain.”
Love and pride fill my chest as I smile back at her. Watching my baby girl stand up for herself was the most amazing thing I’ve ever witnessed. I was ready and willing to fight her battle for her, but I can see now she’s more than capable of winning her own wars.
“So, it’s true, then?”
Skyler and I turn to see Barbie, Moodie, and a handful of regular gym members staring at us.
Barbie continues, “You two really are a thing?”
I meet Skyler’s questioning gaze and can’t help but smile. I stand up straighter, draping my arm around her shoulders, loving how natural it feels to pull her close in a public place.
“Yes, Skyler and I are dating.”
Surprise colors Barbie’s features, but the disapproval I expect to see in her gaze isn’t there. “Well, damn, little brother. And here I thought you were practicing to be a monk.”
She winks at me and my face heats up.
“I’d have thought you’d be pretty pissed at me.”
“Why the hell would I be pissed?” Barbie asks, looking genuinely confused. “I’m the one who’s been hassling you to settle down. Skyler’s young, but she’s a smart cookie, and more responsible than a lot of girls her age. I know you wouldn’t take advantage, and frankly, with a right hook like that, I don’t imagine she’d let you. As long as you two make each other happy, y’all have my blessing.”
Skyler flashes my sister a gracious smile. “Thank you, Barb.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart.” Barbie nods to her hand. “Now I think it’s safe to assume you won’t be teaching tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure everyone knows class is canceled. Just as soon as I take care of these looky-loos.” She shoots a hard glare at the handful of patrons who are still standing around, watching us like we’re putting on community theater.
“I can send out a text,” Skyler says.
“No-ope,” Barbie tsks, wagging her finger back and forth. “Both of you’ve done enough here for one night. What y’all need to do is go home and take care of that hand.”
I can tell she expects me to argue, but all thoughts of sticking around the gym evaporate the second my gaze meets Skyler’s. She smiles up at me, her lips the color of ripe strawberries.
“You’re right, Barb,” I say. “I’ve got more important things to do tonight. Don’t forget to lock up.”
Barbie scoffs and turns around with a wave. “He gets a girlfriend and suddenly he thinks he can sass to me. You two get out of here before I make you scrub the floors.”
I hustle Skyler out the door and into the darkened night. Her hand feels perfect in mine, just the right size, as we make our way over to my truck.
“Wow,” she says. “I can’t believe we have the whole night ahead of us. Should we make something for dinner? Or watch a movie? Might be nice to get to bed early tonight, too.”
“Didn’t you hear me, Baby Bird?” I say, unlocking my truck. “I said I have important things to do tonight.”
I open the passenger-side door and help her inside. I can already feel my cock swelling as she settles into the seat and breathes the word, “Oh...”
twelve
SKYLER
The instant we make it to my apartment, Ben is on me. His lips latch onto mine, hungry and possessive. I shiver as we stumble down the hall toward my bedroom.
“Baby, baby, baby,” he chants like a prayer.
I lie down on the bed, my skin tingling as he removes my clothes and underwear.
“God, Baby Bird, you’re so beautiful,” he says, almost reverently.
His praise overwhelms me. I whine softly and bury my face in the comforter. Ben shifts above me and then I feel light kisses trailing down my upper arm.
“It’s true,” he says. “You’re beautiful and strong and intelligent...” He accentuates each compliment with the press of his lips to my skin. “I love you so much. I’m so glad you’re in my life.”