Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
His laugh warms me to my core. “Raincheck. I’m having dinner with Dante.”
“You’re walking?”
He frowns. “I always do.”
“It’s not safe.”
Irritation flickers in his hazel eyes. “Where’s fun Atlas? Because Daddy Atlas just isn’t doing it for me.”
I crash my lips to his, kissing the bratty words right out of his mouth. By the time I finish ravaging his sweet tongue with mine, he’s melted butter in my arms.
“I’m sorry,” I mutter.
“I know.”
We pull back, and I get the distinct feeling of someone watching us. Sure enough, a car drives slowly past the police station window. I recognize the vehicle as one I’ve seen Ned driving around in. Fantastic.
“You want a lift back to the house?”
“Nope,” he says, patting my chest. “I’ll be home in five minutes, and then I’ll hop the fence to have dinner with Dante.”
“Text me a picture of your dick when you get home.”
Code for: Let me know you’re safe because I fucking worry.
“You bet,” he agrees and gives me another quick kiss. “Talk to you later.”
I reluctantly let him go and worry like hell the entire five minutes.
It all disappears and is replaced with a pleased groan when I get my requested dick pic. Thank fuck. He’s home and safe. Callan may not want to drive, but this shit where he walks around while people like Ned prowl the streets isn’t working for me.
He’s going to get his license and soon.
And he can attempt to safe word his ass out of it all he wants, but I’m not budging on this one. Not this time.
Callan
The lipstick tubes in my pocket have become my safety net. I keep clutching them over and over again as I wait for Dante to get home. Jax isn’t here, and Zak must be at work. It feels weird being at their house when I technically don’t live here anymore.
Another burst of wind sends ice pellets spraying my face. I have a key. I should just go inside. Yet, my stubborn ass sits here, waiting for Dante to let me in.
Headlights swing down the street, temporarily blinding me. Dante’s familiar Range Rover pulls into the driveway. He shuts off the vehicle and climbs out. I can’t see his face in the dark, but I can practically feel his disappointment.
“Hey,” I greet.
“Hey.” He walks up the porch steps, and the light illuminates his face. “I got Martha Joy’s.” He holds up the bag in his hand rather than chewing me out for waiting outside.
“Sweet,” I say and take the bag from him so he can let us in. “How’s Shelly these days?”
“You know Shelly. Fine. A pain in my ass.” He unlocks the door and pushes inside. “She wants to fly in an ice sculpture artist from New York. For a wedding in Brigs Ferry Bay. It’s over the top, and she knows it.”
I laugh as I shut the door behind me. Dante makes his way into the kitchen, an entourage of cats following him. Ox thumps his tail against the floor, acknowledging our presence but too lazy to get up and say hi. I shed my coat, dropping it off on the recliner.
“Where’s Jax?” I ask once I reach the kitchen.
Dante is pulling dishes and silverware out, so I take the food containers from the bag.
“He went to have a drink with Brie. We’ll see him in a bit.”
We load our plates up with fried clams and coleslaw and Martha Joy’s famous cheese biscuits. Once we’re settled at the kitchen table, Dante studies me.
“You look good,” he says. “You’re having an orange day?”
My cheeks flame with heat as I think about the lipstick I plan on wearing later for Atlas. Orange. I’m going to make his dick orange to match my lips. So dirty.
“Yeah,” I croak out, dropping my stare to my food. “Feeling inspired lately.”
“Maybe getting out on your own is exactly what you need then,” he concedes, drawing my attention back to him. “I don’t want to be your keeper.”
His tone is sincere. I feel like a dick for treating him the way I have. Though it feels justified, I still hate that we’ve gotten to this point. We’re practically strangers.
“I like it. On my own, I mean. I’ve been studying all night and doing my coursework while Atlas is working.”
His brows knit together. “Seems like you and Atlas hit it off well. I’m glad you’re making friends.”
We hit it off well, all right…
“He’s fun,” I say honestly. “Makes me laugh.”
Dante smiles. “Good. You don’t do enough of that.”
“I mean, Cormac and Zak are great. It’s just…” I trail off. “You know.”
“What?”
“It’s just different. Zak wants me, and Cormac is so damn secretive. Atlas can’t keep his mouth shut to save his life.” A laugh tumbles out of me. “I guess you already know this about him, though.”
He grimaces. “Jax says he’s stirring up all kinds of trouble. But, he claims it’s necessary if this town has any hope for getting better. For your sake, I want it to be.”