Total pages in book: 93
Estimated words: 88064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 88064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 440(@200wpm)___ 352(@250wpm)___ 294(@300wpm)
As I hoped, my words have a triggering effect and suddenly, Bradley lurches up, his arm tugging me so tightly against his chest that I lose my breath. Bryce seizes too, every muscle on his ripped chest rippling as he comes inside me. My own orgasm hits me like a whip as Bryce collapses over me, effectively pinning my small body between his and his brother’s.
"Oh god," I gasp, finding Bradley’s hand to hold in mine, and stroking Bryce’s big, strong arm.
"I don’t think he can help you," Bryce mumbles.
We all laugh, and they both slide from inside me with a sound that makes us laugh even harder. I think I must drift off into sex-induced la la land because, when I stir, I’m facing Bradley who’s breathing softly and evenly. Behind me, Bryce makes a contented humming sound, pressing the long, hard line of his body against my ass and thighs. "That was something else," he murmurs into my hair.
"It really was," I whisper.
The sheets rustle as he rolls away, and I feel the soft press of his fingers as they begin tracing the letters of my tattoo. It’s shiver inducing. "There’s something you should know about me, Dawn." I swallow hard as he pauses. "I like giving you what you need, but in exchange, I like to understand why you need it."
"There’s nothing to understand," I tell him, replying with speed that sounds immediately defensive. He makes a light tsking sound and rolls closer again.
"I know you’re running from something. I get that it’s your business. But I wouldn’t be a friend if I didn’t tell you that I’m here for you whenever you want to stop and face whatever’s behind you."
I blink into the darkness, aware of the ticking clock and my own fast beating heart. "Once you're running, it’s so much easier to keep going than it is to stop," I whisper.
He kisses the back of my head, draping his warm arm around me as though he wants to shield me from all the bad in the world. What he doesn’t realize is that by running, I’ve become bad too.
17
LOGAN
I rise early so I can make the most of my visit with my mum today. I try to see her as much as I can, and make it over at least twice a week, sometimes three, when we’re not busy at the bar. I dress in casual clothes that I can work in. There are always things to do at Mum’s, and I like to get stuck in and not have to worry about dirt.
Stepping outside into the fresh morning air fills me with a sense of wonder. It sounds stupid, but when you’ve faced the possibility of no more mornings, each one that you get to experience feels so much sweeter.
As I make my way through the communal area, I find Dawn curled in a hammock, staring into space. For a second, I wonder if she’s asleep with her eyes open, but then she turns to look directly at me. "Hey Logan." Dawn tries to sit up and the hammock sways, causing her to grip onto the sides. "How come you’re up so early?"
"I could ask you the same question?"
"My bed is filled with twins," she says. "They’re too hot and big for me to sleep in between. I felt like I was going to melt."
"Good reason!" I say. "I’m going to see my mum."
"Really. This early?"
Shrugging, I slide my hands into my old jean shorts, widening my stance. "I like to make the most of my visits. She needs my help."
"How come?"
"She’s disabled. Independent as they come, but even so, there are things she can’t do. I pick up the slack."
"Son of the year." She smiles and fiddles with her hair as though she’s worried she isn’t presentable.
"What are you doing now?" I ask her. "Planning to sleep some more?"
"Nah. That ship has sailed. I don’t know. I’m a free agent today."
"Why don’t you come with me? Mum loves company. No pressure."
As soon as I’ve made the offer, I immediately feel like an idiot. Why would Dawn want to hang out with my mum who’s a complete stranger to her? But instead of rejecting my offer, Dawn’s face lights up. "Really? You serious?"
"Yeah. Of course."
"Help me out of this hammock."
Holding the edge of the fabric, I take the weight while Dawn swings her legs, straining to get her feet on the ground. Even with my help, her dismount is still a catastrophe, but rather than being embarrassed, she doubles over with laughter. "You think I’ll get better at doing that before I leave?" she asks.
The word leave hits me more than I thought it would. I don’t know Dawn that well, but over the time she’s been working here, we’ve had fun. It would be great if she could stay awhile. I know there are more than a few of my friends who’d like her to stay, too.