Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98736 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 494(@200wpm)___ 395(@250wpm)___ 329(@300wpm)
“No. My room.” She holds her hands up for me to pick her up, and I laugh. Bending, I toss her over my shoulder. She giggles as she bounces against my back on our way upstairs. I take her to the other room. The one she normally stays in. Part of me was hoping she would stay with Emerson for two reasons. It will keep me out of her room—not that I would take advantage of her drunken state—and two, I could stay in this room to listen for Emerson in case she needs something or gets sick. I should have taken Lachlan or Maddox to the basement. There’s another bed down there, but that’s too far away from her.
Looks like I’ll be sleeping on the couch downstairs.
I get Monroe in her bed, and turn to step out of the room.
“Roman,” she calls.
I stop and turn to look at her. The room is dark, but I can still make out her form lying in the bed. “Take care of her.”
Something about her request rocks me as if I’ve been sucker punched. Of course I’ll take care of her. I want to be the man to take care of her, but I fucking can’t be. At least not the way I wish I could, but tonight, I can make sure she’s okay. That’s what Monroe is trying to tell me, but her words they bring forward a longing so deep I know it will never disappear.
“Always.” I nod even though I’m sure she can’t see me, and leave the door cracked slightly open. I tell myself I’m only worried about taking care of Emerson, but they’re all my family. Even Monroe. She’s always been there, and she’s like a little sister to me. I’d do anything for any of them.
When I make it back downstairs, Emerson is no longer sitting at the island. My eyes scan the room, and I find her lying on the couch. I make my way to her and kneel. Lifting my hand, I push her hair back out of her eyes. “You okay, baby girl?”
“I drank too much.”
I chuckle softly. “Yeah, you did. You’re going to be feeling it tomorrow.”
“Ugh,” she groans.
“You ready for bed?” I wish I was asking her that so she would be joining me as we sleep, but again, that’s a wish that will never be granted. I have to hold strong. I have to keep reminding myself that she’s too young for me, and that her brother would cut off my balls if he found out I touched her. Hell, if he could read my mind, he’d cut off my balls.
“Will you carry me?”
“Yeah, baby. I’ll carry you.”
I lift her into my arms, bridal style, and she wraps her arms around my neck. She nestles into my chest, and I freeze. Something in my chest feels as though it clicks into place. I shake off the feeling and carry her up to her room.
Once in her room, instead of placing her on her bed, I sit with her in my arms. Her eyes are closed and her breathing is even. Everyone in this house is passed out, and I know it’s wrong, but I just want a few minutes with her. To hold her and curse the fact that there are so many obstacles in our way. I can admit that if she weren’t my best friend's little sister, the age difference is something I could get past. She’s an adult, and knows her own mind, but luck unfortunately is not on our side.
I don’t know how long I sit here, but I need to go. Standing, I place her on the bed and pull off her shoes. I tug the blankets up over her and lean down to press my lips to her forehead. “Night, baby girl.”
I turn to walk away when her hand reaches out and snags my wrist. “Stay.”
I peer down at her with nothing but the moonlight shining through the blinds. “I can’t.” The words feel like sandpaper on my tongue.
“Just until I fall asleep.”
I’m crossing a line and I know it, but I also know that with that soft plea of hers, I can’t say no. I tell myself it’s because I’m worried about her. She might get sick and need me. I tell myself that if Forrest or anyone else walks in, that will be my story of why I’m in her bed. However, as I kick off my shoes and lie down next to her, she curls up against my chest, and I wrap my arm around her. This is more than just watching out for her. It’s wrong, but fuck me, I can’t seem to make myself stand and leave.
Several minutes pass by and her breathing evens out. I need to get up and go downstairs, and I will. I just need five more minutes of this time with her, and then I’ll go. My lips press to the top of her head.