Total pages in book: 101
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97426 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 487(@200wpm)___ 390(@250wpm)___ 325(@300wpm)
He holds me so tight as he devours my mouth I think I might end up with bruises. I’ve never felt more safe in my life. The sound of another bike pulling up breaks the kiss.
“Time to go, family,” Pit croons. “Rome says there’s a patrol unit nearby. Since somebody wanted to rush in, we need to head out now. I’ll lead the way. He has an exit route.”
He peels off as I climb on the back of the bike with Ant after he places his helmet on my head. I hold on tight as he brings up the rear behind the cars.
The sound of sirens fades in the distance as we speed away. I give Ant a squeeze and give a big thanks that he stayed true to his word.
When we get to the house, Ven is pacing in the front yard. I smile because she doesn’t look happy to have stayed behind. I’m sure my son in the house is the only reason she did.
I climb off the bike and she rushes into my arms. I hold my cousin tight and take my first real breath. It hits me that it could have been me lying on the ground in that parking lot.
“I swear I’m wrapping you and Shawn in bubble wrap and sticking y’all in my basement. I love you so much. You guys aren’t going to stress me out this whole pregnancy, damn it.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll schedule my next kidnapping for the week after the baby is born,” I tease.
“Shut up.”
“Come here,” Ant calls from behind as he tugs me out of her embrace.
If I thought he planted a kiss on me back at that lot, what he does now consumes me in this moment. I moan into his mouth as he searches mine, as if my cavern holds all the world’s secrets.
I lift onto my toes and cling to his T-shirt. This kiss speaks of years of broken hearts and lost dreams that have returned. It speaks of home and love.
I whimper when he breaks the kiss. He tugs my head to his chest and holds me close. Kissing my head repeatedly.
“I love you,” he keeps saying between kisses.
I wrap my arms around him and hold on tight. The connection between us feels like it has deepened. It charges the air around us.
“I appreciate you guys. Anything you need, call me.”
“I’ll bill you for my paint job,” Luke snorts.
“That was some sick shit. I had no idea your big ass could ride like that,” Tak croons.
“I better not find a video on the internet,” Pit says.
“Fine, I’ll delete it.”
“Are you dumb?” Deacon says.
“I was kidding,” Tak mutters.
“Yeah, I bet. Listen, I’m booked solid in the morning. I’m glad to have you home safe. Kiss my nephew for me. I’m out,” Deacon says and climbs back into his car.
The others say their goodbyes and take off after him. Ven and Pit are the only ones left as Ant leads me into the house. I’m so exhausted I could pass out right here.
“You mind if we take one of the guestrooms?”
“Not at all. We’ll see you guys later,” Ant replies.
“Ox.”
He stops and turns to Ven. “Yeah?”
“Thank you. Thank you for taking care of my family. I truly love you like a brother. I’m here for you anytime you need me. When you become my friend, it’s for life. You just earned yourself a sister until the grave.”
“It’s our family and I’d do the same for you and Pit. Get some sleep. My niece or nephew is trying to bake.”
She smiles and places a hand on her stomach as she gives him a nod. Pit tugs her shoulder to pull her into him. They enter the room next to AJ’s and we turn for our bedroom.
I could face-plant fully clothed. The adrenaline is wearing off. However, I come to a stop and turn for AJ’s room.
The need to see and hold my son is so strong it almost brings me to tears. As if reading my mind, Ant opens the door to AJ’s room and scoops him out of his bed to bring him with us.
“I need you both with me,” he murmurs and kisses AJ’s head.
I don’t even remember how we all get into bed. All I know is I have the two people I love more than anything by my side as I drift off to sleep.
“I love you, Lex. Till death.”
Those are the last words I hear. I love him, too, until death and beyond.
Epilogue
Assholes Retreat
Ox
I’m standing in my living room with a smile on my face. At thirty-six, my life looks a lot different from what it used to be. Lex and I have talked about moving closer to Pit and Skittles in a year.
Lex signed the contract, and the work has started to expand Ven’s Whips and Toys while also changing its name to Ven and Lex’s Rides and Toys. They both seem happier together.