Total pages in book: 48
Estimated words: 45031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45031 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
With a sigh, I nodded. “Yes, Apple. I think he’s earned my trust. Just please respect my wishes in this?”
“I will. Thanks, Dani.”
“I’ll go with her.” Lemon stood. “Make sure the lovebirds behave.”
“Christ, Lemon.” My lips wanted to curl despite everything that had just happened. “Can you try to not be so abrasive?”
“Works for him.” She nodded at Wylde. “I reckon it’ll work for me too. To be honest, I don’t really care. See me, love me, motherfucker.”
That got a bark of laughter from both Wylde and Blaze. Neither man bothered to hide their mirth.
“Don’t encourage her. She’s bad enough as it is.”
“Why would I not encourage her?” Wylde chuckled. “She’s me.”
“Don’t know about that,” Lemon said. “But I know I’m either a pleasant surprise, or I make everything incredibly fucking uncomfortable and awkward. Like a finger in the asshole.”
That was all Blaze could take. He doubled over with laughter. Wylde too. Both men had tears streaming down their cheeks. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t too.
I pointed at Lemon. “Go pester someone else.” She just shrugged and left, taking her sister with her.
“Got a guy I want Sting to look into, Blaze. Kid from the school. Not sure what he’s got planned later, but he’d make a damned fine prospect. Maybe not now, but when he’s ready. Big kid. Looked like a linebacker.”
“Oh?” Blaze raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah. Was a really good help when we got to the first class. Even kept the teacher focused. Seems to have a good head on his shoulders. Obadiah Mason. Goes by Obie.”
“In high school? You sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m just saying it might be a good idea for the officers to look into him. Maybe keep an eye on him while he’s in town. I’m gonna be watchin’ him. Just for shits and giggles.”
Blaze nodded once. “I’ll let Sting know. He’ll likely get with you later.” He gave me a wink. “Sure now’s not the time. Go comfort your woman. That shit can wait.”
Once everyone was gone but me and Wylde, he lifted me into his arms and left. I was glad because sitting so close to my own puke was a bit disconcerting. I probably should have protested, but it felt good to be in his embrace. So I just circled his neck with my arms and buried my face in his chest and let the tears come.
I don’t really remember getting to the room we shared, but the next thing I knew Wylde stood me in front of the bathroom sink and opened a new toothbrush for me, fixing it so I could brush my teeth and rinse my mouth out. Not long after that I found myself sitting on the bed with Wylde holding me as tightly as I held him. He’d turned me so I was straddling his lap with my head resting on his shoulder.
“I’ve got you, baby. Everything’s OK.” He rubbed my back over and over, soothing me in a way no one in my life had ever been able to. Maybe it was because even before our mother had died, I’d felt responsible for the twins. Or maybe I just never trusted anyone enough to let them in.
“I only pretended not to want them, you know.” I spoke softly, not really sure why I was telling Wylde this, but needing to get it out. “Lemon and Apple. I gave them those ridiculous names out of spite, but Mom just gave me a little knowing smile. I think she knew I’d end up being the one to raise them. It’s why she wanted me to bond with them.”
“You did, baby. You did exactly that.” Wylde rocked me in his arms, all the while clinging to me as hard as I clung to him. “You love them like they were your own. Everyone can see that, including them.”
We sat like that for a long while before I framed his face in my hands and kissed him with all the fear and desperation inside me. It seemed like we were always needing to comfort each other, but I was fine with it. It felt like… home. A family.
I surrendered to Wylde, letting him lead us because I knew he needed me as much as I needed him. As always, when he made love to me, my body sang in his embrace. Wylde took me to heights of wonder I’d only ever read about. Always, before he came, he saw to my pleasure. Several times. Now was no exception.
When we were spent, lying in the bed with Wylde draped over me, his head between my breasts, he lapped lazily at my nipple. I tunneled my fingers through his hair and massaged his scalp for the sheer luxury of it.
“I’ve set Ace up to get your tat tomorrow,” Wylde murmured lazily to me. It sounded like he was half asleep already.