Page 76 of A Forbidden Arrangement

I laugh. “We’ve literally been together every second of the day.”

He huffs, twirling my hair between his fingers. “Not enough.”

I can’t believe I’ve ever been afraid of this man. I stroke my nails along his temples, and he snuggles deeper into me. I can’t deny it’s been killing me not having him touch me like this.

“Me too. I missed you too.”

Chapter 35

Xander

“Did you get them?”I stare down Bash, who’s slung himself lazily in a club chair. I only have a few minutes until Dahlia is out of the shower.

Bash smirks.

“Do not fuck around right now.” I hold out my hand.

“Jeez.” He places two tickets in my palm. “You know how hard it was to get those? You owe me, buddy.”

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.”

His smile widens, and I suddenly really don’t want to know.

“Just send me the bill.”

“Are you kidding me? I already did. It went right to your accountant.”

Good. I don’t want anybody but me to be the one who buys this for her.

“You look good. Maybe even refreshed?” Bash pries with the subtlety of an elephant.

A door clicks open upstairs. “Get out of here.”

His jaw drops open, eyes wide. “Oh, come on! Don’t tell me you’re not going to let me meet her.”

I flatten my expression.

“Damon and Misty got to meet her. Aren’t I your favorite brother?”

“I’d sayletwould be a stretch. And if you don’t move your ass, you’ll be my favorite ex-brother.”

“Have you told her about the Order of Saints?”

I look away, sucking on my teeth.

“You better get on that.” Bash laughs.

“Xander?” Dahlia’s voice travels down the stairs.

“Get. Out,” I growl.

“Okay, okay. I’m leaving.” Bash raises his hands in front of him in surrender, giving me a mischievous grin. “But Xander, if you don’t bring her to meet us in the next few days, you’ll have all the company you’ll ever need.”

It’s not the threat he thinks it is. It’s been too long since I’ve seen my nieces and nephews. But that doesn’t mean I want the whole family to crash in here. Baby steps. I need to coax Dahlia some more before I dunk her into the deep end that is the Everette family.

“Am I interrupting you?” Dahlia’s standing at the bottom of the stairs, looking between us, cunning eyes taking in the situation. Her head tilts. “Brother?”

“Hi, I’m Bash.” He practically skips to her.