Page 43 of Bit's Bliss

He laughed a second time. “While Addison is definitely a good influence on me, I promise that this time, my words are my own.”

“I appreciate it.”

He returned to the room like Tryst had, and I began the slow walk out of the wine caves. With each step that took me closer to where two men had ambushed me and left me for dead, my legs and feet became heavier, as though I wore weights around my ankles that became increasingly harder to bear.

“Hey, Bit,” I heard my brother Cru call from behind me. I knew his intent and was relieved to not have to walk the rest of the way alone. I stopped where I was and waited for him. Rather than put his hand on my shoulder like Tryst had, Cru walked beside me.

“There’s something I want to ask you,” he said when we were within a foot of the entrance to the room where the attack took place.

“Go ahead.”

“I was wondering if you’d consider being my best man.”

When we stepped outside the cave’s entrance, I turned to face him. “Are you sure?” I asked.

“There’s no one I want standing by my side more than you, brother.”

“I’m honored.” When he held out his hand to shake mine, I pulled him into an embrace instead. “Thank you, Enzo.”

He patted my back. “Thank you, Trevino.”

As I walked to my truck, I noticed his parked beside mine. “You heading home?” I asked.

“I can’t stay away. I missed Daphne so fucking much.”

His eyes met mine, and for the first time in my life, I understood how he felt. I ached being away from Eberly even for the length of the brief meeting. She said she feared I’d get bored with her. I was far more worried she’d get sick of me. I smiled. “I get it.”

14

BIT

When I walked into the cottage, Eberly and Michael were sitting in front of the fireplace in the living room. Each held a glass of wine and was laughing.

“Don’t let me interrupt,” I said, walking over to kiss Eberly’s cheek.

“Uncle Michael was telling stories about my mom and dad.” Her eyes met mine. “Good ones.”

I looked over at him and mouthed my thanks. It was exactly what she needed to offset the constant worry and suspicion she felt for the man who’d raised her. I couldn’t imagine how I’d react if I believed one of my siblings was capable of the things Malcolm had done to her. It would devastate me.

“Be right back,” I said, walking into the kitchen to see if there was any wine left in whatever bottle they’d opened. When I heard his footfalls, I realized Michael had followed me.

“I’m heading over to the caves now unless there’s anything you want to share with me.”

I shook my head. “Brix can fill you in on what we discussed.”

“Eberly is fortunate to have you by her side through this, Trevino. Evelyn and I would be happy to have her stay with us, but I think she’s more comfortable here with you.”

“If she did stay with you, you’d have to put up with me too.”

He chuckled. “I had a feeling that’s what you’d say.”

After pouring my wine, he and I returned to the living room and he told Eberly he’d talk to her in the morning.

I sat beside her, took her glass, and set it next to mine on the table, then put my arm around her. She snuggled closer to me and put her head on my shoulder.

“There’s something I’ve been thinking about.”

Eberly raised her head. “What’s that?”