Page 20 of Purgatory (Devil Dogs of the Apocalypse #1)

Alessandra

Hawk and I walk in companionable silence the entire way back to the house and it’s everything I didn’t know I was missing.

The simplicity of holding hands is enough to give me butterflies, let alone the amazing kiss that we had.

I know, right? It’s like I’m in high school again.

That’s how touch deprived I am. That something so insignificant, like his thumb softly caressing the back of my hand right now, could make me swoon like a revolutionary era debutante.

He was such a good kisser too. Soft, firm lips, caressive and commanding.

I can still feel his lips on mine as we part ways at the steps of the house.

“Go and follow that pathway, it’ll bring you to the garden. Cole should be there and he’ll show you the ropes. I’ll go take care of prepping the fish.”

I nod with a coy smile and go to turn down the pathway when he stops me with a hand around my elbow. Turning back to him he’s right there, staring down at me. He gives me a quick kiss, ending it with a bite of my lower lip and a smirk before he turns and heads inside.

Come on knees, don’t fail me now...

Taking a deep breath and mentally pulling myself together takes a second or two, but eventually my head clears and strength returns to my wobbly legs.

I take my leave and start to walk down the pathway towards the garden, spending extra time taking in the breathtaking scenery.

I don’t care much for when it’s quiet, since it reminds me of what I’ve lost, but here, I could get used to it.

There are birds singing their songs in the trees, squirrels fighting over their nuts and bolts and best of all, I’m not alone.

The screaming truth of that comes at me full front when I look up from my amble and see Jax and his dog playing fetch.

His chest is bare, glistening with sweat and his shirt is stuffed haplessly into the back pocket of his worn and faded jeans.

It must be his normal state since that’s, pretty much, the only way I've seen him. Why even bring the shirt with you if you’re just going to shove it in your pocket after five minutes of being outside?

His dog catches the ball and trots back to where Jax is sporting a full-face grin and lounging on the grass, dropping it into his hands and starts dancing for him to throw it again.

I don’t get it. Jax seems so content and happy right now, not at all how I left him last night. Although, I guess I can’t question his happiness when I, myself, woke up as crabby as a cantankerous crustacean but, now, I’m as happy as a clam with a pearl necklace.

Well.... we’re still waiting on the pearl necklace...

“Stop it or we’re gonna walk right into a tree. Focus!”

I’m still a little more than curious as to what exactly happened last night but I’m not about to push for answers. The constant swing of his emotions is giving me whiplash.

Taking note, I try to stay to the side of the path where the trees offer some cover so as to not poke the beast any more than I already have.

Skirting the edge of the property, I notice red dots confettied amongst the various bushes.

With my curiosity peaked, I inch closer to inspect the crimson devils. No fucking way...