Page 60 of Seven Graves

The… Execu–um…The Delivery Guy

Okay, so maybe I’m a pussy after all…but I did walk through that door today.

I told her I’d kept my word, and I left her alone.

It’s the absolute truth… sort of . There was the one time that I snuck in while she wasn’t home and found the Girthmaster in her rubbish bin.

Mr. Floppy does not belong there. I’m not sure if she knows it was cleaned and stuffed back into her naughty drawer.

I’m not quite sure that she wouldn’t have put it back there herself at some point anyway.

And there was that one phone call that she got from Kensley Financial that pissed her off real good, but it was obvious she had absolutely no idea that it was me, calling from Simon’s work line.

Not a single bit of her ‘uncollected debt’ was true, and she was hell-bent on making sure I knew it—but I just wanted to hear her voice.

I came up with just about anything I could think of to keep her on the phone that day.

Simon, the man of little words and large spirit, nearly beat my Irish ass for it.

But that penny is still around her neck.

And it’s the only reason I have, to hold out hope that she’ll spot this van and walk through that door.

If she doesn’t…then the damn penny is about as lucky as me.

I talked Des up when I got here, and she fixed me the sexiest strawberry milkshake I’ve had to date.

My fingertips drummed on the table in impatience and nerves.

I’m trying not to keep looking at the door.

“So, I’ve known the Greys for a really long time.

” I’m getting really bad about keeping an eye on my fucking surroundings.

Desiree leaned on the wood that connected the back of my seat to the other booth and crossed her arms over her chest. I turned in my seat to look up at her.

“My folks are close with theirs. Seven’s dad gave mine a funeral service fit for a king.

They’re really good people, just incredibly misunderstood. ”

One wouldn’t think I was a socially awkward imbecile, but sometimes…sometimes I fucking am. Am I supposed to say, “Sorry for your loss?” or “No shit, you kind soul that makes an orgasm of a dairy treat?” I sat there like a fuckstick that just got in trouble for chewing gum in class.

“I haven’t seen you in a while, but there for a bit…I didn’t see much of her without you. She was different. Happier. More grounded and secure about herself. Past couple months she’s been the opposite, if not worse than before you started gracing me with your dimples.”

Well, now I just feel like fuckin’ shite…

“I—I’m sorry, I can just…” I started to scoot out of the booth, about to say screw it and make my run of shame before anybody could finish proving that my nuts are non-existent, but Desiree blocked me with her whole ass leg. I eased back into the seat.

“Are you stupid?” I mean…obviously. “She’s in love with you.

I know men do tend to need a little help when it comes to common sense, so I’m telling you…

wait . She looks around this place every time she walks through the door.

She didn’t do that before you. She’s been waiting for you.

It couldn’t be more obvious. So, whatever it is you did?

Say you’re sorry and tell her you love her too. ”

“I did that, Des. It was her choice. I don’t wanna push her.”

“Look, you can trust this…because it’s coming from a woman.

You’re not pushing her. Whatever the reason was?

Is old news. If what you’re saying is true…

then she regrets it. She’s been lost as hell without you.

So, get comfortable, slick.” She strutted off and I can safely say I feel like I just got my ass kicked.

I’m suddenly less than ready for whatever Viper is gonna—

Oh, fuck…she’s here…and she looks…pissed? How did I fuck this up already?

Desiree smirked as Sev walked with that blazing sass that always makes my dick hard. I think she could rip ass right in front of me and it’d still turn me on. God, she’s fucking beautiful. I’ve missed her so mu—

“See ya around?!” Her eyes looked like molten silver, and I choked on a bit of my milkshake. “Almost three months and that’s all you’re gonna say?!” A few heads turned, and I felt my face turn five shades of red.

“You’re—you’re takin’ a pish , right?” Probably the wrong thing to say.

I glanced over at Des, and she shook her head, palming her face.

Too late. I’m owning it. I love it when she fights me.

“I just spent the past three months flippin’ me own life around, as my penance for fuckin’ up yours, in the hopes that you might change your mind.

I spent countless nights with a Hobbit , tryin’ to ‘figger out what else I can do to win ya back without breakin’ my word, Sev!

I finally caught a break, and let you beat me arse , run me through, and I’m still sittin’ in Castine, prayin’ to God that you’ll do it again. ”

She leaned over the end of the table and the penny hung over the wood, catching my attention again. “How’d you get the job…really. Who was the reference?”

“I wasn’t given a name. Swear it. Luck of the Irish , I reckon.”

“Bullshit.”

The entire cafe was invested now. I pinched the penny between my fingers and raised it. “Since we’re talkin’ about bullshit.”

“Oh, can’t wait to hear this.”

Good.

“You’ve never wanted to admit that I started knockin’ that wall down the night ya nearly bit me finger off. Don’t wanna admit you feel anything, damn near had to beg you to say my name the first night we fu—”

“Malek!”

My ass raised off the seat and I matched her proximity, our noses nearly touching.

“You cut me off the night I left. You didn’t even wanna hear it.

I’m not givin’ you a choice now. I won’t fuckin’ walk away a second time without tellin’ you that screwing up your life was the best thing I ever did.

Singin’ in your shower, getting hosed down with pond scum, and playin’ dirty Scrabble was the time of my fuckin’ life.

I hate every second you’re not in it, and if I’m giving up chaos, Seven Grey…

I gotta have you. I fuckin’ love you . So much I can’t stand the misery of my own goddamn company.

I stopped wearing another man’s wedding ring three months ago and won’t wear another unless it’s mine.

And I don’t want one if it’s not matching the one on your hand.

That’s my truth. What’s yours, lass?” The entire establishment was silent, and I let the penny slip from my fingers, sliding back and taking a cocky sip from my milkshake, eyeing her like a predator.

She straightened and looked like we’d traded places.

Like she was about to become the executioner, and my bollocks were on the chopping block.

“I hate strawberry milkshakes. I’ve spent my entire life convinced that I’m some freak, designed with every flaw that renders me utterly invisible, unlovable , and not worth the simple gesture of a smile .

Then here you come, all tattoos and dimples and snarky retorts, bulldozing my life and telling me how perfect I am.

What the hell was I supposed to think, Malek?

What was I supposed to say ? That you checked all the boxes, and it terrified me?

That as much as it drove me insane, it was still too good to believe it was true?

You want me to tell you that letting you take a walk was because I felt nothing?

You know why . You told me to hate you in the morning, and goddammit, I’ve tried.

I really have. A part of me will always hate you for making me feel what I didn’t want to. ”

Say it, Seven. Just say it!

I pulled the wrapper off another straw and slipped it into the other side of my milkshake, leaning myself back against the wooden wall.

She glanced back and forth in confusion, and I rested the back of my head, waiting and giving her a silent invitation.

I dunno what else to do…and my heart is pounding.

Desiree and every patron in this joint is waiting with bated breath. Is this not a bad 80’s movie?

“Prove that,” I said simply. She mumbled something under her breath, and it wasn’t just me that leaned in to try to hear it while she looked around anxiously.

“Pardon?” I raised an eyebrow—the pierced one that grates her nerves.

God, I love that look. That’s the look that makes her pull out sharp things.

“I… (what the fuck) …you…”

“Can’t hear ya.”

I stood, resting a knee on the seat and scooting closer.

“ I LOVE YOU! God, you’re such a—” I cut her off, grabbing the back of her head with my fist and pulling her to me by her slim waist. There it is.

There’s that kiss I’ve been rotting slowly without.

My mouth tore over hers and there was hollering around the entirety of the cafe while she hooked both arms around my neck and tackled me into the wall.

I’ve got a good mind to give the good citizens of Castine a show they’re not likely to forget…

but I’ll wait. I broke away, reaching over the table, and grabbed the milkshake.

“I didn’t wanna leave you in that coffin. I didn’t want you to have to say what needed to be said. You’ve said enough. I’ll give you the same courtesy now.”

“How fucking chivalrous.”

I grinned, and held the fancy glass up to her face, turning it so she could get to her straw…and then I made a familiar gesture with my tongue on mine before closing my mouth over it.

Come on, Viper…play with me. Take me back.

“Drink it!” Desiree yelled, others joining her. “Drink it!”

Seven took the straw between her teeth, eyeing me, and dragged a long sip. I know how hard she sucks…know it all too well. She definitely is playing with me. I watched that straw get fuller and fuller…and she hesitated when it was near the top.

“Get rid of the apartment.”

“Oh, it’s gone .”

And then she sipped.