Page 22

I just killed a man.

Shouldn’t that mean something? Yet all I feel at the thought of the sack of shit who was once my uncle is a gnawing hollowness. Blood or not, he deserved what he got and then some.

Still. This kill hit differently. Whether that’s because of who he was or because the end is that much closer, it’s hard to tell.

The shit storm that is my life doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. From one moment to the next, I never know what to expect, and with five guys to keep satisfied, it sometimes feels a little like hopping on and off a ferris wheel as my life spins me around and around and around. Eventually, the fun has to end…right?

With my found family finally all under one roof, there’s anticipation building inside. With fewer boxes left to check off, Colt’s time is drawing to an end. I have little doubt as to who the victor will be, but the demons that have always applauded my ferocity are wary of the risks taking my brother out will entail—namely to those we love. Throughout my crusade, there’s never been anything worth losing. I always made sure Squire was protected and safe from the dangers my work involved, but now… Now, there is so much more at stake, including the innocent baby growing within me.

My hand rubs my slight bump as I stare out at the softly trickling creek that runs behind Aunt Charlie’s house. It’s always held a sort of peace for me that I’ve only ever been able to replicate when I’m with my guys.

“Don’t worry, little one. Mommy will make sure everyone makes it out of this alive.”

It’s easy to forget that there’s a tiny life just beneath my hand, innocent and fragile. Part of me wonders why the fates decided to gift me with something so precious since I’ve been tainted with deep scars and cynicism and don’t know the first thing about purity and joy. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe this baby is my chance at redemption. He or she is the one thing that holds more value than the revolving door of death and dismay.

“Hey, you okay?”

Maybe I should be annoyed that my solace is interrupted, but I’m not. The man heading my way has seen all of me yet never shied away from the hard times.

Grant stops beside me, eyes scanning my face.

I wonder what he sees. The face of the woman who has dragged him through hell over the course of the last decade, or the one that has hope in her heart for the first time since her world crumbled down around her.

I simply nod, my throat closing as emotions suddenly swamp me.

“Oh, Rem,” he murmurs, reaching for me and pulling me into his chest.

With my mind already a mess, I came out here for a few moments alone before having to face everyone. Figured it was enough time to sort everything back into their appropriate boxes. Apparently not. Now I’m thankful for the man who always seems to know exactly what I need even when I don’t.

My arms wrap around his waist as he rests his cheek against the top of my head. “I’m sorry. I?—”

“There is absolutely nothing to be sorry for. I can’t even imagine what is going on in that head of yours right now. I can only be here as a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold when things get too overwhelming. Just like old times. Nothing has changed and nothing ever will.”

Taking a deep breath in, I pull back so I can look into his pretty blue eyes. “Despite everything you’ve said, I truly don’t deserve you, but I’m so fucking glad you’re here.”

His lips tenderly brush mine. “I wouldn’t be anywhere else.”

I’m standing outside, in a serene setting straight out of a romance novel, in the arms of my best friend.

How is this real life?

The rest of the world can wait while I enjoy the simple pleasure of being with him. What starts as a simple kiss swiftly turns incendiary, his hands sliding down my back and over my ass until he’s lifting me up. My legs wrap around his waist just as the rough bark of a tree presses into my back.

“I need you.” His breath teases my lips, his hand snaking between our bodies. He hisses when his fingertips graze my skin. “Why the fuck are my fingers touching your bare, soaked pussy right now?”

“Rogue was impatient.”

His groan echoes through the growing twilight. “Remind me to thank him later.”

“Mmhmm…”

He doesn’t hesitate. In seconds, his button is undone, his zipper is down, and he’s lining himself up and driving home. The bark scratches against my skin, but I don’t even care. The sting is a reminder of where I am and who I’m with.

“Holy hell. You feel fucking incredible.”

His hips pull back, then he slams in again. Over and over, he fucks me like I’m his to break. Hell, maybe I have been all along.

The need for release is coiling up inside, and with each thrust, I inch a little closer to the edge until I’m suddenly tumbling into a free fall.

“Fuck. I’m gonna—” I don’t even get to finish my thought before I detonate.

“That’s it. Milk my fucking cock, baby.” He plunges in again and again, his rhythm faltering as his head drops back and he makes this sound in the back of his throat.

Pleasure looks fucking spectacular on him.

We’re both breathing heavily, his forehead dropping to rest on my shoulder, when I hear a twig crack between the trees. My eyes dart up to find Saint and Rogue walking toward us.

“For the record, I get an extra fuck since these two decided to hop the line.”

Rogue snorts.

Squire chuckles into my hair.

My eyes narrow. “Am I just some warm hole to plug with your dick, Saint?”

“Angel, you know you’re so much more than that. You also know that I need you just as bad as these two fuckheads, but do they help a brother out? No. They’re fucking greedy. Like you don’t have extra holes or something.”

His pout is adorable, but like hell am I going to tell him that.

“Did you come down here for something?” I ask as Grant straightens with me locked in his arms.

“Jay needs us at the house.”

I study Rogue—his hands fisted at his sides and the slight tic in his jaw.

“Care to tell me why? We barely left him a couple of hours ago.”

“Something came up, and your new bestie has a present for you.” Saint rubs his hand down his beard as he studies me and Grant. “But you’re gonna need to get cleaned up and changed first because I draw the line at other men getting a glimpse of your bare pussy.”

He stalks over, glaring at Grant, then motions with his hands in a gimme gesture.

“What the hell do you want?” Grant mutters.

“Hand her over. You two aren’t the only ones who get to walk around smelling like her. I want to too.”

“Saint—”

“Don’t worry, angel. I’m not gonna fuck you right now. I’m just gonna rub your fucking pussy juices into my jeans, so I can torment Trip and Ace the same way these two did me.”

Grant laughs, but his hips pull back until his dick slides out of my dripping pussy.

“Fuck, that’s messy. Cum stains aren’t in fashion, pal.”

“Says you,” Saint quips, reaching for me and lifting me out of Grant’s arms. He taps my thigh. “Wrap those fucking legs around my waist, baby, and rub that sweet little cunt all over me. I don’t even care if there are stains. Let them see what we do to you.”

I roll my eyes. “There is something wrong with you.”

“Yeah. I’m not inside you right now.”

He turns, carrying me back toward the house. I catch sight of my other two guys shaking their heads at Saint’s shenanigans and grin in return. With the world falling down around us, I’m thankful for someone like Saint who never takes anything too seriously. Except for me, that is.