Page 106 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set

32

AUSTIN

Thirty minutes later, our wet clothes are a soggy pile on my bathroom floor. Steam billows from the hot water. I’ve got my hands in Carly’s long hair, working the shampoo into a thick lather.

I have her where I want her. With me and safe. I see every inch of her, know she’s not hurt, doesn’t even have a bruise—only the scars, the scars that make her who she is. The dirt and tiny pebbles that clung to her clothes and body washed down the drain.

My dick is long and hard and aches to be in her, but it’s not his turn. I need to tend to my woman.

Then I’ll sink into her and make sure she knows she’s mine.

“Did you hear more about your mom?” she asks.

If there’s one sentence that stalls my need to claim her, it’s that one. Talking about my mother and the fact that she fell. And that I’m not there with her.

I still feel torn, pulled between those I love.

Carly’s whole and safe, and the dead body can’t get any deader.

“The surgery was successful. Usually, it’s an outpatient procedure, which is a little insane, but she’ll spend the night and then go to rehab.”

She turns in my arms and I tip her head back beneath the spray. Her eyes are closed as I rinse the suds.

“You want to be there.”

I look down at her, the water droplets sliding down her cheeks. Her full mouth. I can’t resist. I kiss her gently and then finish rinsing the last of the shampoo from her hair.

“I do. But when you meet her, you’ll understand. She’s stubborn. Muleheaded. She doesn’t want someone looming over her or being coddled.”

She reaches up, wipes her hair, and then turns from the spray. “Sounds familiar.”

“Mmm,” I say, looking over every inch of her perfection.

“You can go back,” she prompts.

“With Miles and Chance in tow. And you, because I’m not leaving you behind to get into any other mischief.”

She sputters and then laughs. “Then maybe she can come here. Visit or stay awhile. You said she can’t be a pilot any longer.”

I can’t help but smile at her thoughtful spirit. “I’m sure she’ll like the idea, but even if she’s grounded, she won’t want to leave the business for long. She’s a real taskmaster.”

Carly reaches up and cups my neck with her hand. “I can’t wait to meet her.”

Mom will love Carly, no question. Her idea’s a good one, having Mom come here to the ranch.

“I’ll bring up the idea with her. Later.”

My hands begin to roam, and I reach to shut off the water.

I snag Carly’s hand and pull her from the shower. I don’t waste time drying either of us off and tug her all the way to my bed.

Our bed.

I toss her on it and she bounces with a laugh.

I settle on top of her, straddling her hips and my hands beside her head.

“You okay?” I ask. She hasn’t shown any signs of being afraid of me, but I always pause to check.