Page 141 of Unveil

“Hey, just you wait. After squatting over a hole on a camping trip with me, that outhouse will look like something outtaSouthern Living.”

I sigh. “You’re right, you’re right… It wasn’t all bad.”

My fingers drift over his bare chest, trailing lazy patterns. “I think I already kinda miss it.”

His bent arm rests behind his head, getting more comfortable. “Yeah? Was it the outhouse or the moonshine that struck your fancy?”

I snort, dropping my gaze and focusing really hard on tracing his birthmark, avoiding the new cut while even more studiously avoiding mismatched eyes that see everything.

“I think it was you.”

The words leave me before I can second-guess them, and for a breath I want to snatch them back.

But they’re true.

It wasn’t the quaint cabin, the quiet peace, or even the adventure. It was Orion that made me feel more at home than I ever have. His soft gaze in the firelight, his gentle patience, our banter and steamy moments that’ll forever live rent-free in my head. Even my fear felt different with him, charged and eager when I was at his mercy. I’ve never felt more alive than after facing death with Orion.

So yeah, I already miss the good we had before everything went to hell. And maybe I’m scared that we may never get that back.

“The cove…” I continue, trying to explain in his silence. “It was scary, and strange, and every moment was a scene from an Appalachian horror romance. But it was quiet. And peaceful. And just… us. Ya know?”

I bite my lip as a couple of calm, weighted breaths go by before he squeezes gently, minding my scrapes and bruises. Then he presses a kiss to the crown of my head.

“Yeah, little bird. I know exactly what you’re talking about.”

I can’t see his face, but I swear I can taste those three big-little words he confessed before sacrificing himself for me at the chapel.

I should rip him a new one for that. He’d be burnt to a crisp if my dad hadn’t pulled him out. But I’ll let it slide for now. Besides, I technically did the same thing when I hurled myself off that pulpit and leapt onto him like a spider monkey. I’m sure he’ll have some choice words for me too.

So yeah, I’ll bask in the afterglow of Orion’s “I love you” instead.

“Your mom is on her way to Dark Corner,” he murmurs. “Nox went to go pick her up from the city.”

My heart twists twice. Once for Nox, for losing his best friend, killing to free me, and dragging me out of that chapel to save me. And then it aches again, because, after everything, there’s still something about a momma who can kiss any kind of hurt and make it better.

I almost share all that out loud, but I stop short, glad Orion can’t see my face. Not only can he not share that same joy with me, he also had a bomb dropped on him about his mom and his dad last night. I’m sure his brothers know by now. How are they dealing with it?

Jesus, what a mess. I need to ask my therapist if she does group specials.

“Good,” I answer simply. “It’ll be nice to see her.” Then, searching for anything else, I take in the room for the first time fully awake.

“So, we’re in your room,” I muse.

Smooth.

“Yup. And back on Fury land,” he says proudly. “Home.”

It’s comfy in the most heartwarming, cozy way. The bed is huge, with a light blanket over us, a thick quilt folded at the bottom for cold nights. Everything’s apple red, pine green, and rich woodsy brown, and it allsmellsdeliciously like him.

“You built it, didn’t you?” I ask, knowing instinctively. This entire house screams Orion, especially this room.

His slow smile is all the answer I need, but he continues, “Our land’s been with us for generations. The government or big business is always trying to ‘take it off our hands.’ Some beyond the mountain have had to sell off pieces to make ends meet, but we’ve been lucky enough for all of us to stay. Our dairy farm does well, but our Fury… side jobs have done us good over the years too.”

“Let me guess. You made your money in moonshine.”

He snorts. “Among other things. We’ve perfected our smuggling techniques. That and protection are my job. King’s the head of the family and our business dealings. Dash is focused on school. And Hatch… Hatch does a little bit of everything.”

Huh. Wonder whatthatentails. Not that my father’s much different.