Page 101 of Word to the Wise

Resting my head on the center of Mason’s chest, I breathe him in. I listen to his heartbeat and feel the warmth of the man who brought me back to life. Who saw the girl I forgot I was inside.

“I love you too, Mason,” I whisper, not knowing what that means for us, but that it’s the truth in one form or another. “I love you too.”

31

Mason

“Mason.” Reed’s voice callingmy name echoes down the Twisted Roses hallway, and I almost drop my pencil.

I can’t tell if her tone is laced with fear or excitement.

“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh.” She’s bouncing when I step out into the hallway, and I see I’m not the only one she’s startled when Sage comes barreling out of the office.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She smiles, running up to me and jumping into my arms.

Her legs wrap around me, and it’s the most public affection she’s ever initiated. A thought Sage must share as he hitches an eyebrow at me before disappearing back into the office.

“What happened?” I grip her thighs to hold her up so she doesn’t fall.

Reed pulls back, giving me a quick kiss before smiling wide at me. “They filed for historical distinction this morning. It’s actually happening.”

Her mouth lands on mine before I can say a word about it. A kiss that might as well knock me to my knees. She wraps her entire body around me. Happiness radiates from her at a temperature warmer than the sun.

Carrying her into my room at the shop, I close the door and pin her against it.

Sage might accept that I’ve got something going on with his sister, but I’m not going to test his patience on the matter. He’s got a whole motorcycle club at his disposal if he decides he doesn’t like it.

Sinking my teeth into her lower lip, she squeals with excitement as she wiggles against me.

“You’re going to get me in trouble if you keep that up.” I tip my forehead to hers.

She leans her mouth to my ear. “Come upstairs, and I’ll get you in all the trouble you want.”

“Fuck.” I claim her mouth again with the full intensity of my soul this time.

She bleeds me out and soaks me in. She takes up all the space around me with her being. My tongue twists with hers, and I’m in a black hole I’ll never escape.

“You’re killing me, Sticks.” I pull back, and she groans as I lower her feet to the ground. “If I didn’t have an appointment in fifteen minutes, I’d just fuck you right here.”

“Well, that’s unfortunate.” She pouts, tracing her finger down the center of my chest. “Guess I’ll have to celebrate all by myself then.”

I catch her wrist right before she reaches my belt, and I pull her body to mine. “Celebrate all you want, under one condition.”

“What’s that?” She bitesher lip.

“When I get home, you better be in my bed with your legs spread so I can taste just how happy your perfect little pussy is from all the festivities.”

Lifting her hand up, I drag my tongue between her fingers, and her whole body shivers.

“That’s not fair.” Her cheeks are bright red. “I was the one who was supposed to be teasing you. And now I’m all riled up.”

Planting my hand on the door behind her, I tip her face to mine. “Thought that was the point?”

She rolls her eyes and is practically wiggling. I’m tempted to cancel my appointment or push it back, but I know the second I try, her rational side will kick in, and she’ll insist I don’t.

“Fine.” Reed slinks around me, sitting on the chair in the center of my tattoo station. “I guess I can wait then.”