Page 106 of Wicked Dares
I’m no saint. Fuck, I’m not even what most people would call a good man, but… I hope I can bring some light into her world. Something to take the edge off, no matter how small.
I sit there longer than I should, watching the slow rise and fall of her breathing while I continue falling for her.
When did I first realize that?
I don’t fucking know. Does it even matter?
My grandfather always said when you fall, you fall, and you don’t even realize you’re falling until you’re over the edge. It’s too late then.
That’s the kind of emotion that ruins men and makes them reckless.
Look at me here, stalling a trip destined to bring in several millions, all for one more minute with my butterfly.
I reach over to brush a strand of hair away from her face before finally getting up.
It’s time to go.
But I’ll be back.
And I don’t want things to be different when I return.
* * *
I pull up at the private terminal with minutes to spare.
The tarmac is already alive with movement. Ground crew wheel luggage across the concrete while the Vale jet waits ahead.
When I get out of my car, I spot Locke making his way over.
He’s walking in from the coffeeshop with a coffee in one hand and a duffel slung over his shoulder. Locke is usually as laidback as me, but today, he looks like he’s about two seconds away from committing a felony.
I shut the car door and head toward him.
The second I get close enough, I know something’s definitely wrong from the murderous look in his eyes.
I smirk. “Who spat in your food?”
His eyes narrow immediately. “Don’t test me, brother. I’ve had the worst day ever, and the sun has barely fucking come up.”
I laugh under my breath. “That bad?”
“Well, now, Levi, we can’t all be as fortunate as you.” His gaze drags slowly over me. “Look at you. You’re glowing like a woman who’s had a sex marathon.”
I nearly choke.
Locke’s eyes sharpen instantly.
And fuck. He knows me too well.
His brows lift slowly as realization dawns. “Oh my God. I’m dead on, aren’t I?” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “What the hell is going on with you?”
I bite the inside of my cheek, trying not to grin like an idiot.
“I had a situation,” I say carefully. “I had to move Piper in with me.”
His eyes bulge. “You what?”
“She’s staying with me.”
