Page 129 of Unbreakable Thread

“Yes, Max. Of course,” he says so nonchalantly, as if he didn’t see him turn into a… “I know it’s hard to believe, Max, because you’ve only seen me as a beast. I engraved that in you. Damn, do I wish I could go back in time to make things better and give you a normal life.”

I don’t harbor resentment or bitterness toward him. Just like I have repeated numerous times to Sol and my dad. When I say to her I would do it all again in a heartbeat, she says, “We could have met elsewhere. Maybe at a party, store, or school.” She’ll never understand, or maybe she does and hides it, but who would have been there to save her? Jason would have damaged her, hurt her, raped her. Those words and thoughts wrap around my neck like a noose, making it unbearable to breathe. “You should. I love Leo like a little brother. He has problems from his past. He lost his mom. I know he’s yearning for a family.” I know what it’s like… We all do.

“I’ll look into it,” he says proudly.

He’s out the door. I check my emails and then start breakfast for Sol and me. She’s probably still sound asleep. If all the hammering and drilling didn’t wake her up, then I did my job right last night. Now I need to fuel up with food before the driving lessons. I’m definitely going to need it.

Sol

“You made too sharp of a turn. You need to turn with ease.” His jaw is clenched, gripping the roof handle of the car.

At first, I thought he reacted this way because his mom died in a car accident, but now I’m starting to think it’s me who scares the shit out of him. It might not even be about his mom. Well, at least not anymore.

“You see what you did right here? He has the right of way, and you just cut him off.”

“I thought I had the right of way.”

“No, you don’t. You have to yield. They have the right of way.” His voice is gentle and so far, patient.

“Oh, well, that explains why I keep getting flipped off and honked at.” I laugh dryly.

He runs his fingers through his black, sexy silk hair. Have I ever mentioned how jealous I am of his hair? It feathers at my touch like the finest threads. He mumbles curse words, and I sing to the song playing.

“You don’t need to go: Gas. Break. Gas. Break. You’re going to cause an accident like that. All you need to do is slow down. No need to have a heavy foot on the gas.”

“Got it,” I chirp and resume singing. He’s not impressed by my car karaoke. In fact, his eyes are wild on the road. His hands are back on his hair, and all I can think about is the way they brush against my thighs.

“Woman! Focus. You’re going fifty-five in a forty.”

How does he expect me to focus when he said no funny business, then proceeded to bruise his lips on my entire body in the shower? The moans that ripped from his mouth were sinful and…

“Rainey…! Sol…! Whatever the fuck your name is, slow down. Now you’re going sixty.”

I’m not offended at all by the name mix-up. There are still a lot of people who call me Rainey, and no matter what, that name will be a part of me, even if I prefer to be called Sol.

I snort so loud it’s unladylike. “Sorry.” I let go of the gas pedal and slow down. I turn to Max, who’s blessing himself and…is he praying? Oh my gosh, he is. “You’re such a dramatic man.”

“Amen,” he whispers at the end.

I shake my head and snort again, pulling into a restaurant. “Seriously?”

He huffs. “Very… When our lives are in danger…I would like to hold our kids in my arms.” He fans his shirt. “I’m sweating… My armpits are sweating, possibly my balls, with the stress you give me.”

He’s right. I’m a lousy driver. Lana has said so many times, but then again, she wanted me to drive her around when her driving was spot on. Justin said I was a danger to society. Eye roll. I can’t parallel park for shit. Getting out of a parking space can take me hours. My little sister drives better than me. Why was I cursed?

“Max?” My voice comes out like a scared mouse. “Does my driving give you flashbacks? I’m sorry, I’ll keep working on it. We can hire someone, or maybe I can ask Justin.”

His eyes soften, and he takes my hand in his. “I don’t get flashbacks anymore. I did the first time you drove us years ago, but not anymore.” He shifts in his seat and cups my cheeks. “I’m sorry for being an ass. I just worry something will happen to you, and you will be driving the kids when I can’t. You just need more practice, baby, that’s it. We’ll keep working at it. My life would be turned upside down without you.” His words are so sweet and gentle, it’s like a soft melody caressing my skin. Then…then he speaks. “Mi amor, with all seriousness, you need to stay focused when you drive. Today’s grade was a negative zero.”

I gasp, and my eyes go to slits. “That’s cruel.”

“You can drive us to the store after we eat so we can shop for the babies.”

I grin so wide, my cheeks hurt. “I can’t wait. Come on, let’s go eat…” I gasp again for an entirely different reason…a kick. “Max, one of the babies kicked.” I take his hand and guide him to where the baby is kicking.

His grin is as wide as mine, and our eyes are glassy. “Wow, this is incredible.” His hands rub around it, the soft kicks and movement. “Are you hungry, or did your mom’s driving stress you out, too? Probably both, huh?” Another kick. Max laughs. “I know. All three of us will be stress eating.”

I pinch his nipple, and it only makes him laugh harder. The joy in his eyes is like watching a shooting star.