Page 103 of Hold You Close
“They’re coming up to go swimming now.”
“Ian.” I drop my hand. “What did we do in the pool last night because we had privacy?”
Chris was at his friend’s house and Morgan was playing with the little kids. We had one of the spats that we’re infamous for, and went outside to finish it up. The fight wasn’t the only thing that finished, though. He said something rude and I pulled his move, shoving him into the pool. Only this time, he grabbed my waist, dragging me in with him.
After a few more words of anger, he ended up shoving his tongue down my throat.
Within minutes, I was up against the pool wall and he was reminding me what happens when we fight.
Unbelievable make-up fucking.
“Great!” Ian throws his hands up in the air and then points to Brina. “She’s never dating!”
Here we go. He continues to stomp around the house and Morgan appears. “New house rule. None of you are dating anymore!”
“What did I do?” Morgan asks.
“You live,” I tell her.
“You live and boys like girls. And boys convince girls to do things they shouldn’t do.”
Morgan crosses her arms. “You’re off your meds again, aren’t you?”
He turns, and for the first time, I see a bit of fear in her eyes. “No. Boys.”
“Okay, fine.” Her hands go up in surrender. “No boys. Got it.”
“That’s right, I’m in charge here,” Ian informs us.
“I’m going back up to my room—where it’s safe.” Morgan retreats, her hands still in the air. Poor thing.
“Nowhere is safe, sweetheart,” I tell her.
Ruby comes around with her arms open to Ian. “You’re silly, Uncle Ian.”
She is so attached to him, it’s beautiful to see. He pulls her up and kisses her forehead. “I’m silly, huh?”
“Yes, because boys are funny. I’m going to be a princess and have a prince just like you.”
“You think I’m a prince?”
Oh, he’s a prince all right.
“Yup.” Ruby squeezes him tight.
“Well, you’re definitely a princess.”
I smile watching them. She seems to calm him a little, and then he leans against the counter by me.
My hip bumps his. “You know you’re really sweet when you’re not a raging lunatic.”
He laughs. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
“I love you, Ian. Even when you’re a little off your rocker.”
“I love you, London. Even when you’re a colossal pain in my . . .”
“Mouth!” I say before he gets it out.
