Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 38335 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 192(@200wpm)___ 153(@250wpm)___ 128(@300wpm)
My sharp breath cuts through me like a knife to the chest, the horrifying revelation bringing tears to my eyes.
“I had no idea she was using again,” he says, the guilt in his voice unmistakable. “I checked in often, but I had been working nights that week and…” His words trail off, the pain in his voice devastating.
Reaching out, I cover his jaw with my hand. “It wasn’t your fault.”
My touch, along with the words, seems to break through his turmoil, his gaze shifting back to mine. “You’re right, it was my mother’s, which is why I made sure she was stripped of all her rights. She will never have the power to hurt my sister again.”
Or him.
As angry as he is, there’s no denying the hurt hidden beneath that hard armor he keeps in place.
“I’m sorry. You both deserved more.”
He reaches out to wipe a few stray tears that managed to escape.
“I’m glad Poppy has you,” I add, hating to think where she would be if not for him.
“And I’m glad she has you.” His words wrap around my heart. “She has really enjoyed spending time with you, Hollis. I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time, and I don’t thank you enough for that.”
I swallow past the emotion gripping my throat. “You don’t need to thank me. I love spending time with her. She has come to mean a lot to me too.”
You both have.
I stop myself from saying that thought out loud, not wanting to make things too intense, even though I am pretty sure we’re past that point. “She plans to come visit me in California, you know,” I reveal with a smile, opting to lighten the moment.
He plays into it. “Oh yeah?”
“Yep, and she is determined to save every penny herself.”
He grunts. “And how does she plan to do that when she makes no money?”
“I have no idea,” I admit with a laugh. “But your sister is very resourceful, so I’m sure she has a plan.”
“That’s what worries me. She’s too smart for her own damn good,” he grumbles.
She is. She’s also kind, compassionate, and unbelievably resilient.
“You know,” I start cautiously. “Christmas is just around the corner, and I still don’t have a present for her yet…”
His gaze narrows dangerously. “Don’t even think about it, Hollis.”
I don’t let his burly tone deter me. “Ooh, I like it when you get bossy with me, Cross.”
“I mean it,” he says, refusing to budge. “I know where you’re going with this, and it’s not happening.”
I arch a brow. “Are you saying you don’t want to visit me in California?”
My tone is light and teasing, but the truth is, I can’t imagine not seeing Mike and Poppy again once the store sells. It’s unfathomable to me.
“I’m saying, you’re not buying my sister a flight to California as a Christmas present.”
“How about Disneyland tickets then?” I suggest. “And you can pay for the airfare. We can split the trip and give her the most epic Christmas gift in all the land.”
I’m pretty sure the dark expression on his face is supposed to scare me, but it does the exact opposite.
I mock a scowl back at him. “Have I ever told you how hot you are when you’re broody?”
“Have I ever told you what a pain in the ass you are?”
His response elicits a giggle from me that is quickly silenced by his mouth as he kisses me with an intensity that steals my breath and sets my soul on fire.
By the time he pulls back, I’m breathless, my lungs gasping for precious air.
His hands remain in my hair, cradling either side of my head as he searches my face. “Are you going back to California for Christmas?”
I frown at the sudden topic change. “No. My parents are in Germany this year. So, I figured I would stay here. Why?”
“Because I want you to spend it with us.”
Happiness erupts through my entire body, spreading right to the tips of my fingers and toes. “I want that too.”
“Good. We can have a sleepover.”
My mouth curves into a smile. “I like the way you think, Cross.” Pushing off his chest, I climb on top of him, straddling his hardening length before letting the blanket fall free.
A deep growl rumbles in his chest. “And I really like you.” His large, warm hands move over my swollen breasts, cupping their heavy weight.
My hands cover his with a moan, loving the way they feel on my naked skin.
“Such pretty tits.” His fingers expertly pluck and roll my sensitive nipples, triggering another throbbing to take place between my thighs.
Biting down on my lip, I shamelessly rock back and forth on his hard shaft, attempting to alleviate the ache.
“That’s it, baby,” he groans, long and deep. “Rub that wet pussy all over my cock.”
I whimper at his filthy words, feeling my need for release amplifying with every grind of my hips.