Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 154037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 770(@200wpm)___ 616(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 770(@200wpm)___ 616(@250wpm)___ 513(@300wpm)
My brother was there, wrapped around my bestie from behind.
I did my best to clear the need from my being and pinned on an affront of disbelief. “What? You can’t leave already. We’re just getting started.”
I reached out, took Charleigh’s hand and swung it between us. “I promised that you were going to have a blast tonight, and hello, I am a blast. Look no further, a good time is standing right in front of you.”
“Think she’s going to have a good time with me. Nolan is with the sitter tonight, so it’s just us,” River rumbled.
I tried not to gag at what he was implying. It was hard when your best friend was dating your brother.
I scrunched my nose at him. “Thief. You stole her right out from under me.”
Charleigh giggled as she leaned back against him. “Let it be said that I belong to both of you. Equally.”
“Nah, Little Runner, you’re mine,” River grumbled at her cheek.
She turned red, her love for him shining in her expression.
I might give them a hard time, but they were perfect for each other. I loved them together so much.
But I also was kind of starting to feel like a third wheel.
“I’ll give Raven a lift home.” Otto’s voice was easy as he issued it, and he slung an arm over my shoulders the way he always did.
A shiver rolled down my spine.
I wanted to turn and press my nose into his thick throat. Inhale him into all the secret places inside me where I wanted to keep him.
“You sure you don’t mind?” River asked.
“You know I’ve got her covered.”
River reached out and squeezed Otto’s shoulder. “Appreciate it, man. You always looking out for her.”
“Always.”
I would have argued that I could get myself home, but riding on the back of Otto’s bike was kind of my thing.
“See you in the morning then,” River said, and he stepped forward and pecked a kiss to my temple. “Be safe.”
“You don’t have to worry about her when she’s with me.”
Charleigh edged forward and hugged me. “Sorry I’m bailing. It’s just…”
She trailed off, leaving no question what the it’s just meant.
I playfully waved her away. “Go on and be with your man. I’ll be fine. I have Otto here to keep me company.”
I hip checked him, except he was so tall that even in my heels, my hip barely made it to his upper thigh.
“That’s right,” he rumbled in his rough way, that grin perched on his distracting, delicious mouth.
“All right, then, see you later.” Then River’s expression darkened when he turned his focus on Otto. “Be safe tomorrow. Text me when the package is delivered and you’re on your way back.”
My stomach clutched.
This was the part of their lives that sent dread spiraling through the middle of me. I knew it was worth it. What they did. But that didn’t mean I didn’t worry every time one of them left on a mission. I rarely knew the details. It was a Sovereign Sanctum rule. The less someone knew, the better. The safer it was for everyone.
But sometimes I hated being left in the dark.
“You know I will.” Otto’s promise was solemn.
With a tight nod, River took Charleigh’s hand and they disappeared into the fray.
I turned to look up at Otto. I knew my worry was written in every line on my face.
Bodies writhed around us, while I just stood there, staring up at him.
Finally, I found my voice. “You have a job?”
A thousand emotions raced through Otto’s eyes, so many that I didn’t know what to make of them. His mouth hitched on one side as he reached out and traced the pad of his thumb over the edge of my lip.
I nearly came apart at the sensation.
“You don’t need to worry about me, Raven.”
“You think I don’t? You think I could stop?”
Regret spilled into his features before arrogance came riding back. “You think anyone could get at me? Don’t worry, darlin’. I’m as safe as could be.”
Disquiet gusted through my being. I didn’t know what it was, but his words hit me like a lie.
“We need you here, you know that.” A bit of despair colored my voice.
“Wouldn’t leave you, Raven.”
Energy swelled between us. Our connection that we’d shared for so long flaming in the space. It was so intense and consuming that sometimes I swore it had to mean more than what we’d been labeled.
I nearly scoffed at myself.
I’d been thinking that for so long that it was becoming pathetic.
Clearing my throat, I cocked my head, covering the emotion and tossing it in light. “Good because I would have to hunt you down and kick your stubborn ass if you let yourself get hurt.”
Otto chuckled as his gaze swept over me. Something dark pulsed in the depths of that sapphire gaze. “Stubborn? Think you need to look in the mirror.”