I capture her lips in a soft kiss, barely satisfying my craving when I moan and roll off her. “Go before I change my mind and make you late on your first day.”
“Will you be okay?” She looks doubtful as she eyes the state I’m in. The sheet looks like a god-damn Eiffel Tower.
“Yes, I’ll be okay,” I laugh. “But don’t think I’m weird if the moment you leave the house, I’m getting off to your image, so I’m not in this state all day.”
“As long as it’s my image, I’ll let it slide.” She sits up, and I groan even harder when her breasts bounce in my face.
“Trust me, when I close my eyes, you are all I want to see. Now, please go put on a turtleneck or something.”
“Turtleneck? We live in Florida. I would die,” she giggles, wrapping the sheet around her and getting out of bed. “I made you muffins, so don’t forget to eat breakfast. Do you want me to make you some coffee before I shower?”
“I can make my own coffee,” I laugh. “In fact, I’ll make us both some, so join me for breakfast before you leave.”
“Thanks,” she beams at me before practically bouncing with excitement to the bathroom.
Chuckling, I throw my black boxer briefs on and purposely leave my t-shirt on the bed for her to sleep in before grabbing my jeans and walking back to the main house.
“The walk of shame looks good on you, brother. I take it last night went well.” Miles laughs at me as I give him the finger. I walkto my bedroom to put some sweats on before returning to the kitchen.
I head to the coffee maker and get a pot going before turning back to Miles. He immediately turns serious when he sees my face. “What’s wrong?”
I debate what to tell him. I want to honor her privacy, but he also needs to know about this guy. The more eyes on her, the better.
“I don’t have much time because she will be walking in here soon, but I’m trusting you to keep this between us for now. I’ll let Ryder and Travis know, but she doesn’t need all of us treating her any differently or asking questions.”
“I won’t say a word, you know that.”
“I knew she was running from something, and she finally confided in me last night. She’s been in an abusive relationship for the past five years and finally was able to get away from him. He doesn’t know where she is, but if he’s looking for her, there’s a chance he could find her. When you are here and I’m not, keep an eye on her, okay?”
“Shit,” he says, running a hand through his hair. “What kind of abuse are we talking about?”
I shake my head. “It’s her story to tell, and even if I could, I can’t talk about it right now. It’s still too fresh, and I need time to process it. The last thing she needs to feel right now is anger from me, even if it’s directed at someone else. It’s bad, though. Bad enough, I want to hunt this fucker down and feed him to the sharks.” I clench my fists before forcing myself to rein in my emotions. “There’s one more thing you need to know.”
His face is hard, and his body language is tense like mine. If there’s one thing we hate more, it’s a guy who hurts women. Our sister, Savi, got attacked while at a party when she was only fifteen, and if it wasn’t for Miles’s best friend, Knox, pulling him off of her, God knows what would havehappened.
“Tell me,” he grounds out.
“She had a really rough childhood, Miles. She had to grow up fast and was the adult at a young age. When she was eighteen, she was groomed by this older guy. He offered her a way out on a silver platter. He talked her into marrying him, and she still is.”
“Fuck. Her husband is the abuser?”
I nod my head. “I’m going to talk to Maria, Mom and Dad’s lawyer friend, to see what our options are for getting her out of this marriage. I’ll get a description of him from her and let you all know so we can keep our eyes open when we are out and about in town. I’m hoping to talk her into getting a restraining order as well.”
“Good idea,” he grits his teeth as the reality of this situation soaks in. “If the bastard’s lucky, the sharks will get to him before we do.”
“She means a lot to me, Miles. I know I haven’t known her long, but I’ve already fallen for her. I just wanted you to know that she’s not someone I’m just trying to sleep with. I will do anything to protect her, and have no intention of letting her go.”
“I knew the night of the wedding when you refused to be my wingman. I also see how she looks at you. She’s fallen, too, whether she’s admitted it or not. I’m happy for you, brother,” he gives me a small smile.
“Thanks, Miles. And thanks for helping me watch over her.”
“If she’s your girl, then she’s family. He won’t get past me. Trust me.”
He turns when the cottage doors open. My eyes land on her, and I break out into a smile. She’s wearing a white sundress today and looks happier than I’ve ever seen her. She has a glow to her skin, and her eyes light up when they see me.
“Well, aren’t you the most beautiful sight on this gloriousmorning,” Miles grins at her, causing her to laugh. I knew I could count on him to keep her spirits up.
“I see you like my muffins,” she eyes the two wrappers on Miles’s plate.
