Tessa is an unexpected gift. We’ve had lunch together every day this past week. Amy joined us twice, and Emma met us once. Having girlfriends is new—at least post Dalton.
Tessa is becoming the closest friend I’ve had in a long time. I’m not sure why she recognizes my demons. It’s probably not for a good reason. Neither of us shares details of our stories. Thestrength is in an unspoken understanding. I’m grateful to have her here—part of La Lune Noire without being overly enmeshed with the Noires.
I nod, fighting the tears threatening to spill, and grant her and Remy one of the smiles he yearns for. “You know what will be complicated? Dancing in this dress.”
“That’s for sure. No Charleston or swing moves in a floor-length gown.” She rocks Remy on her hip. “Mama looks pretty though, huh?”
He reaches for the beaded cap sleeve, brushing his fingers over the texture. “Bootiful.”
“Thank you, baby boy.” With a peck on my little guy’s cheek, I usher them out of the room so I can try on some others and check my phone.
No matter how mad I am, I can’t seem to completely ignore Ryker. I’m furious about how he handled everything, the deceitfulness he used to lure and cage me here, but there’s still an ache in my chest due to how tormented he’s been since finding me on that floor. When he realized that Dalton and I had been fighting about him that night, I watched him crumble before my eyes. In my anger, I unleashed the truth that was one of the main reasons I had run in the first place. I never wanted him to know.
Ryker: When you realize what I have to show you, you’re going to feel guilty about how difficult you’re being. I’m trying to make this right.
After swapping the mermaid gown for a shapeless fringe dress that hides my figure and finally another that hugs my curves but isn’t my style, I can’t resist answering him.
Me: I’ve already seen the magic cross. And here we are.
Ryker: Not what I was referring to, although I have some other revelations in that arena too.
What the hell does that mean? What else is there? And why is that working? All I can think about is his stupid pierced cock, how he twitched and swelled and exploded in my mouth, and that he’s the kind of man who throws his custom-made suit jacket on the ground for my knees, issues an order, and tells me he’s going to brand my throat.
All before he proceeds to lower himself to the floor toworshipme.Good God.
The flash of that scene has me nearly as high as I was in that safe room. My flesh heats with the phantom sensation of his touch as his three dots prance.
Ryker: You’re drooling. Now isn’t the time. Get your mind out of the gutter, Viper.
Me: There are no cameras in here.
Ryker: Don’t need them. I know my filthy girl.
I flop onto the bed, hating that he knows me so well and that my heart pitter-patters faster at his use ofmy girl,with or without thefilthy.
Ryker: How much longer?
After a quick knock and my unenthusiastic permission, Amy pops her pretty face in, her blue eyes narrowed. “That one’s not working?”
Surveying the flapper dress, I shake my head. “I’m not loving the firework shape of the sequins. But I do like the tassels.”
With that information in her arsenal, she disappears again, and I sit frozen, soaking in the peace of him not knowing my progress.
Ryker: Mercy?
Me: All day. I think I might get a massage.
Ryker: I am about thirty seconds away from coming down there and hauling your fine ass back here myself.
Me: Do it, and you’ll be minus one tonight. I haven’t even chosen a dress.
Ryker: Did you try on the one I’d picked out for you?
That weasels into my heart, much like he probably assumed it would. It’s hard to stay outraged at a person who takes care of everything. And he does. For both Remy and me. Even this past week and a half, when I’ve been distant, he’s remained patient, made sure my every need was attended to, reassured me that he was always there for me, and spent extra time with Remy. He even managed to calm Remy during a tantrum when my little guy was melting down from exhaustion and I was at my wits’ end. I’ve never had that type of support.
Still, vexation regarding all the liberties he’s taken snakes around me.
Me: No.
