“Tell me you didn’t talk about everything that happened here on a cell phone.” Jet frowned at Zeke.
“Hellno,I’m not an idiot,” Zeke growled. “We have a code language that my parents developed for us all from a young age for situations like this.”
Chloe narrowed her eyes. “Why would you know anything about that?”
Jet looked uncomfortable at Chloe’s question, but only for a second. I would have missed it if I hadn’t been watching him so closely.
“Anyone who watches crime dramas knows you shouldn’t discuss anything important on a cell phone.” He scoffed like she was an idiot for even asking that question.
Jet should be grateful he was pretty. His personality really left something to be desired.
“Well, if that issue is resolved, you better get back.” Grumpy pulled me in for another hug.
Dad hesitantly approached me, “Could I get a hug from you, too?”
There was no need to answer that ridiculous question. Leaving Grumpy’s arms, I headed straight for him. Dad met me halfway, hugging me tightly. I felt as safe in his arms as I ever had with Grumpy and Pop.
“I hate I’ve missed out on your life so far. Just know I don’t plan on missing out on anything else.” He kissed the top of my head.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Dad held me for a few more moments until Pop became impatient.
“Give me my Tater Tot! You don’t get to hog her just because you’ve been gone for years and years.” Pop pulled me away from Dad and into his arms.
“I see you haven’t changed, Jesse.” Dad rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his grin.
“Let us know if you need anything. Don’t worry about us, and concentrate on preparing for your initiation. We’ll take care of things here. With Sly’s return, we’re stronger and regaining some of our lost abilities.” He kissed my head, releasing me when Mom demanded her hug.
I was a lucky girl to have grown up with such loving parents. The things they’d been through were awful, and they could’ve let it affect everything in their lives. I was grateful every day that they somehow found the strength to be the parents I needed.
Mira had opened a portal into mine and Chloe’s dorm so no one would realize we’d been gone. It was late, so everyone except Nathan headed to their room to get some sleep. Tomorrow was Friday, and I was going to use the weekend to recover.
“My ass is dragging. I’m going to bed.” Chloe groaned and staggered to her room.
“Finally!”
Nathan threw me over his shoulder and raced to my room.
“Slow down, psycho. I need a shower before this goes too far.” I was covered in soot from the fire and wanted to be clean before bed.
“I can get on board with that.” He waggled his eyebrows.
I wouldn’t mind seeing his naked body glistening in the water, soap running down those perfect abs, as I licked… I grabbed Nathan and pulled him into the bathroom. I started the water as I got undressed. When I saw him standing there staring, I motioned to him to get on with it.
“Give me a moment to admire you, Nexi. It’s been months since I’ve seen this stunning sight.” Nathan’s eyes blazed with heat.
I struck a pose and hit him with my “blue-steel” look.
“You’re ridiculous,” he laughed and started stripping.
Nathan began to hum “Slow Motion” by Juvenile, then slowly stripped out of his clothes. I almost hated to see the leather pants go. They did incredible things for his ass. Someone should start a petition for that to be mandatory wear for the guys at Emberhold.
When he pulled his shirt over his head with that one-handed grab that guys do, I felt my blood heat.
Nope, the pants needed to go.
The boy had an eight-pack now and was more sculpted than when he’d been taken (I didn’t think that was possible). I started panting.
Nathan removed his boots and socks, then gave me a smoldering look as he unbuttoned his pants, slowly peeling them off. He might not be able to twerk worth a damn, but this boy could put on a striptease like nobody’s business.
