“I second that.” Nathan agreed.
“That’s because you two will never be in our Nexus’s good graces if she knows how your minds work.” Zeke laughed.
“We can start tomorrow. For now, let’s get some sleep.”
Oren smiled when Reverie let out a cute little yawn. He was right, and for now, it was enough that we were all together. There were numerous things to figure out, but for the present, this was all that mattered.
Chapter 23
Jet
Oren and Zeke sorted night clothes while Nathan and Zane cleared the living room and brought in the mattresses. I slipped off to the shower. I’d taken one earlier before the bitch showed up at my door, but I had to wash the feel of her hands and cunt from my body. I cranked the shower to scalding and stepped under the spray.
Grabbing my soap and loofah, I scoured my skin until it was red and raw. I didn’t care as long as every trace of her was gone from me. I swore I could still smell her perfume, so I started the process all over again. After the fifth scrubbing, I finally began to feel clean, and I ducked my head under the spray, letting the water run over my body.
Even though this experience was fucked for someone who had always been able to defend himself, I appreciated that it helped solidify my earlier decision regarding Reverie and our relationship. I knew I had a long way to go before she accepted me, but once I committed to a course, I was all in.
My determination was legendary, and Reverie was about to become my focus.
Tomorrow, I’d begin to show her how much she meant to me and what I could bring to her Faction.
Tonight, I had to deal with this sickness in my gut that Kristine caused so I could focus on my soon-to-be Nexus. I felt deep disgust for myself. It was intolerable that I had been so powerless. It was sheer arrogance to be completely unguarded when the girls arrived at the door. Having been here long enough, I should have remembered that havoc and harm can be caused without physical strength. I’d overlooked one of the vital lessons I’d learned through the years: evil takes on many forms.
I stepped out of the shower and brushed my teeth, then slipped on grey warm-ups and a white t-shirt. I’d heard that grey warm-ups were like sexy lingerie to women. I needed to take advantage of everything I could at this point.
As I reentered the room, the mattresses were pushed together, made up in sheets and fluffy blankets. Nathan lay on one side of Reverie while Zeke and Zane were on the edge of the mattress on the opposite side. Oren lay next to them. I noticed he had shifted over, creating a space for me beside Reverie.
I must have stood there staring for a moment too long because Reverie patted the space beside her. The days of hesitating to come when she called were over, so I walked directly to her and got under the blanket. I pulled her into my arms and tucked her head under my chin.
She was asleep in seconds.
“I hope you’re ready to commit fully to this Faction and her,” Oren spoke softly.
“I am.”
I inhaled deeply, pulling her scent into my lungs. How could this tiny body contain such strength and determination?
“It’s about damn time,” Zane said before rolling over and closing his eyes. Nathan raised up to look at me over Reverie’s shoulder.
“You better not hurt her again.”
“I won’t.” He held my gaze for a few seconds before whatever he saw in my eyes must have satisfied him, and he lay back down.
Zeke stared at me for a full minute, the intensity of his gaze needing no words, before nodding his head and lying down to sleep.
Ten minutes later, everyone was asleep. It didn’t come as easy to me because I was fighting the urge to sneak into Kristine’s room and slit her throat. My respect for Reverie was the only thing stopping me.
Apparently, it was important for her to fight the crazy bitch after what she’d done. The guys would’ve been shocked if they could see the grin on my face at the thought. I’d protested Reverie facing her in the arena, but a piece of me was a little smug that she cared about me that much.
Afterward, if I still felt the need to kill her, I would. I’m sure Oren wouldn’t be opposed to helping me get rid of the body. That flame power of his really came in handy.
Iwoke slowly, and unlike every other day, I felt a contentment that stemmed solely from the beautiful woman lying still in my arms, snoring softly. Could she be any more adorable?
Usually, I’d be up and headed to work out, but nothing could make me move from this spot. I’d dreamed of holding her like this, and now that it was a reality, it was even better than I’d imagined.
I smelled the delicious aroma of coffee, and simultaneously, Reverie began to stir. Her love of the hot brew may surpass herfeelings about her Faction. Zeke walked into the room holding two steaming mugs.
“Wake, my treasure, we have lots to do today, starting with a visit to see your parents.”
