“Yes, Papi,” I mumbled.
“Let us know when you get settled.”
I nodded, still flustered from the talk about orgasms and even more so when Declan switched the topic.
“Did you hear Daddy, colibrí?”
“Yes, Papi.”
“Good girl.”
I couldn’t bring myself to look. Not even when Priest said, “Did Hayden tell you why you’re staying in Nashville?”
“Yes. He said it’s because I look too much like Katie. He’s worried they’ll snatch me instead.”
“Good, so we won’t have an issue with you getting upset that you’ve got a contingent of people watching your ass if you leave the house.”
“I don’t see why y’all are so worried…”
“You’re close to the same height. Your hair is close enough to mistake for hers, and you have a similar enough build…”
“Priest, I think Cameron needs his vision checked.”
“Nope. His assessment is spot on.”
“I’m at least thirty pounds heavier, she’s leggier, in much better shape, more toned than soft. My back and arms are the only skinny-ish parts of me…”
Priest laughed. Actually fucking laughed. I stared at him aghast that he would laugh at me.
“Jesus, you’re an asshole,” Cameron said, and I had to agree, even if I did it silently.
“No, I’m not. The princess is delusional. As if the Sarge or his boy give a fuck about any of that. And just so you know, Marcie, you’re fucking beautiful. Your body is perfection, but if you don’t believe me, then I suggest you let Papi know what you think of yourself. I’m sure when you come will be the least of your worries.”
My face flooded with heat. How did he know what we talked about? And why would he think it would be okay to mention it?
“Priest, that’s enough. That’s not your place.”
“I won’t let the girl put herself down. Hayden would have all our asses if he knew we stood by and let her belittle herself.”
“It’s called being self-aware.”
“No, ma’am. It’s called being brainwashed by the media to think men only find sticks and twigs attractive when that couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Knowing it was pointless to argue with him, I bit my tongue and watched the scenery pass by. They hadn’t brainwashed me. I had accepted I wasn’t what the world considered sexy and attractive. But I was smart, and loyal, and willing to be a good partner. So, physical attributes weren’t necessary.
Right?
29
DECLAN
“Ican’t believe you did that. What if you scare her off?” I asked, fuming.
“She wants us. She knows we want her.”
“Yes, but scaring her off…”
“Cariño, I can’t be someone I’m not. I’m an aggressive, pushy bastard, Declan. You know this better than anyone. I won’t catfish the girl. If she joins us, it will be with a complete understanding of who and what we are and want.”
