I glance over at Declan, who I’ve yet to make mine in an irrevocable way, but I’ll make it happen.
43
DECLAN
It’s swelteringhot outside as I jump into the pool to cool off. I’ve had to handle two fucking assholes at the casino today, and I just don’t have it in me to deal with any more shit.
Employees have gotten a little out of hand with us being so hands off over the last couple of weeks dealing with Anthony and going through Elena’s heat.
That shit has been absolutely squashed.
Between Lorcán and I playing good cop and bad cop, I think they get the picture.
Elena comes strolling out, hissing with each touch of her bare feet against the pavement.
“Ah shit!” she yells as she hops from each foot before jumping into the pool.
The water splashes around me as she pops up to the surface.
“Hi,” she greets, swimming over to me and wrapping her arms around my neck.
She’s the one thing I look forward to now. It’s not lonely anymore. I know I have my girl’s smile and smart mouth to come home to every night.
“You need to wear flip-flops when you come out here.”
“Okay, boss,” she jokes, and I bark out a laugh.
I grab her ass, and she wraps her legs around my waist as I go to shallower water.
“We could get you a pool noodle, you know.”
“I’m a man. I’m not sitting on a fucking pool noodle.”
“So sensitive,” she teases, grazing her teeth against my jaw. “What’s wrong?”
“Rough day.”
She brushes a hand through my wet hair. “I hate not being able to feel you,” she sighs.
“You don’t want to feel this. I don’t want you to deal with my shit.”
“You know I’m bonded with Finn, right?”
I shake my head and kiss her cheek.
“Lorcán said he’d give me a bond mark so we can feel each other through him.”
“What are we waiting for?”
I push her wet hair off her shoulders. “It’s a big ask.”
“He really is the best of us, isn’t he?”
“Don’t make me admit I’m not the best.”
She wraps her arms around my neck as she holds on tightly to me. “I just never want you to feel left out. You mean just as much to me. I need you.”
“Don’t sell yourself short, you know that you don’t really need any of us.”
