“Well, if he goes too far, he’s going to have Syrus to deal with. Actually, it’s Silva herself you gotta be worried about. She might come off as quiet and introverted, but the girl will kick your ass and win.” I grin proudly. “Something that my sister and I are not the same in,” I sigh. “Don’t get me wrong, I can defend myself. But she can be scary. I can be, when I really need to.”
“I mean, you got a good shot on me.” Sloane grins. “My dick still hurts. Aiden had to kiss it better,” he pouts. “And I’m surprised Aiden’s face is still pretty after that hot cocoa bath.”
Guilt fills me. “I am so sorry about that,” I tell Aiden. “It was my fight or flight instincts kicking in.”
“Don’t be sorry. I deserved it.”
“I could have blinded you.”Why am I tearing up?
“But you didn’t.” His face softens.
“I could have burned your face.” I sniff.
“But you didn’t. Lexi, sweetheart. Don’t stress yourself over it. I’m fine. See?” He points to his face. “Two working eyes and no burns.”
“What about me?” Sloane pouts. “My dick was sad for a long time. Balls and knot too.”
“You deserved it.” I wipe at my tears. “Next time, don’t grab someone in an alley. At least all he did was yell for me to get my attention.”
“Point taken.” Sloane nods. “It’s okay, everything is in working order. So if you ever decide to take them for a spin, you won’t be disappointed.”
“Good to know.” I laugh. Then look up at Emmett. “You’ve been quiet. How are you doing?”
“Me?” He smiles, then leans in, his lips next to my ear. “I’m enjoying seeing my girl laugh. You should see your face, Lexi. It’s glowing.”
I swallow hard, heart racing. He cups my face and presses a soft kiss to my lips. “It’s okay, Peaches. You deserve this. Don’t hold yourself back, do what feels right. I know it’s new and scary, but sometimes change is good. Look how it worked out for the two of us. Keep your mind open with them. You don’t want to miss out on something just as amazing because of your fears. Our past is behind us and it won’t ever control us again. We have the power. And we deserve all the good things in life. So does our baby. Don’t hold back, not for me. Not for anyone.”
And I’m crying again. Lovely. “I love you.”
“And I love you more than the stars and the moon.” He kisses me again, and I melt into his touch.
“I think I’m going to be doing a lot of this.” I sniff, wiping at my eyes. “I don’t think I’ll be able to wear makeup anymore,” I joke.
“It’s a good thing you’re a pretty crier,” Sloane teases. “Although the only tears I wanna cause you are the ones you get when you’re choking on my—”
Aiden slams his hand over Sloane's mouth. “That's enough from you,” he growls, then takes a donut and shoves it in Sloane's mouth, replacing his hand.
“Mhhhmm.” He chews. “Maple. Mouthwatering. Hey, Emmett. I wonder if something else tastes just as good.” Sloane smirks. “And by something else, I mean you–”
Aiden shoves another donut in Sloane's mouth. “I can do this all day.”
Sloane rolls his eyes.
I look up at Emmett, and he has a matching look of amusement.
“I think we’re going to be okay,” he whispers.
I don’t say anything, just smile. The thrilling and terrifying thing is, I believe him. I think we’re going to be okay. And even though everything in me tells me to run, to protect myself, that these men are bad and danger, danger, danger, I shut that part of my mind off.
It’s been a long time since I’ve battled the demons of my past, and I won’t allow them to come back now to ruin my life again.
Sometimes change is good. And for once in my life, I’m going to choose to believe that until it’s proven otherwise.
Chapter 18
Lexi
“Should we wake them?” I whisper to Aiden, smiling at the two men snoozing away on the couch. Emmett is on one end, curled up, while Sloane is on the other, snoring away.
