“To be honest, I’m not sure,” I admitted.
“Then rest against my chest. I’ll catch you if you start to fall.”
“Very funny.”
He stepped under the showerhead with me, letting the water rain over us. Blood began to run in scarlet rivulets down my body, swirling in the drain before disappearing. When it ran clear, he poured shampoo into his palm and began to lather it into my hair, massaging my scalp with tender, soothing movements.
“How’s that?”
“Mmmmm.”
“I take it that’s good.”
“Yes,” I answered as he rinsed my hair, then applied conditioner. It didn’t escape my notice that he used my favorite products. “Did you buy this stuff for me?”
“Of course.”
“But,” I faltered, “I didn’t even know about this place.”
He turned me around, tilting my chin up. “Blackbird,” he whispered before lowering his head and pressing his lips softly to mine. “Baby, I don’t have shit in life without you. There’s no future if you’re not in it. You and I, we’re more than the labels society tries to stick on us. You’re right here,” he paused to stab his finger into his chest, right where his heart was located, “and that’s where you’re staying. Everything else doesn’t matter.”
Blinking back tears, I sniffled. “I’ve waited so long for you to tell me how you feel.”
“Because you love me.” He kissed me again. “Just as much as I fucking love you.”
Wow. “I do, Void.”
“It’s always been us,” he replied firmly. “Always been you, Becca. Right from the start.”
How could I argue? He was right.
“We’re going to be okay, Blackbird. Wanna know why?”
I nodded.
“Because it’s not just me who loves and adores you. It’s never been a secret, baby. Revenant and Diesel would do anything for you, but I think you know that.”
“Yeah.” I stared into his eyes, wondering if that bothered him. If he could share space in my heart with two other men.
“I’m good with it.” He knew what I needed to hear. “I like to watch, and it turns me on to see them giving you pleasure. Just so long as I get to have that part of you, too, I’m good.”
“You will,” I promised before lifting my face to his.
Our lips met, and it was a sweet, gentle kiss, but also a promise. Of heat. Heart. Erotic nights.
And I couldn’t wait until I was ready.
As I stood with my arms wrapped around his neck, feeling his warmth, I felt more grounded than I had in months. I just shared my first kiss with the guy I had known as my stepbrother for years. But he never really felt like one. From the beginning, Void had always been more to me. He was strength, and protection, and a shoulder to cry on. It was Void who held me as I broke down after learning of my father’s death. He was the one who slept in my bed for weeks afterward when I woke up crying and devastated. His heart had helped heal mine after a loss that almost crushed me.
Void had wiggled his way into my heart long ago.
I wanted him to stay there.
Chapter 9 Revenant
Becca was finally feeling better. She wasn’t as unsteady on her feet and stopped wincing when she walked. I didn’t think she had a concussion, but she did have a minor head injury. Relieved that she was healing, I finally felt the tension in my chest begin to ease.
We never spoke about what happened the day she drove into the blizzard, and it was still a fucking mess outside. Over a week later, we were all waiting for the right moment to sit down and have a discussion—one that would probably decide the future, or if we had one, especially together.
