In that moment she realized she still held her mother’s mouth. Removing her hand, she extended it. “Mr. Villanueva.”
When he took it to raise it to his mouth to kiss the back as she thought he’d meant to do with her mother, she turned it, squeezing his hand unnecessarily hard, and shook it. Firm and vigorously.
There was a hint of amusement that slid across his face. “Please, call me Edwin.”
Carys wanted to say more, lob a threat at him, let him know that if he dared hurt her mother, she’d rain hell down on him, just as her mother had always done for her, but she didn’t get the chance. They were interrupted by Taylor serving drinks and Prowler introducing the men, who then dispersed off to the side. Leaving just Monster, Prowler, Taylor, Edwin, her, and her mother.
The conversation between her mother and Edwin seemed easy and light. Not awkward as she had expected. “Are you sure you do not want a traditional ceremony, Linda? While I understand we are entering into a, um, non-conventional bonding, your happiness is important.”
Her mother blushed.
“I am not afforded the luxury of time, but perhaps I will reserve my choice for the future?”
“As you wish.”
Carys still gripped her mother’s hand in hers as they sat there getting to know Edwin. Her mother squeezed Cary’s. That was a cue. Her mother was about to leave. Tears sprang unbidden to Carys’s eyes.
“Shall we go now, Edwin?” Her mother stood, and everyone else followed suit.
Prowler grasped Edwin’s hand. “The Kings owe your clan.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but you owe us nothing other than what our merging of families affords us.”
They said their goodbyes, but Carys couldn’t help but follow her mother all the way to the expensive-looking black car. A man stood by the back door and opened it at their approach.
“After you, Linda,” Edwin indicated the open door.
Carys hugged her tightly. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
Her mother returned her hug. “I’ll miss you too, but stop the dramatics. I’ll be just across town, and we’ll see each other all the time.”
Her mother’s words might sound harsh to anyone listening, but she had her own tears.
She didn’t know how to pull away. Just last week she was holding her mother tight because she might lose her at any time, and today it was because she wasn’t losing her.
“Arden.” Her mother said. Monster gently untangled her from her mother and wrapped her in his arms from behind.
She smiled at Carys, then got into the car. Instead of following her in, Edwin stood in front of Carys, taking her hands in his. Monster allowed himself to be dislodged.
“You are welcome on clan land anytime day or night, unannounced, and can stay as long as you choose. My only request is that if you bring more than two Kings with you, a heads-up would be appreciated. Our security can be … temperamental.”
“Thank you, Edwin. I shall take you up on it.” She tried to sound as old world as he did. “And should I show up unannounced and find my mother less than joyous, just know I have plenty of razor blades and superglue.” She heard Monster bark a laugh from behind her.
Edwin raised a brow at him in question. “Ask Linda.”
Carys stood wrapped in Monster’s arms, watching them exit the gate and beyond. The yard was empty, and when it was just the two of them, Monster slid one hand up her front to her throat.
Bending down, he caught her earlobe in his teeth before whispering. “I have something for you, Pixie.”
“Umm.” He was driving her crazy, caressing the sensitive skin around her ear with his nose. “Is it this?”
She swayed her ass back and forth, rubbing against his growing cock.
“That’s for later. Come on inside.”
“Wait. Um, what my mom said about me not wanting kids, is that something?—”
“It was a relief, Pixie. I probably should’ve told you before, but I got snipped years ago.”
