Why is life so fucking complicated?
CHAPTER 6
NICKEL
It may look like I continue drinking along with the rest of my brothers, but I don’t like not being in control. Blue knows me well. When I shake my head at another beer, he nods and hands me a bottle of water.
It’s good to let loose with my brothers, though. It’s been a long time since we’ve done this apart from when it’s a party. I watch as Mom arrives with Opal and the kids before Dad joins them.
I study Nora as she watches them. But then I’ve been studying Nora all afternoon. Does that make me a stalker? Who the fuck knows?
I wonder what she’s thinking as she interacts with the other Old Ladies. She seems comfortable. I’ve spent most of my life observing others, and a few times, I couldn’t read her.
Although her face softened when Dad greeted Mom with a kiss. Nora hides a lot, but she likes being looked after. It’s taken me a little while, but I’ve finally figured out her expression this morning when I told her I’d laundered her clothes. It was surprise mixed with happiness.
I may not be the most emotive Tin, but if my parents have taught me anything in life, it’s what a healthy relationship looks like. The Tin men enjoy spoiling our women.
And I want Nora to be my woman.
She may take some persuading, though.
Starting now.
Leavingmy brothers to their shit-talking, I walk to where the ladies are sitting with my dad and Cross.
The chairs are all taken, so I drag one over and take a leaf out of my dad’s book—I scoop Nora up, ignoring her squeak of surprise, and sit with her on my lap.
She looks at me with wide, surprised eyes. “What are you—”
“Relax, Nor,” I whisper in her ear.
“But… I’m on your lap?”
“Yep,” I rumble, biting back a smile when she shivers. “It’s a Tin thing. You'll get used to it.”
She narrows her eyes at me, then looks at my dad and mom. Thea, Jeanie, and Bee are smirking, but do me a solid and don’t say anything. Instead, they continue to chat about the cidery and the roadhouse.
Nora relaxes inch by inch until she’s nestled into me. Tightening my arms around her, Ibrush my lips to her temple and smile when she snuggles deeper into me with a soft sigh.
I’m content with that small softening.
We sit like that until the pizza is delivered, then move to the dining table. The rest of the brothers join us, and it’s a great evening filled with laughter, teasing, and the general mayhem that comes with being a Queens Wraith brother.
It’s late when we leave and make the short walk home. My chest warms when Nora slips her hand into mine, but too soon, we’re walking up the stairs and into my home.
I turn to Nora to offer her first dibs on the shower. “Do you want—”
My words are cut off as her mouth lands on mine.
A rumble of happiness leaves me as I run my hands down her sides to her ass, cupping andkneading like I’ve been wanting to since I met her.
Nora whimpers low in her throat. I grasp her thighs and lift her, and she wraps her legs around my waist. Turning, I press her against the nearest wall, biting back a curse as she rocks against my hard cock.
“Fuck, Nora,” I whisper as I run my mouth down her neck, nipping the pulse fluttering at the base of her throat. “Are you sure you want this, darlin’?”
I lift my head and look deep into her eyes. “Before you say yes, you have to know that this is more than one night for me. If we do this, I won’t be letting you go. I’ve known since I met you that you’re the one for me.”
“Nickel,” she whispers, her eyes searching mine. “I don’t know what my life is going to be like after this job. The Skulls send me all over the world.”
