"I found out her ex's name," I continue on, pursing my lips at the memory of finding broken photographs. "He's a good-looking dude. I think she likes older men more, and that sucks. I don't even have a single gray hair yet."
That earns me a blow to the back of my head. Cursing, I rub the sore spot.
"You are unbearable when you're smitten." Tending my wound, the alcohol burns hot, and I have to grit my teeth to stop from making any alarming noises. "So, you're going to track him down?"
"I've already asked Hex to look into him." Groaning, a sigh follows next. "I didn't kill any of those assholes. Should've, but I didn't. I hoped if the survivors knew we were involved, they'd back off a bit. Even better, I promised them that I'd find the guy and let them do whatever the fuck they want with him."
I need to talk to Penny about it. After last night, the last thing I want to do is go behind her back and kill someone I'm jealous of. Not if it means risking the chance of making the woman hate me instead of loving me.
If she can't get on board with it, then I guess I'll just have to cling to her side every minute of the day just in case to keep her safe. Either way, it sounds like a win-win for me.
Smoke patches me up before slapping his hand on the bandage. "All better."
"Asshole." Cursing his name next, I follow it up with my appreciation. "Thanks for looking out. Heading back to the casino?"
He nods. "You know where to find me. Can't promise I'll make as much without you."
Once everything settles down and things go back to normal, I'll become his partner once more. He's got nothing to worry about. We'll recoup, we always do.
"Don't do anything stupid." Opening the door, he frowns like he's sending more of a threat my way than concern.
Motioning a salute, that just gives me a disappointed shake of his head before he leaves. Guy can act as hard as he wants, but he still says goodbye to the other two.
When Leliah gives him a silent wave, I realize that, shit, maybe I am a little jealous of Smoke.
Gripping my shirt, I know there's no point in hiding the state of my body. This isn't exactly a rare sight. The only thing that changes is the spot of the wound. Luckily, this time, they're nothing concerning.
Nothing that'll keep me from her, anyway.
Tossing the shirt away in the trash, I pass by the two as they unpack Leliah's toys. I'd found some stuffed animals and weird-looking activity toys that weren't touched, and by the looks of it, I'd picked the right things.
Leliah's smiling. For the first time since I set my eyes on the little girl, she's got a brightness to her that hits me square in the chest.
The two ladies are going to be my downfall.
Penny lifts her gaze to see me drinking in the view. She's changed, now wearing a shirt far more fitting with a pair of jeans worn at the knees. Despite taking a minute to decide what clothes to bring, I didn't have all the time in the world. Not without any of the other club’s backup crawling in.
She looks comfortable. Like her daughter, she's smiling. Talk about a double knockout.Jesus.
I'd burn the whole world down to keep that smile on her face.
The woman notices my state. First, her face pinkens at my toplessness, before she pales, and a look of worry swallows up that smile.
I should be upset with myself that I've got her this way, but I can't even lie. I love her worrying over me. My cock does too, from the way it's already hardening up.
Down, boy. Not the time.
She's going to think I'm some kind of horn dog if I can't keep it in my pants, but the way she looks at me...
"Care for a chat?" Curling my finger, I'm already stepping back toward the kitchen. My smile grows when she gets to her feet, leaving Leliah to play with a device that screeches a noise each time she pushes a button.
Once she's close enough to be within my reach, I can't help myself. I back her against the counter. Despite the squeaking noise she makes, she doesn't try to pull away.
She fits against me so well, I can’t help but be amazed every time.
"Finally alone, huh?" Leaning in, I fight the urge to kiss her. God, I keep wondering what it'll be like if she kisses me first.
Would she be shy? Confident? Would she taste the same as last night?
