“Well, if you change your mind.”
He stands, and I catch my breath because Blade is one hell of a magnificent beast, and here in his natural habitat, it only reinforces the legend. He is a warrior, a brute even, hiding a heart made of pure gold.
He hides it well, and frankly, one glimpse at him is enough to terrify even the bravest of souls. His muscles move of their own accord, and his legs fill his jeans as well as other important parts that I try so hard not to sneak glances at. His t-shirt shrivels under his frame, and the black Reaper jacket looks good on him.The bandana he uses to tame his wild hair is sexy as fuck, and as for the dark shadow on his jaw and the piercing blue eyes, I’m surrendering before I even put up a fight.
I am mesmerized by him and doubt that will ever change.
CHAPTER 22
BLADE
Shit. That wasn’t how I intended the conversation to go. Delilah has backed away, understandably I guess, but she’s nervous. That’s obvious.
When she met the whores, she shrank into herself. I’m guessing she felt inferior—wrongly, in my mind. Delilah stands meters taller than those girls because she is the most incredible woman I have ever met and when they told her she could pick and mix, I fought hard not to grip her arm and march her right here to my room and lock her away.
It shocked me. I don’t catch feelings; I forbid it. No good will come from lusting after one woman, and I respect her too much to try.
I am not a catch. Not even close, and yet in a different world perhaps, Delilah is exactly the woman I would pursue until she gave in. I want her so badly, but I also want to warn her away from me.
She deserves a fresh start, a better start than the one she has been dealt. I remind myself that she is Aspen Costello. A rich kid who led a life of comfort and respectability until she had the misfortune to marry Gideon Fox. Even the mere thought of thatman causes the dagger to twist in my heart, and if there is one man I ache to kill in this world, it’s him.
We head toward Flash’s house, and I resist gripping Delilah’s hand. It was so easy back at the cabin. As natural as breathing. Yet here, back home, I’m maintaining my distance because Delilah will have a choice to make real soon, and it most certainly won’t be me.
“I can’t wait to see Imogen and Cassie again.”
Her sweet voice pushes aside my concerns, and I almost smile.
“They are cool kids.”
“They’re not kids anymore, Blade.”
Delilah nudges me and chuckles softly. “I’m certain Drake doesn’t think of Imogen as a kid.”
She glances my way with a slight hesitation and then whispers, “What does Flash think about that?”
I shrug. “I haven’t asked him.”
Her soft chuckle almost makes me smile.
“Honestly, Blade. You can give an opinion, you know.”
I’m spared from answering as we arrive at the door, and as I thump my fist on it, I note Delilah wringing her hands with nerves.
“You’ll be okay, darlin’.”
I wink and her nervous smile tears at my heart because she has zero confidence. I want to take her in my arms to reassure her, kiss her soft lips, and tell her how amazing she is. To wrap her in my arms, to keep the world away and protect her, love her, hold her. But I can do none of those things because she deserves better than me, and I won’t add to her misery by declaring my feelings for her, for her sake, not mine.
The door swings open and Imogen squeals when she sees Delilah and I roll my eyes. Why the hell do women do that? Men never do. A thump on the back or a fist bump is acceptable, butthis is way over the top, yet it still draws a smile from my surly lips.
“Delilah! Oh my God, you made it! I can’t believe you’re here.”
She grasps Delilah’s hand and pulls her in after her, leaving me to watch them go.
Delilah turns, and the longing in her eyes as they connect with mine causes my heart to race and I nod my encouragement and step back, allowing her this time, hoping it helps her heal.
With a sigh, I head toward the bar, fully intending to catch up with my brother and sink a few beers while he grunts at my conversation. Fuck my life. It’s no wonder I don’t talk much, yet with Delilah there is so much I want to say but lack the skills to voice my thoughts.
As I head inside the main compound, I notice Brewer approaching, and he nods. “Blade. Good to see you back, soldier.”
