She’s seated across from me on my bed, her dark pixie cut tucked behind her ears as she uses her top lip to spin the metal ring that dangles from the bottom. She’s supposed to be helping me choose, but her mind is elsewhere.
“You’re eighteen, and you haven’t even had your first kiss,” she mutters, flicking a finger over my brochures and notepad.
I give her a withering look. “You know how Kaden feels about that.”
She groans, resting her head back against her shoulders. “Don’t you think he’s being a little weird? I have a brother, and he’s protective, but he would never stop me from dating.”
Something grips me tightly, making bitterness churn in my gut. I love Kodi, but hearing her call Kaden weird makes me feel defensive. “He isn’t weird. Don’t say that.”
Her expression softens before she takes the books from my lap and moves them aside. She scoots closer to me, taking my hands in hers. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you, but he can’t hold your hand the whole time. You’re going tocollege, Mel. Don’t you want to experience something before you go in without a clue?”
While I know what my friend said is true, there’s something else that bothers me. I can’t put my finger on it, but I know it would upset Kaden. I don’t like making him mad, but I can’t spend the rest of my life in a bubble.
I sigh. “Okay. Is Stephanie still having her party tonight?”
Kodi’s eyes light up. “You know it. Let’s get you out of these pajamas and into something sexy!”
My nerves ebb slowly as my friend helps me pick out something to wear. She chooses a black leather skirt and a sheer top for me before grabbing a pair of knee-length boots from her car. I opt for an undershirt under the top before slipping into the clothes and giving a turn in the mirror of my room.
“You look hot!” Kodi gushes.
“It’s not something I would normally wear…” I trail.
She slaps a hand over my ass, making me yelp. “Exactly! We’re trying to get you sloppy tongue action. Not quilting with the community center senior citizens.”
I purse my lips. “But what about Kaden—”
My friend pinches my mouth between her fingers, giving me a stern glare. “He’s out tonight with his friends doing god only knows what. He won’t have a single clue where you are. Relax and let’s go have fun.”
My heart pounds with uncertainty, but I nod. This is for the best. I deserve to experience everything. Even if the thought of Kaden finding out makes me sick.
Chapter sixteen
Kaden
Thereareonlyafew months left before Ivan inherits his father’s title. Everything has been a slow-moving machine, inching forward with every passing day. He’s learning the ropes of the crime family while Saint and I wait in the shadows. The moment our friend takes over, heads will roll.
Which means only a few more months with Melody. She has no idea, but I’ll be there at her new college. Not as a student, but as her protector. Until I can no longer see her, I won’t waste a moment. Our time will be stolen, but nothing can replace the spot I’ll hold in her heart.
I’ll be back for her one day, and there will be nothing standing in my way.
I park my motorcycle in the drive, removing my helmet as the sting of the fresh ink across my shoulders settles. Over the past year, my body has become a canvas of artwork. Saint has become a beast with a needle, and anytime he gets the urge to practice, I’m in his chair before he can blink. He gave me my first tattoo, Melody’s name is scrawled above my heart in gentle, swelling cursive—a mark that shows I’ll forever be owned by my sister.
As I stalk up the driveway, I notice Kodi’s car is gone. She was helping Melody with college prep before I left.
They must have finished.
I smirk to myself before opening the front door and stepping into the foyer. I have every intention of going to my sister’s room until Mom pokes her head out of the living room.
“Kaden!” She greets warmly with a knowing smile. “More tattoos?”
I smile, pulling the back of my shirt up before showing her the graveyard and crows now painted into my skin.
She gasps. “Oh! Your dad is going to kill you, Kid, but I love it.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I pull my shirt down as she offers me a bucket of popcorn.
“Your dad is at a conference in the city, and Jellybean left for the night. It’s just us if you want to join me for a movie?” She offers pleasantly, unaware that my heart has bottomed out at her words. Mom moves around the sofas, setting up her blanket as she grabs the remote. “Kaden?”
