Levi’s expression softens. “We’ll tell you everything, just not today, Butterfly.”
My fists rest on my hips. “And who decides when I get to know?”
“We do,” Walker replies.
“You’re choosing for me?” I accuse, frustration charging my tone.
“Yeah,” Walker admits. “I am.” His eyes analyze my every mannerism and expression, then his shoulders rise and fall with a steadying breath. “And if you hate me for it later, I’ll live with that.”
Santiago bravely steps forward, rubbing his hands over my upper arms. “I know asking you to trust us isn’t fair, especially after everything. But we’re asking anyway.”
If it’s possible to be in a state of unfettered rage and pure, undiluted captivation…
I’m there.
They each carry a real fear that comes from my knowing, and it has them petrified.
They’re even willing to carry my hate.
I give them a slight nod. “Okay.”
Walker visibly relaxes. Levi lets out a long breath.
Santiago stands there smiling down at me. He places a kiss on the top of my head, and the three of them turn back to finish the wall.
“So…” fidgeting with my fingers, I move a little closer. “Since I’m trusting you with this, do you think you could trust me with a hammer?”
“Absolutely not.” Levi’s response is immediate. “I’ve seen your temper.”
I shoot him a glare and point. “You’re back on the shit list, Levi Harding.”
Levi spins back around, a roguish look on his face as he shoves his tools at Walker. “I could always repeat what we did last time to get me off the list.”
Santiago feigns ignorance, setting his tools on the ground. “What did you guys do last time?”
Walker drops the power tools, not caring that he very likely just broke them all. “I think we all know what they did.”
“Our girl’s a screamer,” Levi smirks.
Levi, Santiago, and Walker stalk toward me, and suddenly, I feel like prey.
It’s exhilarating.
My footsteps move me backward out of the barn as I come up with a way to make this interesting. “Whoever catches me first gets to pick the position.”
Santiago’s brows shoot up, Walker’s eyes smolder, and Levi’s lips curve into a sinful smile.
“If we’re good with that…” I start, then turn on my heel and bolt out the open barn doors. My heart races as I pump my arms, lengthening my stride.
I don’t know where I’m going. I don’t have a destination in mind, but I find myself racing up the steps of the back porch.
My hand grips the knob of the door when a pair of arms encircle my middle and haul me off my feet. I yelp as footsteps thunder closer.
In my ear, a deep voice growls. “Guess I’m the winner, Butterfly.”
My core clenches, emphasizing the fact that I’m empty and desperate to be filled.
The four of us pant, catching our breath as Levi rips open the door and marches inside with me in his arms.
