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Which was how I liked it best.

I wasn’t sure I’d have ever discovered that about myself, had we met another way. I’d hooked up with plenty of guys and liked it fine. But something about being held still with only the power of words—the tone of his voice telling me to obey—made everything better.

I used to think it was because I needed to escape my guilt. Maybe that was partly true. Now, I was pretty sure it was because handing over my trust was the ultimate act of love.

When I did that, I knew Kit would take care of me.

That I didn’t have to worry or think or wonder about what would happen next.

I could just live in the moment, fully experience every flicker of passion and pleasure and frustration, until Kit finally gave me the release that I needed.

“I remember,” I murmured softly, so the guys wouldn’t overhear.

Kit leaned in and kissed my cheek. “And remember who loves you, too.”

Aiden stood and began gathering trash. “I suppose we should get out of here. You can unpack and settle in, and we’ll check in with you soon.”

Hollywood followed his lead, helping collect plates and empty beer bottles. “Let us know if you need anything. We’re just down the road.”

“Yes, let them know,” Ghost said. “I like my peace and quiet.”

I laughed, because Ghost was full of it. He’d be the first to help. He wouldn’t want me over there every day, bugging him with small talk, but he’d support me just as much as any of the Redemption Road crew.

Knight gave me a quick hug and backslap. “We better see you at the next meeting,” he said. “I don’t care if you’re the first guy to find a job outside the program.”

“I’ll be there,” I said. “I’ll keep working at the pet store for a while. Until Scott Construction gets enough projects going that it takes more time.”

“Good,” he said. “But even when it goes full-time and you leave that job, you’re still one of us.”

“Yeah, you’ll have to fight your way out like Knight did that biker gang,” Tex said, grabbing my neck and trying to rub his knuckles over my head.

I twisted out of his grip, giving him a push. “Watch the hair, you bastard.”

He laughed, raising his hands. “My bad.”

“We’re family,” Knight said simply.

A lump grew in my throat. These guys had seen me through some really dark times. I nodded. “Yeah, of course.”

Hollywood tugged me into a big hug. “We’re happy for you.”

Aiden squeezed my shoulder as he walked by.

One by one, they took their leave. Kit helped Dakota down the stairs, and then she was gone too.

Until it was just us.

He rejoined me in the living room. “You’ve got some good friends.”

“Yeah,” I said softly.

“I’m surprised none of them kicked my ass,” he said. “Hollywood was gentle with his warning, considering. They all look at you like their little brother, you know?”

“Nah, they wouldn’t do that.” I paused. “I think. But just to be safe, you better stay on my good side.”

“Oh, I plan to,” he said. “The left side of the bed, right next to you.”

“Every night,” I said softly.