Page 83 of Swan

“Shut up,” Texas bit out.

“What? You thought I was a virgin?” She laughed.

Oh fuck.

Texas was about to explode.

“Rommy, who the fuck?—”

“Don’t try asking me who it was because there’s no way I’ll tell you. It was consensual; that’s all you need to know. Oh, and we used protection. I don’t want a baby anytime soon.”

Texas frowned. “Don’t talk about you and babies.”

Rommy snorted. “Why? You do know I’m twenty-three.”

“Don’t remind me.”

Rommy patted his arm. “Relax, brother. I’m more than capable of taking care of myself. Dad has me trained to defend myself. I know how to use a weapon, and I keep a Taser on me at all times.” She pulled the device out of her back pocket. Luckily, she was in a club-owned bar since the device was illegal, and no one in here would be stupid enough to go to the cops about seeing her with it. “Come at me and I’ll show you.” She danced side to side on her feet with a wicked grin.

Texas shook his head, huffing. “Jesus Christ, I ain’t fightin’ you. I know you can kick my arse.”

“Please. Pretty please fight me. I wanna show you what I can do.”

“No.”

“Come on. Just this once.”

Standing, I announced, “Gettin’ another beer.” Instead of heading to the bar, though, I went over to the pool tables.

“Maya, you might want to go help your man.”

My sister straightened from the table and handed me the cue. “Why?”

“Rommy’s trying to fight him.”

She snorted out a laugh. “What?”

“She wants to prove how she can defend herself.”

“Thanks, I’ll go save him. You take my turn.”

When she walked off, I asked Josie, “Who am I playin’ against?”

“Me,” Swan said with a blush. She moved in close to me and added softly, “Thank you for stopping the music. I-I just… I’m not….” She blew out a breath.

Staring down at her this close, I wished I could tip her chin up to capture her lips. I hungered for it, but I didn’t give in to myself. I never would. Not until I knew she’d welcome me.

To her lips, her body, her heart.

“Birdy.” When she looked up, I tapped her nose and told her, “No need to thank me. You know I’d do anythin’ for you.” I watched her eyes widen and her deep inhale. I stepped back and lifted the cue. “Now, let me beat your cute arse at this game.”

She gave me a shy smile and waved towards the table. “Try your best.”

CHAPTER NINETEEN

SWAN

At work the Wednesday after being in Melbourne, I was supposed to be organising things, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how Drake had rushed across the floor at the pub to pull the plug on the music.

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