Page 85 of Declan's Dove

“Well, he sounds better than he did last night. Guess the club whore did her job right.” The words are out before I can stop them and I’m quick to put my hand over my mouth. “Sorry.” It’s a muffled apology, but Declan hears it.

His loud laughter helps lessen my embarrassment a little.

“You’re not wrong, Dove. But it’s not the sex or the club girl. It’s just Hawk. It’s how he deals with things,” Declan explains. “He gets upset. Pissed even, but he doesn’t let it hold him down for long. He always bounces back to his usual playful, obnoxious self pretty quickly.”

“So, he stuffs his emotions and pretends he’s okay. Got it.”

“Now you’re getting it.” Declan smiles at me. “Let’s get ready. I’ll get Carter and we can take him over to the school on the way to the gym.”

A few minutes later we’re both heading down to the common room where Carter is shoving a cookie into a paper bag. “What’s in the bag, baby?”

“Morning, Mama.” Carter finishes shoving the cookie in the bag, then comes over to give me a hug and rushes back to finish his task.

“Hey, kid.” Declan scruffs his hair, laughing as Carter swats Declan’s hand away. “What do you have there?”

“Since I got up early to help Miss Liz feed the animals, she said I could take a few of her cookies to school for lunch.” I’ve missed his smile.

“Did you thank Miss Liz?” I ask.

“He did. He was a big help this morning.” Liz gives him a kiss on the cheek. “We’ll see you later today for those riding lessons, okay?” She’s talking to Carter but looking at me. I tip my chin, giving Liz the go ahead.

“Can I Mama? Mr. Caleb said he would teach me how to ride Midnight after school today if it’s okay with you.”

“So long as you get your homework done. I don’t see why not.”

“It’s Friday, Mama. You know I don’t have homework on Fridays.” He laughs. I forget just how young and innocent he really is. Sometimes it’s hard to see it when he’s always looking for ways to help around the house and take care of me.

“Well, come on then. I need to get your mama some coffee on the way in to work so she doesn’t fall asleep at the gym.” Declan winks at me. I don’t need a mirror to know my cheeks are red.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

Violet

We drop Carter off at school and Declan sent Hawk to The Blonde Roast to pick up our coffee order so I could get to the gym on time. Skyler’s waiting on me and from the sounds of it, they guys have things they need to get done as well.

“Good morning,” I call out as we walk into the gym. A few morning regulars wave their hellos. I try not to react when the two women in short spandex shorts and sports bras with toned bodies ogle Declan on our way in. I can’t blame them. He’s a very large, muscular man and his fitted t-shirt and jeans make for quite the appeal. But it’s the leather cut that seems to bring out the hussy in women around here. I’ve seen them drool over Hawk and Ethan the same way.

Not that they’re not good-looking too, but they’re not my man, so it didn’t piss me off before.

Funny how things change so quickly.

I want to claw both bitches’ eyes out.

I feel his strong hand grip my shoulder as he leans in close to my ear from behind. “Easy there, tiger.”

Glancing over my shoulder, I find him looking smug. Clearly amused by my irritation. I turn to face him and bald-faced lie.

“I don’t know what you mean.” I try to play it off, but there’s no denying I’ve been caught. He shakes his head at my denial, but I hold firm to my delusions. I’m not used to being jealous, and it sucks.

“How about you unclench your fists and save those daggers you’re glaring for people that matter.” He tips his chin at my balled-up fists at my sides. “I don’t care about them. I’m yours, remember?” His words bring a smile to my face, but when I catch the two women staring at us, both looking as if they’re trying to figure us out, I decide to answer their unasked question.

I eat up the small space between us, putting us chest to chest. His eyes narrow, but his smile doesn’t fade. With one hand on his cut and the other sliding up around his neck, I lean up on my tiptoes and kiss him. And it’s not a small kiss on the lips. I want them to see us. I want them and any other woman who may even think about making a move on my man to know that he is, in fact, my man.

When I lick Declan’s lips, seeking entry, he opens to me and immediately takes over the kiss. I simply wanted to make a statement, to let the others know he was taken. Declan wants to prove his own point and devours me right here for all to see. He doesn’t just kiss me. He grips my neck, tilting me to his liking, and plunders into my mouth with his tongue. The moan that escapes from me is bordering on obscene and I couldn’t give two shits.

We hear Hawk’s loud ass coming through the front door. “Damn, Dec. Way to make her bend to your will. But if that doesn’t work, I can ask Ethan to give you the office and you can bend her over the desk instead …” His words trail off as he passes us with our coffees in hand.

Declan laughs against my lips, slowing the kiss and eventually pulling back, but he doesn’t release his hold on me. “I like you jealous. It brings out the fire in you.”

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