Page 72 of The Truth of Our Secrets

“Yes, Daddy,” I say sarcastically, but his eyes darken with need.

“Don’t call me that unless you mean it,” he warns.

I’m not exactly sure what he means by that, but I want to find out. But another day because I’m exhausted. His arms circle my chest, squeezing me, and my body melts against his.

“You amazed me.” He kisses my neck, and it’s sensitive where he’s left his mark. “You’re not leaving us.” He says it so low that he didn’t mean for me to hear it, so I don’t respond.

I don’t want to leave either.

He pins me against the wall, kissing me. “I don’t think I’ll get enough of you.” He strokes from my hair down the side of my face.

Leaning into his palm, I hate to break the spell, but I clear my throat. “I have to open the shop tomorrow, so I should go home. Skip the walk of shame in the morning.” It’s a joke, but his eyes flash.

“This is nothing to be ashamed about.”

“I’m referring to wearing the same clothes as yesterday. I’m definitely not ashamed.” A kiss accentuates my point.

“You can wear something of mine. Stay with us. She’ll be upset if she wakes up and you’re gone.”

This has bad idea written all over it. Fuck it. “Okay.”

His grin is like turning on the sun. “We’re not that different in size.”

He’s much more muscular than I am, but we’re the same height. I bite back a comment about being the cool kid wearinghis boyfriend’s hoodie. That’s so high school, and he’s not my boyfriend, but tomorrow I can pretend.

We dry off in silence and Jayce peeks out to check on Madyson. He has a weird expression. When I try to leave the bathroom, he grabs my wrist and his thumb strokes my cheekbone.

“I know you’re mad about the hospital. I only want to make things better for you. Will you let me do that, Angel?” I open my mouth to argue, but I know he doesn’t think I’m incapable. He wouldn’t do it if he didn’t want to. And his nickname turns my insides into goo.

So I whisper, “This once. But not again.”

He presses the sweetest kiss to my lips. “Thank you.” Then his eyes darken. “Are you going to tell her?”

I don’t have to ask what. “No. The first time wasn’t you, was it?” I ask and he shakes his head, but there’s guilt in his eyes. “But you knew.” It’s not a question. I want him to know that I understand it was Peter who answered the phone and told me Madyson didn’t want any contact with me.

His head dips a fraction of an inch in acknowledgment of his wrongdoing.

“I won’t tell her, but if she asks me, I won’t lie.” I’m gripping his biceps as if that will help my words sink in. “But I think you should tell her. She loves you. She’ll be mad for a minute and get over it, but if she finds out another way, it’ll really hurt her.”

“As long as you don’t tell her, she won’t find out.” His tone is firm as if he’s convincing himself.

“The truth has a way of coming to light, and it’ll be better if you tell her.” He’s still under my hands and I hate the wall he’s building between us. “But I promise I won’t bring it up. She won’t find out from me unless she specifically asks.”

He sags with relief and leads me to their bed.

Despite all the thoughts circling my brain, we sandwich Madyson and I get the best sleep of my life in their arms.

Chapter twenty-six

Madyson

The wind adds extra chill, and my nose might fall off. I thought spending the afternoon skating in Central Park would be the perfect activity for us. But it’s colder than Antarctica and the goddamn wind won’t stop.

After Emmet opened the shop, he met us here when Jayce announced he’d take a half day. It’s sort of a miracle because he doesn’t take days off for no reason.

The second miracle of the day was that my OB-GYN got me an appointment this morning, so we only have to wait seven more days until my birth control is effective and we can ditch the condoms.

We all have our negative tests and I’m dying for their cum inside me. Seven days in the long run is super short but a lifetime of waiting.

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