Page 52 of Cloudless
The elongated column of her neck begs for my lips as I trace the length of her profile with careful eyes.
Her rays of sunshine reach me all the way in the water. All I want to do is bask in her light for as long as she’ll let me.
If only she could see herself through my eyes.
A wave of guilt washes over me as I yet again catch myself thinking about Lila as more than a friend. She’s made her wishes very clear, and I intended to respect that.
My muscles turn to stone as Colt lets out an appreciative whistle in Lila’s direction. “Who the hell is that?”
My voice is pure gravel as my full attention zeroes in on him. “Sheis not your concern.”
His eyes light up with a challenge as he lazily tilts his head in my direction. “Issheyours, Kam?”
She will be.
My teeth grind together as I work to maintain my composure. “No.” An image of Colt with his filthy hands on Lila flashing through my mind makes me see red. “She’s off limits, Colt.”
A grin takes over his face. “Says who?”
“We do.” Wyatt’s voice is pure steel as my roommates crowd around my back.
My blood boils as it speeds through my veins.
Colt’s grin turns sinister. “Seems like that's a decision she should make for herself. Don’t you think,Captain?”
Dax’s hand lands on my shoulder as I practically vibrate with rage. Colt doesn’t deserve her. No one does. She is too pure for this world. Too good to be corrupted by his hands.
Dax’s voice dips to almost a growl as his fingers dig into my damp skin. “This isn’t a hill you want to die on, Colt.” His voice drops to a whisper. “Settle it on the ice, Kam. Not here.Little eyesare watching.”
I look down to find Jasper’s big blue eyes staring up at me from his position between my roommates. His eyes volley between me and Colt. Clarity enters my mind as I take a deep breath.
At first glance, Lila may seem weakened by grief and struck down by her circumstances. But when I look at Lila, I see strength.
Strength to step up and fight for her brother and sister when no one else could.
Strength to tell me no so she could do her best for them.
Strength to laugh through her grief and live despite it all.
I’ve seen glimpses of her fire, and I can’t wait to watch her set it loose.
My faith in Lila dims the uncontrollable rage, trying to take hold inside me. Memories of my dad losing control flash through my mind as I fight to maintain a hold on my emotions, despite the blazing challenge still present on Colt’s face.
I am not my father.
My determination is no match for the strong current fighting my legs as I walk in Colt’s direction. My voice stays steady as a new determination floods my veins. “You’re right. It’s a decision she should make.” His eyes betray his fear he tries so desperately to hide. “But make no mistake.” Inches separate us now. “She will turn your sorry ass down, because that woman knows her worth.” My voice drops to a dangerous level. “And you’re not good enough.”
His smirk is a desperate attempt to show strength he doesn’t possess. “And you are?”
I shake my head slowly. “No. That doesn’t mean I won’t try to be.” A smirk lifts my lips. “Oh, and Colt?” His eyebrows raise as he fights not to fidget. “You might want to rinse the lipstick off your neck before you go. Wouldn’t want her seeing your true colors so soon.”
The darkness now present in his eyes is no match for the certainty ringing through me as water fills the space between us. My smirk grows into a full grin. “I look forward to watching you fail, Colt.”
My eyes never leave his as I back away toward the wall of muscle that is my roommates.
Jasper’s voice rises over the rage still boiling through me. “I’m glad you’re the man of the house now, Kam. It’s a really hard job.”
A genuine smile takes over my face as my eyes soften on the little boy, who now takes up much of my heart. “You three aren’t alone anymore, Tank.”
