Page 305 of Shadowman
“If you have to explain your jokes, they’re not funny.” I grin.
“Oh yea, like you know what’s funny,” Ren gripes. “You didn’t even know you liked dick when it was in your damn mouth.”
“I already regret this entire conversation,” I rumble.
Dash comes strutting over with Kemper, throwing his arms around our shoulders. “God, I fucking missed you guys.”
“For real,” I hum.
“I know we’re trapped like rats about to be slaughtered, but I have to say, this just feels right,” Ren sighs.
“Is it weird that I agree with you?” Dash chuckles.
“Yes,” Kemper teases, kissing Dash’s neck.
“Did you guys know that Luthor and Ren are also engaged?” I tell him, and his face explodes.
“What?! No fucking way!” Dash grabs Luthor by the shoulders, shaking him back and forth while he laughs.
“Hang on, you’re engaged too??” Felix comes scampering over with Lem, having overheard.
Ren shows off his ring, and Dash pouts. “Baby, how come I didn’t get a ring??”
“Because you got a house.” Kemper gives him a pointed look. “And a Ducati. And a dog.”
“Spoiled bitch,” Ren jeers.
“Right. Thank you, baby,” Dash purrs.
“We’re engaged too,” Felix butts in, bouncing, with pink cheeks.
“Are you serious??” Dash gasps, excitement overload.
“Get out!” Luthor claps. “Congratulations!”
“Jesus,” Joy mutters while moving things around. “It’s a damn epidemic.”
“You’re not getting married, Joyful?” Kemper teases her.
“Not unless Velle wants to be a housewife.” She grins, as does Rook.
And right on cue, almost unbelievably, the low rumble of a motorcycle engine grows closer.
“Speaking of Mr. Jameson-Samuels.” Hancock laughs.
Rook darts over to the door, lifting the latch and opening it wide. Velle drives the Harley right inside, killing the engine. He’s barely off the thing before Rook and Joy are attacking him with kisses and affectionate touch. It’s sweet to witness, no matter how painfully single I’m feeling.
It’sVelle, after all. He, Joy and Rook are the perfect trio. They’re like Mom and Dads. Things feelcompletenow.
They were right, and I knew it all along, despite trying to fight it. We’re a fuckingfamily.
Is it always pretty?Hell no.But we’ve been through so much together… Denying it would be foolish.
“Daddy’s home, kids.” Velle sighs, pushing his hair back with a smirk, mirroring almost my exact sentiments. We all converge around him. And when he sees me, his grin widens. “Good to see you came to your senses, 62.”
I scowl, and he laughs.
“Sorry.Byron.”
