Page 77 of Love the Way You Lion
Her posture crunches again, and the hair falls over her face. “She figures into us? I mean, if so, I can say nothing. It’s okay.”
“God, no, not at all.” I shake my head, pushing her hair away. “I don’t want to be another problem.”
Her expression is more than relieved. “You’re not. I mean, okay, she will freak, but I—I don’t care.”
“The only things that factor into my being with you are your heart, your mind, and your desirable body.”
Smiling a little, she murmurs, “Good. Thank you. I was having an old mate moment, and it wasn’t good. I can do whatever you need; I need some time to adjust to that. That’s all.”
I kiss her and then give her a serious look. “It’s all about you, baby, no one else. I’ve been falling for you from the moment you touched me, I think.”
“It set me on my ass. I get unsure and paranoid sometimes. Sorry.”
“Taurus is very much in love with you. True?”
It’s not a smile this time; it’s beaming. “Yes. I get that now.”
“Any doubts?”
“No.”
“Can you accept that I’m the same way? Or I will be, um, probably.”
Her skin flushes again, and she whispers, “I can try.”
“I’d no sooner hurt you than I would Rafe. Though, you may need to explain things to me like a mentally challenged twit.”
Deli chuckles and sighs. “Me too. I think we’ll be okay if we talk. Do you want to take a shower maybe, and go get some food? I heard you have all your own stuff here now.” Her smile is shy but pleased they have assimilated me into her herd, even in a small way.
I wrinkle my nose. “That, my sweet, sounds like an amazing idea because I don’t think we’re done yet.” Giving her a saucy grin, I roll off the bed and hold my hand out, tugging her along towards the bathroom. “Let’s get squeaky.”
The Artist Has Issues
RAFE
Mate,
I didn’t handle this morning as well as I could have, and I feel chapped about it. I didn’t expect what happened between you and me yesterday. I’m right glad it did because there aren’t words for what you did. I feel off about it all, I guess. When I feel off or unsure, I fall back on what I do well—being a prick and protecting the ones I love. Bugger. I can’t help feeling like I should have said something different.
Maybe I was too cold.
I think it wasn’t very good for you and I’m sorry. I hope I’m being paranoid and I wasn’t as big an ass as I think I was. I probably was, though.
Regardless, I wanted to tellyou that yesterday was—it will stay with me for a long time. I hope that it wasn’t a one time deal, but I figure there’s more to be said.
That’s better face to face, I think. I might need some help there—figuring things out—as I’m in unfamiliar waters. I’ll look you up when I get home tonight, but I wanted to... hell, I don’t know.
Hang loose, Sampson.
Taurus
The hastily scribbled note was waiting for me when I came back from the supply store.
Once he left, I went to the kitchen to get more bourbon and a bite. I figured I’d shower and work out my emotions with a drink and draw session. I did this to myself, and no way was I going to bother the women. They need some time alone—it’s good for them, particularly for my primary. That wound is open, and at least one of us should heal, right?
Unfortunately for me, the women took up residence in my sodding studio. Blade didn’t feel comfortable knocking about the top floor of our house with its history, I’m sure. I can’t blink in and out, so I had to run out to get supplies. Whiskey alone wasn’t going to cut it. I was frustrated, angry, and self-destructive when I left.
When I returned, our women were gone, and the note was here. I have no idea what to make of it. Am I supposed to feel bad that he thinks he screwed up? Should I let it go? What is he saying he wants? The sex was fucking amazing—we both know it.
