Page 42 of Bliss: Part 1
“Tripp.” Bliss’s voice was soft. She wasn’t startled by his presence, and neither was I. I would’ve been if he hadn’t come to me earlier today, telling me about the night he had with Bliss, and how she wasn’t ready to get closer to him just yet.
It was strange, in a way, but I was glad he didn’t push her or get jealous.
We just looked at him, not letting go of each other while he took in the scene in front of him.
His eyes went from my hands to her body, then he looked into our faces, trying to figure out if what he was seeing was okay.
“Not enjoying the party?” Tripp asked, his voice calm and steady.
Bliss gave a small shake of her head, and I shrugged. “Not really.”
He made a thoughtful sound, eyes fixed on us. “Don’t you think it’s better if you head home? It’s too risky doing that out here.”
My hands slid down to Bliss’s hips, keeping her close. I didn’t want to let go, and it was clear she didn’t either. Her fingers had found their way to my wrists, holding on.
“You’re probably right,” I said, turning my head to look at her. Her eyes met mine, her gaze soft. I gave her a small, reassuring smile. “Ready to go home?”
She nodded once but didn’t speak.
It wasn’t that Tripp had scared her into silence. Her quietness around him wasn’t cold or guarded. It was something gentler. Something thoughtful and full of respect.
I looked back at Tripp and gave a short nod. “I’ll take her home.”
But Bliss tightened her grip on my wrists, then turned to him. “Wait...how are you guys getting home?”
“I’ll come get them later,” he said simply.
His answer surprised her. Her mouth parted slightly, then closed again before she finally asked, “You’re coming home too? Why?”
“Because I don’t feel like staying,” Tripp replied, voice still smooth and composed. “I’d rather come hang out with you two.”
He tilted his head just a little, still watching her closely, like he already knew the answer, but wanted her to say it anyway. “That okay with you, Lissy?”
I looked back at her and caught the flicker of surprise in her eyes. It was brief, but I saw it. Then, a small smile began to spread on her lips.
“Yes,” she said quietly. “That’s okay.”
Tripp turned to me next, raising one brow with quiet authority. “Let’s go.”
I gave Bliss’s top a gentle tug to fix it, then stepped back to give her some space. We didn’t speak as we made our way back toward the edge of the party. The noise of the crowd followed us until we reached the truck, and after Tripp let Ashby and Rhys know we were heading out, we climbed inside.
The three of us settled onto the front bench, with Bliss sitting between us.
“Did you drink?” I asked Tripp, glancing sideways at him as he started the engine.
“Just a beer,” he replied. “Don’t worry.”
“He’d never put us in danger,” Bliss added gently, glancing over at him with a quiet trust in her voice. Her lips curved into a soft smile, and Tripp met her gaze with a slight nod.
His left hand rested lightly on the steering wheel. The other reached over and landed on her thigh, his touch casual.
It didn’t bother me.
Not in the slightest.
Just like it hadn’t bothered me when Rhys or Ashby touched her. In fact, the opposite was true. I wanted them to. I wanted her to feel safe, to feel wanted and adored. Protected. Cherished.
Because that’s what she craved.
