Page 35 of Crow's Haven
Chapter 10
Sharon
Iwake slowly, drifting in a peaceful warmth. It feels like I’m covered by a weighted blanket. It takes me a moment to realize it’s Crow’s big body draped over mine. I soak up the luxury of being in his bed and the heady smell of sex that’s still hanging heavy in the air. Being tangled in sheets with Crow’s big, strong body seems like some kind of wild dream come true. His strong, steady breathing lets me know he’s not awake yet, so I snuggle back against him.
But as I move, soreness pulls pleasantly through my body. The kind of aches that come from enthusiastic sex. Memories come flooding back of his mouth on mine, his gentle hands exploring my body. We exchanged promises whispered in the dark and he asked me to be his old lady. I smile, pressing my face against the pillow to hide the heat rising in my cheeks. It feels so impossibly good to be wanted like this. And being cherished and safe never gets old.
But just as quickly, the shadow returns, crowding out all the good thoughts with bad ones. My chest tightens as I remember that I’m a fugitive from justice.
If we want to have any kind of future together then I need to tell him.
When Crow shifts in his sleep, putting me closer into his warm embrace, I realize the tiny bit of happiness I’ve found is sweet, fragile, and will shatter in an instant when Crow finds outabout my dark past. He’s a family man and won’t want someone accused of killing a little boy around his twins.
I turn over in his arms to face him. He’s still asleep, his ink-covered chest rising and falling at a slow, steady pace. God, he’s handsome. More than I ever dreamed I’d find. And he’s a genuinely good man, strong, reliable, kind to the core. Just watching him breathe makes something ache inside me.
“Morning,” he murmurs, voice deep and scratchy with sleep. His eyes are still closed but he’s smiling.
“Good morning,” I whisper, smoothing my fingertips softly over his shoulder.
His eyes drift open, catching mine with that look that makes my heart flutter. “Sleep good?”
“Best sleep I’ve had in ages,” I admit softly.
He leans forward and kisses me soundly. It’s enough to make my pulse quicken again. “Me too,” he whispers against my lips, pulling back just enough to meet my eyes. “I could get used to this.”
His words are sweet but painful too, adding to the layer of guilt that never fully leaves my chest. But before I can sink deeper into worry, small footsteps pound down the hall, laughter drifting ahead of them.
Crow grins, shaking his head gently. “Heads up. We’ve got incoming.”
Scout barrels in first, launching himself onto the foot of the bed. Chase follows close behind, climbing up more carefully, eyes bright with excitement.
“Go make pancakes,” Scout demands, crawling closer until his small hands find my cheeks, tugging gently for my attention. “But we need syrup too.”
I chuckle softly, tugging the blanket up all the way to my neck. “We’ll get right on that.”
Crow’s hand brushes gently against the small of my back as we both sit up, sharing a quick look that warms me to the core. He shoos the boys away and we take turns in the shower.
Breakfast feels cozy and familiar. I move around the kitchen, passing plates, refilling juice cups, and smiling every time Crow brushes past me, lingering close enough to steal quick, affectionate touches. It’s simple, domestic, and achingly perfect.
Scout chatters nonstop about school, Chase sits quieter, poking thoughtfully at his pancakes, watching me carefully in a way I haven’t seen before.
After a long pause, he finally speaks, “Ladybug?”
“Hmm?” I reply, cutting the pancakes into smaller pieces.
He bites his lip, gaze serious, eyes wide and hopeful, “Can we call you Mom now?”
The room stills. Scout freezes mid-bite, Crow’s gaze lifts instantly from his plate, surprise flickering across his features.
My heart clenches painfully. I glance at Crow, who clears his throat gently, his voice gentle but firm.
“Chase, buddy, I think it might be a little early for that. Ladybug’s family but mom is a special word, something we don’t rush.”
Chase’s hopeful expression falls slightly, disappointment dimming the light in his eyes. “Oh. Okay.”
Scout reaches over, nudging his brother gently with his elbow. “Don’t worry, dummy. Maybe later. She’s not going anywhere, right?”
Chase nods slowly, taking comfort in his brother’s reassurance. “Right. Ladybugs stay.”
