Page 34 of Protecting Clove
They lay together, both of them clinging to each other. She had never felt so fulfilled in her life. With Bud, she would be safe. They just had to make sure Keith never found where she lived.
Bud couldn’t believe making love with Clove was so good. Being inside her was better than anything he’d ever felt before. They had a connection now that was deeper than he’d ever experienced with anyone. He wanted forever with Clove.
“We should tell Neo we’re together.”
Clove nodded. “I agree. I think she needs to understand why you’re around so much.”
“I think you should go ahead and move in with me.”
“What about my things?”
“We could rent a storage container, or we could sell some stuff.”
Clove met his gaze. “This is serious. I like my couch better than yours.”
He laughed. “Yeah, yours is better than mine, but my bed is better.”
“We should check that out.”
“We should. It will take a while to get everything moved and settled. How do you think Neo will take moving to my place?”
Clove shrugged. “She will probably be excited. She likes you.”
“I love her. She’s amazing.”
Clove chuckled. “She is. But she’s still a child and can be annoying. Some days, she drives me crazy. She’s a good kid, but she isn’t perfect.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I’m sure you’ll help me through it.”
“I will.”
He would. He wouldn’t ever abandon Clove and Neo. If anything happened between them, he would still keep his vow to protect and take care of them for as long as they needed. He wouldn’t walk away, ever.
24
Neo was excited to move in with Bud. She did have a giggle fit when they explained to her that they were together. Clove could tell Neo liked that they were a couple. After dinner the night they told her, Neo climbed onto Bud’s lap and rested her head against his chest. She stayed like that for a long while, holding him like she used to cling to Clove.
Because nothing was holding them back, the move happened fast. Bud’s friends helped move the heavy furniture, so all they had were their clothes and some kitchen stuff to move when Bud got a message that he was being called out on a mission. Worry filled her, but she tried her best to hide it from Neo. She didn’t need to know that Bud leaving left them at risk. At least they were sleeping at Bud’s place, and her name wasn’t associated with this side of the house. If someone came looking for her, they wouldn’t know to look here.
Saying goodbye to Bud had been difficult. She knew this was a part of being with him. She would miss him terribly, but he would be home soon.
Bud didn’t like the timing of this mission, but he had guys watching out for Clove and Neo. Thario was keeping track ofboth of them and had other men ready to step in if Keith tried to attack again.
Thario had set up lunch for Clove and Neo to meet Wolf and Caroline. He was glad Clove would know those two. That pair was great, and he knew they would help if Clove needed it.
Bud had to concentrate on their mission. The last time they went after this bastard, he tried to kill them. This time, they had to have even more focus and really be on their game to not get killed in the process.
Kevlar came to sit next to him. “So Remi told me you two are moving in together.”
Bud chuckled and nodded. “Yeah. We’re a thing. She’s got me all the way. I’ve thought I cared about other people before, but there is something about her.”
“When I realized Remi had me, it took my breath away.”
“Yeah, same with Clove.”
Q sat next to them. “The two of you better have your head screwed on straight and not be thinking about your women.”
Kevlar rolled his eyes. “We’ll be one hundred percent. Don’t worry about us.”
