Page 98 of Triple Power Play 3
“Or outside the pool, in secret, in a rush, or where others can watch or hear. I want you to myself, in my bed, for far longer than a few hours.”
We’re almost there. We’re nearly at the point where being together isn’t so forbidden.
Her eyes turn glassy. “I wasn’t—I’m sorry.”
I kiss her forehead and then her nose, then her lips. “There’s no hurry, angel. I’m not going anywhere.”
She lowers her head. “You should be able to love freely. I’m sorry I pushed you.”
I tilt her chin and lift her gaze to mine. “I want you—all of you, not only your body. Sex does not equate to love. You give me a sense of purpose unlike anything else. It doesn’t matter if we ever get married, have kids, or have sex, although I fucking hope we do. I’m with you, and that’s more than enough. I’m not rushing this.”
She puts on a soft smile. “You’re too good, Reece—What’s your middle name?” she whispers.
“James.” I chuckle.
“You’re too good, Reece James Abercrombie.”
“You’re too cute.” I peck her lips. “I’m just trying to do this right and not hurt you in the process.”
Hello, Jackson, who’s likely watching.
It’s his reaction I worry about most. If Aurora and I cross that line, he’s not keeping her from me.
She releases a heavy sigh. “You said you’re leaving?”
“I need to finish this case…and a few other things.”
Her fingers thread through my damp hair. “Like what?”
I scrunch my nose. “My sister is getting married.”
Truthfully, I’m not excited about attending the wedding and hope work interferes. I’d invite Aurora as my plus-one, but I doubt that’ll go over well with Jackson and Ethan.
A flurry of emotions flashes across her face, giving way to curiosity. Her brows knit together, and she cocks her head. “You have a sister?”
I haven’t been in the right headspace to discuss my family with her, not without being negative, and I don’t want her to think my parents are terrible. They’re not bad people, but they’re not exactly accepting either. They’ll never approve of this relationship.
Before Aurora, I had no plans to visit my family. I don’t feel a connection to my parents other than resentment, but they don’t realize that. They believe I’m going through a rebellious phase. They’re semi-correct—my tattoos and piercings are my way of defying them, a rebellion against their close-minded views. But this is no phase.
When my sister texted and asked for an RSVP update, I found myself wondering what Aurora would think of them—my sisters. I bet she’d love them.
“Two, yes. One older and one younger. The oldest is already married and has a four-year-old.”
Aurora’s smile widens. “That explains a few things. I’m sure they miss you.”
They miss the person I no longer am.
A thought comes to her, and she gasps. “Do they have blonde hair and blue eyes like you?”
I chuckle at her excitement and nod. “They do.”
“I bet they’re so pretty. Do you have pictures?”
“How about you get changed and come to my room?”
I drag us out of the pool, my pants full of water and sagging. I unbuckle my belt, let them fall to the cement, and kick them away.
“You got me walking around in wet boxers, you little devil.”
