Page 22 of Dead Man's Wish
Bex had a steady pattern of breathing and her eyes were closed. She would be asleep for the next few hours. I checked my watch. It wasn’t too late now, but after cleaning up, ordering dinner sooner would be better.
I pulled out of her slowly, the sensation after coming almost unbearable. I bent down and pressed a long kiss to her stomach before whispering against her cheek:
“I love you so much it hurts, Mrs. Wells.”
Ten
August 1, 2025
Bexley Wells
The scentof fresh brownies filled the air as I pulled the pan from the oven and turned off the beeping timer. I set them on the cooling rack and made my way to the back of the house. Over time, we were able to renovate the property to fit our needs. Jaiden took a few rooms and combined them to create a space for his music. Despite the extensive soundproofing he did, I could still hear faint chords as he played.
I turned the door handle and pushed inside. He didn’t turn around, and I didn’t make my presence known. There was something inherently artistic about Jaiden. Not in the manner of his abilities, but in his creation and makeup.
His parents were horrible people, but even so, something beautiful and wonderful came out of that disaster. He was immense and that was part of what created problems for other people. Jaiden didn’t ask to look like he did, but people still saw him as a threat. Despite the negativity that surrounded him, I always saw him as the gentle giant ready to defend what he loved if needed.
Today was his off day, and he was dressed in a black sleeveless shirt and matching sweatpants. The casual, effortlessly sexy look was my favorite. Even dressed to the nines, it wouldn’t ever hold a candle to how he looked comfortable and at home as himself.
“You’re staring,” he said abruptly. I was—right at his ass. I didn’t even register that he stopped playing.
“Yes, I am,” I said matter-of-factly, meeting his eyes. A sly grin crept across his face.
“Wanna play?” he asked. He didn’t mean it literally; I didn’t have a musical bone in my body. My involvement in his hobby was guessing the songs he’d strum a few chords from.
“Well, I came in here to tell you I finished the brownies. They’re cooling now,” I said, pointing over my shoulder.
“You made them already? So, I don’t get to paint you in batter and lick it—”
“There might be some left over in the bowl,” I interrupted before turning and running down the hall. A moment later, I heard his heavy footfalls as he chased me down. I broke through the kitchen entryway, trying to reach the counter with the bowl, but he closed the distance and thick arms wrapped around my waist and lifted me in the air.
“Caught you,” he whispered, walking us over to the mess I made earlier. “What’s my reward?” His grip around me was tight as he dipped his finger into the bowl. I leaned and licked it off his finger before he could. He narrowed his eyes at me and dipped his finger in the leftover batter again.
“The finished brownies are over there,” I clarified, gesturing behind us with a nod.
“Fuck the brownies,” he whispered, sliding his finger into my mouth purposefully.
“You say that every time.” I swiped my tongue over my lip. His hand slid up my back and into my hair. The other one landed on my ass and he squeezed.
“Because I’d rather fuck and taste you instead.” Jaiden brought me up on my tiptoes as he covered my mouth with his. His tongue swept over mine and he hummed in pleasure, slipping his fingers under the hem of my shorts.
A sharp bell rang through the air and he stopped, looking back toward the hall.
“Expecting a client?” he asked, but I shook my head. “Mari coming over today?”
“Not that I know of, but she has a key and lets herself in like usual.” He relaxed his hold on me and kissed the top of my head before walking away.
“Wait here.” He disappeared down the hall, and I started cleaning off the counters. Dumping the dirty dishes into the sink, I strained to hear anything. Jaiden had a way of speaking low, but I could normally hear the other person in their conversations. Only muffled voices drifted this way. Shoes soon followed the close of the door, and when I turned, the biggest surprise hit me.
“Dad?” I exclaimed, rushing over as he cleared the doorway behind Jaiden. I wrapped my father in a big hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighborhood,” he lied. His attention flicked from me to Jaiden. A small package appeared from behind his back, and I set it on the counter.
“Thanks. Is Mom with you?” I glanced behind him out of habit. If she were here, I would’ve known by her loud criticisms of my home following the sound of her heels clicking on the hardwood.
“I asked her, and she wanted to, but . . .”
“Other commitments?” I finished for him.
