Page 54 of Cross the Line
CHAPTER 15
FINLEY
“Wake up, Angel,” the whisper pulls me out of the sun-bleached blankness. “…got to get ready for dinner.”
“Mmm… not hungry,” I whine when calloused fingers tickle across my exposed waist.
“That’s not what your stomach is saying,” Elijah chuckles.
His body leans over me on the sun bed, blocking the heat so a shiver wakes me fully. His polo hangs open, hem skimming deeply etched abs. Pale skin like warm alabaster, kissed by the faintest tan. When his lips press to my stomach, I go perfectly still, hands gripping the edge of the lounge, waiting for the kiss… and then he blows a long raspberry.
A very ungraceful snort-laugh bursts out of me. I twist and bow, mouth brushing his abdomen. Briny musk and clean sweat, his taste lights up every sense. Sleep evaporates as he nips my skin and pulls back with a contented smirk.
I sit, turning on the sunbed. He’s still braced on the chair back, forearms crossed along honey-brown wood, assessing me. My heart’s berserk, my body buzzing from his touch and taste. Something’s different about him—lighter, not in his face, but behind his eyes, like the sun chased out some of his shadows.
I like it. It quiets the fear. He wouldn’t look at me like this, touch me like this, if he didn’t want me.
“Want to go for a walk on the beach after dinner?” he asks, brow hitching in a playful dare.
“Yes,” I say, even as my body goes still with fear. “I want to, but…”
“Come here,” Elijah says, offering his hand. I take it, and he pulls meup, steps around the lounger, and engulfs me, arms around my shoulders. “We’re not letting that piece of shit ruin any more of our life, Fin. He will never hurt us again. He’ll be a dead animal before he ever comes near you.”
I shudder at his words; the picture of the lamb’s head that was sent to me not long ago haunts me.
“A dead animal, ” I swallow. “Elijah…”
“A dead animal,” he asserts, not allowing me to argue when he carries on, “You’ve got me and Jayden. We’re your defense, and we’re fucking epic at it.”
With a hard press of his lips to my forehead, he rocks me from side to side. I feel the vibration of his humming before I hear it, a gravelly melody warms through me, and I melt into him.
“You remember…” I whisper into the top of his chest, breathing in the peppery citrus and earthy sweet blend of his and Jayden’s scents. As perfect as meant to be.
“It’s the best memory I have of that place, sweet girl. You, me, the twinkle lights, and this record on repeat.”
“I never liked Elvis until that day.”
“I would endure every ounce of pain, live through all of it again for that one night, Finley-James.” His hand slides down my arm to where I cling to his waist. He spins me so my back is to his front, mouth at my ear. “You are more than worth it all.”
Arms crossed over me, he walks us to the glass balustrade while singing the worst version ofCan’t Help Falling in Love with You. For every talent he’s been blessed with, singing is not one of them. Still, I love the off-key rumble in my ear.
“This is my favorite stop. The hotel is the best, and win or lose, the game is always exciting against The Fury.”
We’re high enough that people below look like ants and cars like toys. It would be dizzying if the sun didn’t feel close enough to touch.
“I love being in LA. The guys have become my family, and it’s where I’ve made my home. I don’t think we’ve ever had a real home. Have we?”
“Not one where we belong.”
“We have a home in LA now, Fin. You, me, and Jayden.” The way he mentions us together sounds right. We sound like a family. Likeweare as perfect as meant to be.
“Have you always felt like that? At home with Jayden?” I tilt my face to catch his profile.
“Yes,” he says without hesitation, dipping to nip the tip of my nose. “The same way I’ve always felt with you.”
“Like you can just be?” It’s how I feel with them both.
“I can just exist,” he murmurs over my lips, finishing my thought before grazing my mouth. “Do you trust me?”
