“No. We moved here after Heath met Juliana. We would go wherever he goes. Now, our dedication is toward you, too. Do you want to move here?” It would pain me to leave this place and Heath.
“I wasn’t sure when Rylee brought up the idea,” she says softly. “But now, I am.”
“What changed?” I ask.
“The four of you, and your story.” She shrugs. “I like where I work and the people I work with, but it’s not my dream job. I don’t mind being farther away from my family. The world you have built here is appealing.”
“Good. We would go anywhere you wanted.” I smile.
“But you’d rather be here,” she says.
“Yes. My brothers would say the same.”
“Do you get tired of taking care of everyone?” she asks, and I frown.
“I don’t think of it that way. My brothers are my life. My family. If I can make their lives easier or better, why wouldn’t I? They do just as much for me. They keep me grounded, and Bane can communicate with me without saying anything and anticipate what I need. All of us work well together.” I trail my knuckles down her cheek. “We will do the same with you.”
“It’s odd to me that someone wants to take care of me,” she mumbles.
“You’ll have to adjust.”
“Hmm…” She tilts her head. “Do I get to give you the same treatment?”
“We won’t turn you down,” I say, chuckling. I sober, and look at her intensely. “We haven’t had anyone with a soft touch in our lives since our mother. Some of us may deny we need tenderness, but I know my brothers do.” She scoots closer and lifts her hand, trailing her fingers across my jaw.
“And you?”
“I do. As long as it’s coming from you.” I drop my arm from the back of the couch, wrap it around her back, and pull her. Her legs part over my thighs, and a soft gasp leaves her lips. “I appear always in control,” I whisper. “But when I want something, I won’t stop until I have it.” I bite her top lip and grin when her mouth parts. “I will do everything I can to convince you to complete the bond.” I kiss her gently, softly. “Our lives will revolve around you. Making you happy.” I lick her bottom lip. “Giving you everything you need.” I kiss her longer, deeper. “We will give you pleasure in ways you didn’t know you needed.” I drag my nose across her cheek and to her temple. “I will give you the family you’ve always wanted,” I rasp in her ear, and she shivers.
“What do you get in return?” she asks, gripping my shoulders.
“You.” I graze my mouth down her neck. “Peace.” I tip her head back and lick her throat.
“Shit,” she breathes, as I nip her chin.
“How am I doing?” I ask, hovering in front of her mouth.
“What?” She blinks slowly.
“Convincing you?”
“Pretty good.” She licks her lips. “Just to be sure, you should keep trying.”
“Mmm…” I press my thumb to her pulse. “How do you ask?” The question slipped out, and I didn’t expect a response.
“Please,” she whispers.
Perfect. Even better if she added the word, ‘Daddy.’
I won’t push, but I'll give her what her body and scent are begging for.
Yanking her closer, I fold my arms across her hips and kiss her like I have wanted to since I saw her. She melts against my chest, her arms draping over my shoulders, and lets me lead. My animal is growling in my mind, wanting more of her. We both want to lay her on the couch and strip off her clothes. Her gorgeous body would easily cradle mine. She’s small, especially compared to me, yet she was made for me.
I ease back, not that I want to, but I don’t think she's ready to take all I want to give. Pressing my forehead to hers, I wait for her breathing to slow and for my control to return. She slides her hands to either side of my neck and sits back on my thighs.
“I’m sorry for what you have been through,” she says softly. “I know there is more, but thank you for trusting me.”
“Eventually, we'll share all our demons,” I say, brushing her hair back. “I don’t want to overwhelm you with all of it at once.”
