“I didn’t think it was a possibility. I always wished for a family. When I was welcomed into the crew here, I thought that would be it. I was happy with that,” I say.
“And now?”
“I want more,” I hum.
“I’ll give you more.” He drags his hand down my chest.
“You already have,” I whisper.
He picks up the soap, lathering his hands.
Ezra will give me everything I dreamed of, and I have a moment of regret that I didn’t complete the bond. Yet, there is a nagging voice in my head, whispering not to trust the happiness he wants to give me.
I have to shut the voice up and trust him completely.
Chapter Seventeen
Ezra
Dragging my fingers through my mate's freshly washed and dyed hair, I lie awake as she snuggles against my side. She was surprised that I wanted to use the blow dryer on the strands. Her eyes softened. I know she’s never had anyone do things for her with no expectations. My mom always told me it was the little things that were memorable. Rylee deserves all of it.
A woman has never tied me up. The experience was hot as hell. I’m not one to give up complete control during sex, yet itfelt natural to do it for her. I could have ripped them from the headboard at any moment, but she trusted me not to. It was easy to let her guide the moment, and the payoff was her warm body wrapped around me and her loss of control. Marking her was another way to show her that I’m going nowhere without her by my side. That wasn’t the only reason I did it. Seeing my bite on her skin gives me pleasure I can’t describe. I’m vulnerable because she could leave me, and perhaps get over the heat and the call of the bond. It would be difficult for her, but it’s possible. I will be tied to her until I don’t breathe. I can’t touch another woman, or be satisfied without her.
It was a sacrifice I was happy to make.
She can feel my emotions now, and there is a thin string from my mind to hers. I can’t see into her emotions until she marks me. There is no decision to be made. I want her forever. If she turned me away, I would follow her until the end of time, which I would do with or without my mark on her neck. She wants me and has deep feelings. I get that she needs more time. I would be surprised if she didn’t because of the things she lived through. Talking about children makes me slightly impatient. I would love to see her belly round with our child. I have to take a breath and know she will get there.
I glance at the bedside table. I’ve been ignoring my phone, and the messages have been constant. Rylee needed my attention, and I didn’t want anything to interrupt the moment. Now I realize it must be urgent. I ease away from my warm mate and plan to threaten whoever it is. I don’t like leaving her. It could be Issy or Mom, and I don’t like leaving their messages unanswered.
Standing, I make sure the covers are tight around her, and then grab my phone. I quietly leave the room and walk to the living room. Crouching by my bag, I dig out a pair of sweatpants and slip them on. Unlocking my phone, I see Shade called fourtimes. Issy messaged to say she was fine and staying with Sally. Apparently, they became fast friends and are having a girls' night. She goes on to say she met another rabbit, Roxanne. Allie is with them, and they are watching vampire movies.
I call Shade.
“Where are you?” he answers.
“At Rylee’s. What’s wrong?” I walk toward the balcony.
“I’ve been watching Charlie.”
“And?”
“I caught him on camera by Heath’s place.”
“The gym?”
“Yeah. I don’t think he was there to partake in self-defense, and there weren’t any fights scheduled,” he says.
“When was this?”
“This morning. It was open, but he didn’t go in. He sat in his car and watched who went into the building.”
“He must know more about her than she thought.” My stomach tightens. “Fuck.”
“Has he called her?”
“I don’t think so,” I mumble, glancing toward the bedroom before going outside. I leave the door open just in case she wakes and wonders where I am. “I need to track him, but I don’t want to leave her.” My skin is itching with the need to kill him. I don’t care if there is a chance that he is innocent. No man can follow my mate.
“I can keep watching.”
