Page 54 of Holden’s Resurrection

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“You have to go, sweets.”

Charleigh’s voice drifted up the stairs as Holden walked out of the bedroom he’d slept in last night. Actually, he hadn’t slept. He’d tossed and turned. Plotted and planned until the sun came up, then he’d showered in the en suite bathroom, the whole time wishing Charleigh was with him in the lavish, marble shower big enough for two. Part of that wishing was fantasizing about how dirty he wanted to get her before he soaped up every inch of her lush body.

Leigh-Leigh was a fan of shower sex, hell, she was a fan of sex in general and she was good at it. Not a woman before or after compared to her. Since he’d had her last, she’d lost some weight. Weight she didn’t need to shift off and he’d do his best to help her put it back on. The woman had a body made for fucking. Thick thighs that felt so damn good to be between. Full, heavy breasts that swayed when she rode him. An ass that jiggled when he pounded it from behind. Every inch of her beautiful. Every freckle, every blemish, every mark she complained about made her the most perfect woman he’d ever seen.

Last night, she’d retreated but she hadn’t kicked him out. And she very well could’ve. There was no longer a physical threat to her or Faith. He didn’t need to be there to protect them. Yet, she hadn’t tossed his ass out uncaring he’d promised Faith he wouldn’t leave. He had no right to Faith; Charleigh was her mom, and if she didn’t want Holden around, she would’ve made that happen. Yet, she hadn’t. But even if she had, he wouldn’t go far. He’d sleep in his SUV in the driveway if he had to.

“But I don’t want to.” Faith’s voice pitched high on the last word and Holden frowned.

He hadn’t been around the little girl a lot—in truth he’d made an art of avoidance—but he’d never heard her argue or even raise her voice.

Once he hit the foyer, his gaze landed on mother and daughter standing off.

“What’s going on?”

Faith rushed to him, hitting him with all her weight, then wrapped her arms around his middle and held on tight.

“I don’t want to go to school.”

“Why not? You told me you like school.”

“I’m not going,” she said defiantly.

“Sweetheart, you have to go,” Charleigh tried, her face a mask of concern.

It took more effort than Holden had anticipated to pry Faith off of him so he could kneel in front of her.

“Why don’t you want to go to school, doll?”

Faith shook her head.

“Are you scared?”

She nodded.

“Of what?”

That got Holden a shrug.

“I can’t help you with what you’re afraid of if you don’t tell me.”

Charleigh moved close to her daughter and Holden looked up as she placed her hand on Faith’s shoulder.

Something profound slammed into him. An emotion he wasn’t ready to give over to yet. A feeling that was huge and wanted. This was what it would be like if they were a family. Holden and Charleigh bracketing Faith between them, keeping her safe. Together as a team. That right there was what he’d always wanted. It didn’t matter that Faith was not his blood, he’d still bleed for her. It didn’t matter he didn’t share DNA with the little girl, he’d still teach her and guide her. And if she allowed him to, he’d show her love and affection.

But first, before he could execute his plan to win his family, he needed to see to Faith.

“Faith, honey, no one’s going to hurt you.” Charleigh broke the long stretch of silence.

“I know. Holden told me they were in jail.”

“Then why are you scared?” Holden inquired.

Faith’s eyes lifted to meet his. Holden held his breath to stave off the discomfort that had bloomed in his chest. Those eyes. Big, brown, puppy dog eyes that, praise be to all things holy, were not blue like Paul’s. Instead, rich and sweet and made Holden want to melt when she looked at him.

“Honey—”