Page 16 of April’s Fool

“I don’t even know your name,” I whisper in reply.

“My folks named me Beckham Underwood at birth. Growing up, friends called me Beck. I got the name Fool the first time around from my SEAL brothers, and my brothers at the club dubbed me the same thing.” The way he keeps his voice gentle is sweet, but I don’t miss the pang of hurt in it when he mentions his SEAL brothers.

The memory of how he looked when talking to Twister about his military service filters through, and I ache for him. I don’t know what happened to him over there or who he lost, but it was clear as day on his face, or at least from what I saw.

I ask softly, “Why did they call you Fool?”

“That’ll be for another time,” he says, eyes darting down to my lips and back before asking, “You going to see what this is with me?”

“Why do you want to see what this is with me?” I just don’t get it. Is it out of pity? Did someone push him in my direction? Does he actually want me for me, or is it because they’re allied with the DRMC?

“Sweets, the moment I saw you, I couldn’t take my eyes off you. I didn’t like that another guy put his arm around you. And hearing your laugh from outside as I climbed into that bed, I knew I wanted to be the one to make you laugh as much as possible. Seeing where things go doesn’t mean forever, but it means we’re seeing what we can have. I don’t know what the future holds; I’m not a fortune-teller. We’ll start slow. Go at your pace. However, one thing I won’t stand for is you getting hurt because of bullshit I can put a stop to. Whatever’s going on here, it will not continue.”

“You can’t stop them,” I blurt. My eyes widen as I realize what I’ve done.

Fool’s eyes flash with anger, and his jaw tics. “Don’t say I can’t do something. There’s nothing I love more than a challenge, sweets. By the time I’m done finding out what’s going on, those who are fucking with you will rue the day they met you.”

“I only have a short amount of time, and then I’m done. I don’t need anyone to do anything. It’s not a big deal.” I try to reason.

A grin tugs at Fool’s lips as he shakes his head. “One thing to learn, April, when you’re mine, it doesn’t matter how long you have to deal with something. I won’t let anyone make you feel unsafe. Now, are you gonna agree to see where this goes so I can kiss you again?”

I open my mouth to protest, only to clamp it shut and nod in agreement. Fool is the first man I’ve ever felt safe with, and part of me likes that he never wants me to feel unsafe. I would like to see where this goes, but it also scares the bejesus out of me.

“Gonna need the words, sweets.”

Holding his gaze, my lips part on a breath. “Yes.”

Fool’s lips claim mine once again as the single word escapes my mouth. His tongue darts in, dominating the kiss. My knees go weak as Fool’s mouth takes mine with such hunger that it leaves me dizzy. His hand glides from my cheek to tangle in my hair, tilting my head to deepen the kiss. The heat of his body presses against me, pinning me between him and the wall, yet I’ve never felt safer.

When he finally pulls back, we are both breathing heavily. His green eyes, dark with desire, search mine.

“I need to know what’s happening here,” he says, his voice rough and strained. “I won’t push, but I need you to trust me. Trust that what’s going on at school is something I can handle for you.”

I swallow hard, terrified of what telling him could mean. Telling him the truth about something I’ve never shared with anyone. “It’s complicated.”

“Most things worth knowing are,” he replies, brushing his thumb across my swollen bottom lip. “But I’m a patient man when it comes to those that matter.”

“I’m not sure I can tell you. Not yet, at least.” It’s the truth.

“You’ll tell me when you’re ready, sweets, but I’ll find out what’s going on and put a stop to it, no matter what.”

My heart skips a beat, then another. Fool’s already said as much, but I don’t want him to find out and think less of me when he does.

“Please,” I whisper, fighting back tears that sting my eyes. “I can handle this.”

Fool watches me closely, grits his teeth, and nods. “I’ll give you time to tell me, but I’ll be watching your back, April. I said I’m a patient man, but I have my limits. Make no mistake, I protect what’s mine.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I demand.

“If something happens to you, I’ll lose all the patience I have and take matters into my own hands,” he states firmly. “Now, I’ve got to head back to the clubhouse. Text or call me later.”

Before I can respond, he kisses me again and walks away.

I lean against the wall until I hear the front door shut. I head to the front of my apartment, my thoughts racing, but one question keeps coming back. How will I call or text him later if I don’t have his number?

Just as the thought hits, my phone pings. I cross over to where I left it, pick it up, and glance at the screen to see an unfamiliar number.

Unknown: I’ll miss that sweet mouth of yours. See you soon.