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“No. My hands were dirtied long before I became a brother. The club, though…They saved me. Gave me a life I never could have imagined. The least I can do is take that burden from them. Another strike on my soul means nothing at this point,” I told her, waiting for her to recoil, to pull away.

“My biggest issue with everything you just said is the part about your soul being damaged. Something tells me your brothers would have something to say about your mission statement as well.” She teased. Does she not understand? Her reaction confused and startled me.

“I’ve killed people. I will kill more. I will do whatever it takes to protect my brothers, my family, you. Anything.” Her eyes widened, and she chewed on her lip again. Our hands were still entwined, and she was tracing the tattoos on my forearm with her other hand. She hadn’t pulled away, hadn’t stopped touching me.

“Did they deserve it?” she finally asked. My eyes shot to hers.

“Yes. Every single one.”

“Why are you telling me this? Can’t you get in trouble with the club?” she asked as her brow furrowed with concern…For me?

“I’m telling you I kill people because I only want there to be honesty between us.” May as well lay it all out now. So I continued.

“I have feelings for you, Lilah. So many I didn’t even know existed. And I want to take you out, but I need you to know what you’re getting into, because I don’t think I can let you go once I’ve had a taste of you,” I told her honestly.

She blushed, her cheeks flushing beautifully. Instead of responding, Lilah got up to her knees, navigating the cramped space as best as she could. She crawled toward me—a slow ascent that had her body sliding against mine before she came to a stop, leaning over me. Using an arm to push herself up, her hair draped over us like a curtain. The silence between us hummed with tension as Lilah looked into my eyes as if the answer to a question was in there.

Seemingly satisfied, she lowered her head to mine, kissing me softly. Unable to help myself, I pulled her closer, deepening the kiss and pressing our bodies together. She pulled back, her eyes slowly blinking open.

“You won’t hurt me.”

“Never.” My response was instant.

“You’ll protect me.”

“Always.” A pledge.

“I feel safe. With you. Only with you.” The last part was whispered against my lips before we were kissing again.

We stayed entwined the entire night. Alternating between kissing and whispering secrets, dreams, and fears. Eventually, we fell asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms. Safe in the bubble we had woven for ourselves.

Chapter 15

Scythe

Waking up, my neck was at an awkward angle, one leg hanging out of the tub, and both arms around Lilah. Looking down, she was still fast asleep on my chest. Her long lashes cast shadows on her face as I just watched her for a minute, soaking in the moment. I had never slept next to someone in a bathtub or a bed. Despite the discomfort, there was no place I would rather have been.

Whether she realized it or not, the night before had been the turning point. I had tried to warn her, explain how I was no good, especially for someone as pure as her. I waited for the revulsion, the horror, as I revealed the worst part of me. Instead, she showed concern, for me of all people. Regardless, I was glad she was on board. Not that she really had a say at that point.

From the first moment I saw her, I knew I would have a hard time getting Lilah out of my system. Suddenly, I was holding my chest open to her, inviting her inside. I wanted to feel her in the marrow of my bones.

“I can feel you staring at me.” Her voice was husky with sleep as she shifted her head before opening her eyes lazily.

“You’re beautiful,” I told her honestly. Her cheeks filled with color, and she turned away to nuzzle against my chest, avoiding eye contact. Pressing a kiss to her head, as much as I didn’t want to break the moment, I had to get out of this tub.

“Hate to make you move, pretty girl, but I gotta get up before I lose all feeling in my legs. Need to check on my mom, too.” Lilah’s head whipped up at the mention of Mom.

“Beth! Is Sandy with her? I’m so sorry you had to come babysit me instead of staying with her.” Lilah scrambled off of me, climbing out of the tub at a breakneck speed. As soon as there was room, I stood up and stopped her, turning her to face me.

“I’m exactly where I want to be. Mom is fine, but I thought we could go check on her. Have breakfast. I can put some coffee on while you get dressed.” Different emotions flickered across her face, but she nodded, then tried to step around me. Before she could get far, I blocked her path, crowding her against the doorframe.

She looked up at me, those blue eyes wide and hesitant. Slowly, so she had enough time to retreat, I bent my head down for a good morning kiss. As soon as our lips touched, she melted into me. Taking a step closer, our bodies collided as the kiss picked up speed. Braced against the wall, I did my best to try to slow things down. Talking wasn’t always my strong suit. Not that sex was.

With Lilah, though, I wanted her to know what I was feeling, to never doubt my actions. This need for her was growing, becoming a living thing under my skin. The kiss was just a momentary fix, a reminder of everything we had shared the previous night. A promise of everything that was going to happen from there.

As I pulled away, I was rewarded with the sight of her swollen lips and glazed eyes. She blinked up at me lazily, a soft smile on her face.

“I want to take you out,” I told her. Wasn’t sure where or what to do yet, but there would be no mistaking what was between us, what we were starting.