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Chapter Eighteen
~ Reba ~
My thighs burned and I ached between my legs in a way I’d never felt. I’d never been so…used. But in a good way. I could still practically feel Mars inside me, even hours later. My knees definitely had rug burn and my nipples were a little abraded. I loved every bit of it.
Now my clothes felt too tight against my sensitive spots, even though I knew they fit. I fidgeted, trying to drink my coffee. It was time to get to business and figure out our next step.
After Mars and I had emerged from the bedroom, Bare took him out on the deck that overlooked Lake Michigan. I tried not to watch while they stood there and talked, neither of them looking at one another as they leaned on the railing.
“Thanks for having us here,” I said, cupping my mug in my hands.
“Of course. Anytime. These boys…Bare and Mars, Ian and Flip who I don’t think you’ve met, they’re like brothers. Seriously, I haven’t seen anything like it. But these four guys, they’re family to one another. It will destroy them all to know what Mars has gone through, but they’ll band around him and help him heal. They’ll band around you, too.”
“They don’t know me.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re one of use now. You’ll stay here as long as you need to, of course. But your condo should be ready in a couple days from what I understand.”
“Thank you. We appreciate that.”
I looked up as the slider opened. Both the men’s faces were mottled from crying, though their eyes were dry now. I climbed off my stool and went to Mars, wrapping him in my embrace.
“It’s all good,” he assured me, hugging me back. I… Bare and I talked and I need to talk to my dad. He’s supposed to be back today, and I’ll go there.”
“I’ll go with you.”
“No—”
“I’ll go with you,” I reiterated, not letting him deny me.
I felt, rather than saw his nod. Despite him telling me he’d go alone, some of the tension seemed to leave him.
“When are we going?” I asked.
“He’s supposed to be back in an hour. I want to head over there right when he gets back. Before he hears everything…lies from Ardith.”
“You think she’ll lie?” I gasped. She was his mother. How could she?
“I knew she will.”
“Breakfast,” Petra piped in breaking the tension. “Or maybe we could call it brunch. Seems like maybe y’all might need to get your energy up. Especially after fighting the wild beasts in your bedroom earlier. Sheesh, I thought someone was going to die.”
“Petra,” Bare groaned.
Fire burned into my cheeks and Mars just laughed. He kissed the top of my head. “The thin walls in this place will not be a selling point when you put it on the market.”
Last night, I never thought we’d be laughing again. Not like this, not so soon. And I thanked heaven for Mars’ friends—his non-blood family, who I guessed were mine now, as well.
“What can I help you with?” I asked Petra, disentangling from Mars’ arms and walking into the galley kitchen.
She put me to work cutting fruit while the guys burnt the toast but buttered it anyway. Mars brushed against me as often as possible, and I noticed Bare was much the same with his fiancée. We ate and chatted, and all too soon, it was time to go to the mansion.
Bare insisted on coming with us, and I was glad to have that moral support along.
* * * *
Mars dad looked up from his desk and he shot to his feet when we walked in.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
