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CHAPTERTHREE
Shane
My day started out like shit, but when I heard Snow giggle, it somehow made it all better.
Once we loaded up in the truck, she fell asleep on London’s shoulder, looking so sweet, and I felt a pang in my chest. Jealousy. But I have no right to feel that way. I mean, for fuck’s sake, I just broke up with Ivy this morning. Snow is a delicate flower right now, and she needs a gentle hand.
But she does look cute all curled up next to London.
“We’re almost there,” I whisper to him, so he can wake her up.
The minute he puts his hand on Snow’s shoulder, she nearly jumps through the roof. She relaxes when she realizes she’s with us.
“I’m so sorry,” she apologizes.
“No need to be sorry,” I say softly in a reassuring tone. “It will take some time.”
While the bruises have almost faded into nothing, her mind isn’t there yet. I wish I could beat that shithead into the ground. The thought of that man laying a hand on her infuriates me. Each night she wakes up screaming—some nights, she doesn’t even know she’s doing it. London or I hold her until she falls asleep again. She hates to be around people unless she’s with one of us. And I don’t blame her.
Ever and Skye say it will take time and to not give up on her, and we won’t.
“Oh, ice cream,” she exclaims.
London chuckles. This is what makes all those sleepless nights worth it, just seeing her smile.
I park, and we climb out, just as Axel and Silas park their bikes next to us. I promised lunch on River Street, and Snow said she’s never been, so here we are.
“She wants ice cream,” I say, pointing to the shop.
“A girl after my own heart.” Axel grins, taking her hand and crossing the street. I lock eyes with London, who about growled at Axel. Anyone else, and he may have launched himself at the poor guy.
“Down, boy,” I mutter.
But I get it—he doesn’t want anyone touching her. She’s been through enough. Axel and Silas would never hurt her, though. No one from our makeshift family would. They’ve all been pretty worried about her. I don’t have a manual on how to deal with someone who’s been through abuse, but Ariel should since she’s in school. I just hope we’re not causing Snow more problems.
But moments like these are worth everything.
Who knew an ice cream cone could bring so much joy? Or make my dick hard?
What the Freudian what? Well, fuck. In my defense, Snow is beautiful. She’s licking that cone like . . . well, you get the idea. It would make any man’s dick hard. We’ve already passed three guys who had to adjust themselves, but thanks to London, they kept walking instead of staring. Perfect watchdog.
She’s oblivious to how beautiful and kind she really is. I don’t think she ever had much of a childhood—that’s just the vibe I get from conversations we’ve had. I’d give her whatever she asked for. Any of us would.
“Anyone hungry?”
A bunch of “no’s” echo all around in response. I guess they’re not hungry.
“How about we run the errands, then I’ll cook a seafood feast when we get home,” I suggest instead.
A bunch of “fuck, yeses” boom all around, making me chuckle.
Watching Snow finish her cone, I think of all the things I would do to her.
I’d at least cherish her, but I’m still an asshole for thinking of her like that.
