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We don’t bother getting dressed, and she curls into my chest the same way she was earlier, only now my fingers brush through her hair, knowing that this can’t be the end for us. We’ve barely even begun, and I haven’t had the chance to give her the world or build a life together yet.
Exhaustion claims her, and she quickly falls into a deep, well-needed sleep when Zade steps into my doorway, his gaze sailing over Oakley, probably assuming I would have delivered her back to his bed tonight, but there’s no fucking way. Not tonight. She’s mine.
His gaze flicks between us, and I don’t miss the flash of jealousy in his eyes, and I realize just how right Cross was earlier. He’s already halfway there. It would only take the smallest push from Oakley to have him fall for her the same way we have, but the thought of having to share her more . . . fuck. I don’t like it, but if it gives us the chance to hold onto her just that little bit longer then I’ll take it.
That doesn’t change the fact that I’m not willing to give her up tonight.
As if sensing my desperate need to cling to her, Zade simply nods before sparing one last lingering glance at Oakley’s face and walking away. With that, I pull her closer to my chest, fearing the day she slips between my fingers.
Chapter 14
ZADE
“You ready?” I say to Cara, grabbing my keys off the kitchen counter and glancing back at Cross and Oakley, hating the thought of leaving her, but she’s in good hands. Despite how the boys feel about her, I know this is exactly where she’ll be when I get back.
Cara swallows hard and glances at her brother, the nerves clear in her eyes. “Does it really matter if I’m ready or not?” she questions, grabbing her handbag and looping it over her shoulder, not that she’ll be needing it where we’re going.
“I suppose not,” I say, making my move toward my private elevator with Cara heavy on my heels.
“Yo,” Sawyer says from across my penthouse. I turn back to find his cautious stare locked on me, unease flashing in his eyes. “I’m trusting you man. If anything happens to her, if those fuckers even try to touch one fucking hair on her head, I’m coming for you.”
Clenching my jaw, I nod, not wanting to have this out with Sawyer right now. Cara is a big girl and can take care of herself. Kind of. Either way, she’s not my responsibility. She’s a member of The Circle, and it’s up to her to learn how to stand on her own two feet. If those other assholes won’t give her the respect she feels she needs, then it’s her job to demand it and see it through. Holding her hand through all of this isn’t doing her any favors, and Sawyer should know that. My only priority is making sure Oakley gets through the next five days.
Unable to help myself, my gaze shifts to Oakley, taking her in on the couch, and a pang of jealousy fires through my veins. I fucking hate that she slept in Dalton’s bed last night. She belongs in mine with my arms locked securely around her waist. She always sleeps best in my arms, and without her . . . fuck. I didn’t sleep at all. She’s ruined me without even knowing, but as soon as the ritual is done, everything can go back to normal.
I hope.
Cara follows me into the elevator, and the second the door closes, the tension thickens between us. I let out a heavy sigh, realizing that she’s not going to let this thing between us go, not that there is anything to hold onto. She was a fling, a quick, convenient fuck when I needed to get my dick wet. I should have pulled away the minute I realized she was starting to develop feelings, but it was too easy and she was too willing.
Now I’ve never regretted anything more. But hell, I was firm with my intentions since the very first time I asked her to fuck, and if she’s stupid enough to think it’s anything more than what it was, that’s on her.
The elevator zooms down to the basement parking, and I stride toward my SUV, Cara scurrying to keep up. “Where are we even going?” she rushes out, hurrying around the opposite side of my SUV.
“I told you,” I tell her, trying to resist rolling my eyes. “It’s a formality. The Circle members are required to ensure the sacred tomb is prepared and ready for the ritual. It needs to be cleansed with holy water sourced from the Vatican and then blessed with the blood of our people. You’ll be required to participate in the ritualistic chants and speak a solemn vow.”
