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Her body falls against the footstool in front of us. I pick her up in my arms, kissing along her collarbone. “Let's get you in the shower, baby.”
“That mirror did me in…” she says, burrowing herself into my neck. “Promise to fuck me in front of it later?” Before I can respond, she continues. “Better yet, can you get us one for our bedroom at home?”
Our bedroom at home… Home. Me, Emerson, Kiran.
“I’ll get you anything you want, Sonny. If it wasn’t obvious already, I love you so fucking much, it hurts.” My declaration has her humming, wrapping her arms around my neck and kissing me fiercely.
“I love you, Lennox Monroe,” she whispers, and I crave to hear it a million times over.
“Also, please tell me that means you and Kiran are officially going to move in with me.”
She smiles up at me, eyes locking onto mine. “I’m pretty sure it was official from the first night we stayed… We’re not going anywhere.”
Eighteen
Ipull out of the gym, tired as fuck, but showered and ready to spend time with everyone at the Rebel Knights cookout. Like always, I’m one of the last to leave. Greyson and Ford joined me for a workout today before my sessions with Joey. I couldn’t be more thankful for Lights Out. It saved me as a teenager, and it allows me to train in an environment I love, surrounded by my people. Even Lottie drags Frankie up here once a week for a kickboxing class. It may not be often, but Lucian still shows up to workout when he wants a break from the busy campus gym at Mountain Ridge. And with Emerson back, it feels like a second home to me now more than ever.
The only person missing is Colton. But I’m so proud of him for pursuing his dreams in Florida.
Picking up the phone, I give my brother a call. We’ve both been busy and only exchanged a few texts this week, so it’s about time we catch up a bit.
“Hey, big brother,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his tone.
“What’s up, Colt?”
“I actually just found out I get to shadow a senior in the sports medicine program next Saturday for the football game. I’m pretty hyped about that.” I’m glad he is starting to narrow down what he wants to do, only because I know it was a big stressor for him his freshmen year. I think deep down he knows we weren’t the type of kids who were raised to just go to college and get a degree. We understand money doesn’t grow on trees, and if you go to college, you need to come out with something to show for it. There’s never been a doubt in my mind that he will be successful, but he hasn’t always been so convinced.
“Hell yeah, sounds like a good opportunity. That may help you make a decision about your major.”
“Yeah, I think so too. What are you up to? And why don’t I hear my two favorite people in the background?” I smirk at his teasing, thinking about how cool it was seeing him connect instantly with Kiran the same way I did.
“I just finished training, so I’m meeting them over at the Rebel Knights Clubhouse. It’s the fall family cookout.”
“Damn,” he says, and I know he genuinely hates missing out on this stuff. “Man, times like these are when transferring to Mountain Ridge really sounds like the best choice.”
I stay quiet because, of course, I would want him closer, but I also want him to do whatever is best for him and his future.
“Especially with my little guy needing his Uncle Tin around.”
I chuckle at that. “Just see what you think after your shadow. You have some time to make those decisions.”
“True.” He pauses and, somehow, I can feel his heavy thoughts before he asks, “How’s Mom?”
“She’s okay. Honestly, she seems really happy these days.” And it's true. I know Kiran has a lot to do with that but even before Emerson came back, Mom has had an extra glow about her for the last year or so. I guess that’s what moving out of the house that held so many of your demons will do for you.
“Has he signed the papers yet.?” he asks as I turn onto the street that dead ends into the clubhouse property.
“No, unfortunately. But I convinced her to let me go with her to the next lawyer appointment. I’m going to make sure one way or another she is free of that asshole for good.” I can’t imagine what she must feel with him still lingering over her head.
“Good. Well, let me know. I hate that shit for her.”Me too.And the thought of him ever bothering her again, or coming around my family, has my stomach sinking to the pits of hell, right where he should be.
“I will,” I say, pulling into the already packed compound. “I just got here, so let me call you back later.”
“FaceTime me so I can see everyone.” I smile. Not many twenty-year-olds would be worried about that on a Saturday night. But when you grow up the way we did, you learn early that the family who shows up for you, whether it’s blood or not, should always be a priority.
“Bet. Love you, Colt.”
* * *
