CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN
Layla
Sean’s jaw softens at my command and he nods.
“Sean Hunter,” he says gruffly, moving toward Dell and extending a hand.
Dell takes it and then his eyes grow wide when he sees the tattoo under Sean’s eye.
He swallows hard and looks between Sean and me, but he doesn’t dare say a word.
He pulls his hand back as his eyes move to Sean’s neck.
“Military man?” Dell asks, swallowing. I can tell he’s nervous, the same way I was when I met Sean.
“Marine,” Sean answers.
Dell’s eyebrows shoot up, relaxing a little. “Were you overseas?”
“Three times,” Sean answers. “You a soldier?” he asks. I stifle a laugh. Dell wouldn’t make it through boot camp.
“No—I, uh, I’m an architect,” Dell answers. It’s apparent he’s skittish and even that pisses me off. He has no reason to be afraid of Sean. “So you’re, uh, dating my sister then?” Dell asks, trying to sound brave and unaffected by Sean’s size and stature.
Sean smirks. “You could say that,” he answers, looking between me and Dell. “What brings you by, Dell?” Sean’s voice is commanding; right now, he’s the man of the house.
“Just came to check in on my sister,” Dell answers.
“Your sister is just fine,” Sean retorts. Fucking hell.
“Dell actually just came to get some paperwork of our parents’, which I just remembered might be in the office.” I look at Dell. “And then he’s leaving.”
I glance between them. The testosterone is way too thick in here. Dell folds his arms over his chest, which thoroughly amuses Sean. Dell is fit but I don’t think he’s ever thrown a punch in his life. Sean would pummel him into the ground with a flick of his thumb and forefinger.
“I’m not leaving, I’m going to cut the grass,” Dell retorts.
Sean chuckles and I roll my eyes, losing my patience.
“Both of you, sit! I’m going to grab your paperwork.
” Fucking men. “I’m twenty-four years old.
I don’t need the two of you acting like barbarians, especially when I’m in the damn room.
Dell,” I turn to face him, “I’m old enough to date whoever I want.
I don’t need you giving Sean the wannabe-Dad staredown.
” I turn to Sean. “And you don’t need to speak for me like you own me. ”
Both the men take a seat on the living room sofas across from each other and I nod, satisfied they listened before turning to head down the hall for Dell’s paperwork. When I’m halfway down the hall I hear Dell speak to Sean.
“Well, she’s damn touchy today.”
“She doesn’t like being told what to do.” I hear Sean chuckle. Now they’re friends?
I rummage through my dad’s office desk and grab the papers Dell needs and take a breath.
I knew the two of them would run into each other eventually.
With me being around Sean almost every minute that I’m not at work or school it was inevitable, but for some reason my two worlds colliding makes this real.
Sean stormed into my life and hit me like a hurricane.
The connection between us feels both impossible and undeniable.
The invisible thread between us isn’t made from thread at all.
It’s more like corded steel, unwavering just like Sean—and even though it’s been so little time, I’m willing to admit that there’s something special here.
Dell is just going to have to accept it.
I make my way back to find the two of them sitting exactly where I left them. Dell stands, as does Sean, and I make my way over to Dell, pushing the papers into his chest.
“So what, you’re going to cut the grass now?” I ask Dell.
Sean laughs. “You’re cute when you’re pissed off.” He pulls his sunglasses out of his pocket. “I’m leaving anyway, so hang out with your brother. I have some work to catch up on.” He kisses me gently then looks at Dell, his eyes serious.
“Since you’re wondering about how long-term this is—to be clear, I’m not going anywhere.” Sean pats Dell on the shoulder. “So you’re just gonna have to get used to me.”
He puts his sunglasses on and gives us both his megawatt smile.
“Be good this afternoon.” Sean looks down at me. “Do you want to drive, or for me to take you?”
“I’ll drive,” I tell him, excited to have that freedom back. “And Chantel and Amber want to pick me up tonight for Flip’s party.”
Sean gives me a wary look. “It’ll be fine,” I tell him “I’ll see you tonight.”
Sean nods reluctantly and walks through the door. When the rumble of his Harley fills the driveway, Dell looks at me.
“He has your name tattooed? On his face!?” he whisper-yells.
“Yes,” I answer honestly. “And I don’t need you telling me what’s right or wrong, Dell.” I let my expression soften as I fold my arms over my chest. “Do you enjoy feeling this caged up all the time?”
“What do you mean?”
“I mean you don’t have to be who they want you to be.” I search his eyes. “You can be a good person and do it on your own terms.” I move closer and place my hand on his arm. “Do you love Mandy?” I ask. I’ve seen the way he looks at her and it isn’t the look of a man in love.
“Mandy is very sweet. She comes from a great family. It makes sense.”
“But do you love her?” I repeat. Dell hesitates.
“What, are you an expert after however many days you’ve known Tattoo Face?” he bites out.
“The funny thing is, Dell, I don’t think I’m an expert but I’m starting to feel like maybe I understand. You only have one life. Don’t waste it for one second if what you’re doing isn’t your passion. That’s all I’m saying,” I offer.
Dell looks out the window to where Sean was parked just moments ago.
“It was nice of him to fix up Mom’s Lincoln for you,” he allows.
I smile and nod. “Yeah, it was. Just trust me on this. Not everything is black and white, okay? Give him a chance.”
Dell starts to laugh. “I don’t think I have a choice, because I’m pretty sure he could easily kick my ass.”
“True.” I push his shoulder with a laugh. “He might seem rough around the edges, but I’ve never felt more cared for,” I say seriously.
Dell blows out a breath. “Okay. I really respect that he was a Marine. It’s an amazing thing to serve our country. I guess I can’t fully judge a book by its cover.” He looks at me expectantly.
“He also graduated from Duke, with honors,” I say just to see the shock on Dell’s face.
It doesn’t disappoint. Duke is a better school than he went to.
“And he still works for the government. He’s a good man.
He cares deeply about those men and women he fought with.
It’s his passion. The club isn’t all he is. ”
“No shit?” Dell asks, his voice rising at the end in surprise.
I pat him on the shoulder. “Told ya, there’s always a gray area. Don’t be them.” I mean my parents, the church. “Be open-minded and think about what I said. You deserve to be happy on your terms, Delly Bear.”
I poke fun by using his nickname from when we were kids and then straighten up, pointing to the door. “Now get lost, I have schoolwork to do.” I say jokingly, as Dell surprises me and pulls me in for a hug.
“I trust you, Lay. I just worry. Ever since Mom and Dad … you’re all I have left. Just promise me you’ll be safe,” he says, pulling back from the hug.
“I will,” I tell him. Hoping that, even with the danger that lurks in Sean’s world, I’ll be able to keep that promise.