Chapter 17 #2
A shaky breath leaks from my lungs, and as though my body has a mind of its own, I lean back into him. His free hand snakes around my waist, splaying across my torso as he inhales the scent of my shampoo.
“You smell so fucking good,” he whispers.
My heart gallops in response, my tongue darting out to wet my lips before I turn my head to look at him.
His lids are low, eyes burning into mine with nothing but dominant desire behind them.
If he were any other guy, I’d remind him that I’m the one in charge, keeping a tight hold on the dynamic I’m used to.
But with the way he’s staring into the deepest part of me, our faces mere inches from one another, I’ve never been so close to giving my full submission.
“Still no kiss, huh?” he asks, his warm breath dancing across my lips.
“Every wasted opportunity is going to be another swat when I finally put you over my knee. I know you want it, Sydney. So, fucking take it.” His quiet words cause my head to spin, my knees feeling like they may buckle at any moment.
And just as I lose myself to the pull, ready to give in and press my mouth to his, heavy footsteps in the distance send us both crashing back to reality.
Steele steps away like his ass is on fire, and I slam the refrigerator door just as Theo steps into the room.
Norah is all smiles in her daddy’s arms, her little feet kicking with excitement as soon as she sees me.
Normally, I’d have swiped her away from him already, but I’m too busy trying to school my guilty expression to do or say anything at all.
“Everything okay in here?” he asks, his brows bunching with confusion. “Syd, you look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I…” I squeak out, looking over at Steele, who’s now as cool as a cucumber leaning against the island.
The nerves he was battling when we arrived are nowhere to be found as he smiles cockily in my direction, uncaps his drink, and takes a slow sip.
My eyes follow the movement of his throat as he swallows, making me go momentarily dumb before realizing I never actually responded to Theo’s question.
“I couldn’t reach the water. Steele was just helping me.” It’s a ridiculous answer. I’m short, but not so short that I can’t reach the easily accessible bottles on the top shelf. But thankfully, Theo seems to be too excited about his announcement to let anything distract him.
“Cool,” he replies. “Let’s head outside, then.
” I nod way faster than a normal person, ignoring the quiet chuckle that comes from beside me as Theo leads the way.
I internally remind myself that I absolutely can’t, under any circumstances, let my confusing feelings for Steele drive this ship.
I’m here to do a job, and kissing him is not part of it—especially not where we could be busted at any time.
Lucky for us, we heard Theo before he entered the room, giving us a split second to separate.
But what if it had been my sister, who’s notorious for sneaking up on people?
At their first meeting, she almost made Maddox shit himself with how quietly she approached from behind.
That could’ve been us, and I’d have to explain why the football player I promised to help had his tongue down my throat.
We’re welcomed by the crowd as soon as we step into the backyard, several smiling faces looking in our direction. Stella must’ve given Emmett the ride of his life before they came here, because even he lifts his beer bottle in greeting before taking a relaxed pull of the golden liquid.
“Why don’t you go sit with the guys?” I suggest to Steele. “I’m going to hang back, and when I see a photo op, I’ll take it.”
“Sounds good,” he says with a tight nod, his gaze finding mine for a moment before he turns and heads toward the large patio table and says his hellos.
Jett scoots his chair over, making room for Steele to take the empty seat next to him.
I can’t hear their conversation from where I’m standing, but the fact that no fists are flying is a good sign.
In fact, if I didn’t know who the team’s newcomer was, I don’t think I’d be able to tell with the way they’re interacting.
Steele looks like a Renegade, as much as he’d probably hate to hear that.
But that’s what we want…even if it’s only for the camera.
“Thank you all for coming,” Theo says, wrapping the arm that isn’t holding his daughter around Fin’s waist. They’re seriously the most beautiful family in the world, with a story that could make even the most cynical person believe in love.
“Finley and I have some exciting news, but we figured we’d let Norah tell you all about it. ”
We all look on as he turns his daughter so she’s facing us, her Big Sister onesie on full display for a few seconds before the entire backyard fills with cheers.
Although I kind of already knew, I clap enthusiastically, thrilled that two of my favorite people are expanding their beautiful family even more.
Everyone takes turns congratulating the couple, and I take the opportunity to watch from afar with an ear-to-ear grin splitting my face.
But when it’s Steele’s turn, and Norah reaches for him as though she wants him to hold her, everyone stops in their tracks.
She’s a happy baby who loves being passed around between her aunts and uncles, but generally shies away from people she doesn’t know.
Which is why it’s a shock to everyone when she whines out loud, only quieting when Theo finally transfers her into Steele’s arms.
First, Angus. Now, the baby. Are they all just trying to kill me?
“Holy shit. I didn’t see that coming,” my sister says as she sidles up next to me. All I can give her is a breathy laugh in response. I want to look at her—I should look at her—but I can’t seem to tear my eyes away from the sight in front of us.
Norah lifts her chubby little hand, her pointer finger poking at one of Steele’s nose rings like she’s trying to make sense of it.
He smiles, letting her explore for several seconds before gently holding her wrist and pretending to bite at it.
She laughs from deep in her belly, causing everyone else to join in because the sound is just so damn contagious.
“That would be a great photo for social media,” Livvy states, and I jump into action, trying to clear the fog from my brain as I raise my phone and snap as many pictures as I can.
Everyone is happy, their smiles and laughter showing the kind of family dynamic the Renegades have become famous for.
Maybe some of it is for show. After all, the guys know what my objective is, and they agreed to help.
But some things can’t be faked, and from where I’m standing, it looks like the team bond is growing stronger right in front of our eyes.