Chapter 28
It’s been a month since I arrived here with the guys. I still haven’t seen Kevin and no case workers have stopped by.
Cade just says that everything has been taken care of. Looking around at the guys as I take a bite of my toast, I can’t help but wonder more about them. This is what a real family looks like. My eyes fill with unshed tears.
“You okay, babygirl?” Stone asks, causing all the guys to turn my direction.
“Yeah, it’s just my allergies acting up.” I smile, wiping at my eyes.
“Allergies.” Cade scoffs, causing me to glare at him.
I stand up, collect my plate, and head to the kitchen. Scrapping my plate, I turn around and see Atticus standing there.
“You were thinking about your parents, huh?” he asks.
“Something like that.” I sigh, washing the plate and placing it in the dish rack, turning to look at him.
“It’s okay to miss them, princess.” He says, giving a small smile.
“Thanks.” Walking toward the kitchen door, he reaches out to stop me.
“Want to help me with something today?” He asks, smiling at me.
He really is hot as fuck.
“Um, okay. What kind of help do you need?” I ask, nervously. Biting down on my bottom lip. He looks down and then slowly makes his way back up to my eyes. Is he smirking?
“I need to pick something up.” He says, noticing my panic. “I promise, you’re safe with me.” He kisses the top of my head. “Say yes.” He smiles.
“Okay, but can we stop at Shelia’s?” I grin.
“Sure, princess. Now go get ready.” He says, walking out the kitchen door.
I take off upstairs to get ready. Wonder what shit he will get us in today?
Last week he and Harlan asked me to go on a drive with them and we ended up at some party. When the guys found out, they were pissed. Cade walked up to us, grabbed me, tossed me over his shoulders, smacked my ass, and carried me out to the car.
When we arrived home, I went to my room. When I came downstairs the next morning, Harlan and Atticus both had busted lips and bruises. I learned later that day, the guys kicked their asses.
As I go to turn and walk into the foyer, I hear the guys.
“What the fuck, man?” Stone says. “You can’t just hog her time.”
“I’m not. One of you fuckers could have asked her.” Atticus says.
“Oh, I will ask her next.” Marzin says.
“Like fuck you will,” Stone says.
“Stop acting like fucking cavemen.” Atticus says.
“That fucking mouth. “ Cade growls, causing the guys to laugh.
“What about it?” Atticus says.
“Oh, shit!” Stone chuckles. “You know you’re fucked, right?”
I let out a cough, walking in as all the guys turn towards me.
“Ready.” I say with a smile on my face.
“Stay out of trouble, Little Poison.” Cade says, giving me a stern look.
I smile at Cade, causing his eyes to narrow into slits. Walking over, I stand toe to toe with him. He smells like temptation.
I reach around, grabbing my jacket from the hook, turning to leave. When I reach the door, I turn, causing Atticus to pause. Raising my hand, I flip Cade off, blowing him a kiss and walk out.
Fuck him. I’m still mad at him for the party shit. Climbing into the car, I see him glaring at me from the doorway, but all I can do is laugh my ass off.
We pull into the parking lot and park the car. As I go to reach for the handle, Atticus reaches over and stops me, looking into my eyes.
“A woman never opens her own door.” He says, smiling at me as he climbs out of the car.
He walks around the front of the car, pulling my door open and holding out his hand for me. Placing my hand into his, I climb out. He holds my hand as we walk into the building.
Once we enter, a small gasp leaves me. I look around at the ivory walls, mahogany bookshelves, and tables. There are huge bean bags in different areas of the library.
“This place is beautiful. I didn’t know you liked to read.” I say, turning to look at him as he lets out a chuckle.
“I come here when I want to escape from life.” He says, smiling at me.
“It is the perfect way to escape, huh?” I state.
“So what kind of book will help you escape today?” I ask him as we head down one aisle.
“I saw this review while scrolling my page today. It sounded great, so I figure we could check it out.” He says, as he searches the shelf above my head, grabbing a book with a beautiful girl and two guys on the cover.
“Found it!” He says, sounding excited.
“What’s the name?” I ask. If it’s good, I’ll need to buy it for my new growing collection of books. I keep finding new books on my bed. Usually after I mention I want to check it out.
“Broken Secrets by Demi Wilde.” He says, walking us over towards a reserved section.
Once we get settled, he pulls me into him.He begins reading it to me, while I lay my head on his shoulder. I’m not sure how long we have been here, but he finishes the book.
“So, what did you think?” He asks, looking down at me.
“I loved it, even though I cried in some parts.” I say, returning his smile.
We stare into each other’s eyes for a moment and I can’t help but feel safe with him. We have grown close over the past month; hell all of us have. I don’t know what takes over me, but before he can turn away, I reach up and kiss him.
It’s like the entire world has stood still; like time has stopped. He reaches up, wrapping his hand into my hair at the nape of my neck. His tongue slides into my mouth as we battle for dominance.
I’m so lost in this moment, I don’t even realize I’ve climbed onto his lap until he pulls back. I open my eyes, looking at him. I lean over to sit back beside him.
“Come on, Princess. Let’s go grab some lunch.” He says, kissing me again, running his thumb across my bottom lip.