The Villain

22. Be Careful

South

Tera is over the moon with joy as she drives me to the realtor’s. I keep an eye on the side view mirror as Shade follows us. He looks relaxed behind the wheel, but Andi seems distraught.

He had a bag. Not just mine. One of his own. Is he planning to walk into my new home and never leave? Willingly? That’s a surprising twist. One that I like. It doesn’t mean I can’t still tie him up, though.

“How do you think he’s handling everything? I’m worried about that fight last night,” Tera says with a quick glance in my direction. When she sees my pajamas, she begins to frown. “He could have at least let you wear shoes.”

I smirk. “That would mean I could run.”

“You aren’t a runner,” she giggles.

“He’ll learn.”

“Will he?” Her eyes dart to me in surprise. “You’re going to let him?”

“Yeah. I like his games.” I shake my head at the decision. “He’s my kind and hiding it.”

She chews her lip and says softly, “I know.”

“I didn’t even know I was playing a game with you. You won. I’m proud of you for keeping him safe,” I tell her.

Her cheeks redden with pleasure at the simple praise. “Thanks. I listened to him and thought of you. What if you came to me with your problems instead of the other way around? What would I do with the roles reversed? I couldn’t leave him.”

“Of course,” I nod. Tera would never leave wounded behind.

“I taught him to start talking, and he taught me it’s ok to be mad.”

“Did I not teach you that?” I frown, trying to think back.

“You’re gentle with me. He isn’t,” she giggles. “Two different schools of learning, that’s all.”

“I’m glad his methods are more effective,” I look into the mirror again.

Andi seems sad, near tears. He smiles at her. She nods, swiping her cheeks quickly and straightening in determination. She speaks animatedly with exaggerated hand motions.

“Is Matthias a problem?” I ask Tera calmly.

Her brows furrow as she looks into the rearview mirror. “I’m not sure. That’s a question for Shade. That team of jerkwads is a problem, for sure. I don’t know why he won’t make them go away.”

“Matthias? Or Shade?”

“Either? I mean, Shade’s method of removal would be a lot more permanent. I guess I was hoping for Matthias’ intervention. So he was late to a wedding, who gets punished for a year for it?” She shakes her head in disbelief.

“That bridge is fixed. His mother is contacting him again.”

“You’re the best, Southie,” she gives me a happy grin.

“He did the work,” I tell her flatly. “Don’t take that from him.”

“I won’t,” she hunches her shoulders with a smug grin. “You feel for him.”

“I do.” It’s that easy to admit. An endless supply of feeling is in the palm of my hand. I won’t stop chasing it in more dangerous forms but I have a steady supply again. My own battery charger in the form of a man just as monstrous as I am. It’s a heady feeling.

Tera lets out a sharp squeal of excitement, focused only on the positive outcomes instead of the pitfalls.

We pull into the parking lot, and we both get out as Shade takes the spot behind Tera’s car.

“Are you going to grab your shoes?” Tera smiles as she bounces with excitement.

“They’re at the apartment.”

She lets out a disgusted sigh and glares at him.

I step away from the car and look at Shade. I can feel his intense focus on me even though he’s wearing sunglasses now. I spread my arms and do a slow turn, showing him my pajamas and socks. Then, I walk into the building as if I own it.

Tera starts giggling at one point and can’t stop. I hear a wolf whistle and turn to see Andi with her head out of the window, wearing a huge grin.

“Get it, girl!”

I will, Andi.

The signature and handoff of keys take longer than I thought it would. The fact that I’m in my pajamas doesn’t get commented on. My lack of identification is taken care of through Tera. I’m not sure if Shade has gone through the bag to find anything or not. Sadly, Tera came prepared for any scenario, knowing my bad luck with electronics. I don’t ask how she managed to have everything I might need. She has a gift for these things. Or, like she says, a superpower.

Everything gets handled without much fanfare. I slip off my socks before we leave and toss them in the trash can by the realtor’s desk.

Andi and Shade are singing at the top of their lungs when we get out. Tera laughs and stops to take a picture.

“Send it to me,” I demand without hesitation.

“Your phone can do that, too,” she says with a smile.

“It’s at the apartment.”

“Oh, crap. Wallet?”

“Backpack.”

“Keys?” She winces.

“Apartment.”

“That’s not so bad,” she smiles again. “I always have my lockpicks.”

“I know,” I smile back and slide into the passenger seat.

“How do you plan on winning?” Tera eyes my bare feet when we get back into the car.

“By testing him.” I smile back.

“He has no idea what he’s getting into,” she laughs. “Apartment?”

“Please.”

The trip is about fifteen minutes. A glance in the mirror shows Shade’s face set in a scowl and Andi looking around in discomfort. He knows where we’re going. Andi probably thinks he’s going to drop her off in the slums and leave her behind.

When Tera parks this time, Shade chooses to park beside my truck. When I get out, he holds the backpack up like a taunt, assuming I’ll need something from it to get in.

I ignore him to walk inside.

Tera starts laughing at him and takes another picture on her phone.

“I want to get one of the look on his face when he realizes he might lose,” she tells me as we go up the stairs.

“It’ll be after this. Delete it after you send it to me.” My eyes narrow as I remember that there’s another set of photos out there. In the hands of men who don’t deserve them.

“Of course,” she acts offended that I felt I had to ask.

I’ll deal with the other issue after some planning.

Tera is fast with the picks on the door. Much quicker than she used to be. I collect my hidden phone, the key, and the shoes Shade left behind in his rage.

“Are you going to put them on?”

“No. Be patient.”

She starts her maniacal giggling as we go back down to the bottom apartment where the landlord has his office and lives. I stuff my phone and charger into my shoe to keep them hidden.

“Ms. Queen, I never see you,” the landlord gives me a leering once-over that makes me want to stab him in the eye. Tera’s lip curls with disgust.

“Keys.” I toss them to him.

“Leaving so soon?” He chuckles with a smile. “You’ll be back.”

I don’t respond. But I do start to step out of my pajama shorts.

His eyes widen in surprise as he watches me. Tera’s do the same.

“Picture,” I tell her with a smirk as I hand them over to the skeezy landlord.

The way he’s hiding in the doorway as he holds one side of the shorts leaves his face covered. I’m the sole focus in my thong and cut-off shirt with a smile. The camera clicks as Tera gapes at me.

“Send it to him after you leave here.”

“Oh. My. Gosh,” Tera breathes in wonder. “You are so winning this one. He’s going to be so mad.”

I nod, my smile turning feral. I want him mad. I want him to be jealous and possessive. He’ll know exactly how I feel about him. Seems fair to me. The landlord is just collateral damage when it comes down to it. I want to know how far Shade’s willing to go. He’ll have to research the entire complex to find who has them.

“Uh, what’s going on?” The landlord tries to regather his wits as he eyes my half-naked body.

“Does Shade know you don’t care about nudity?” Tera bites her lip to contain her grin, ignoring the man standing next to us.

“He’ll learn.”

“Wait,” she bounces in place. “I’ll grab Andi and drive her back to her place so you can play with him more. Without her there, he’ll let loose. Then, I’ll meet up with you at your new place!”

Tera starts squealing and dancing around in excitement.

“Sounds good.”

“Or you could come inside,” the landlord licks his lips.

I give him a dead-eyed stare. “No.”

He swallows hard, arousal forgotten, and closes the door.

“Ok. Wait in here until I have Andi,” Tera whispers in an excited rush. “I’ll position for the shot of his face, give you the sign, take his picture, and then bail out.”

I nod with a grin. I’m always ready to take a game up a notch.

“This is so epic!” She squeals and darts out the door.

As she leaves the red head tenant passes her while digging in her purse. She glances up and does a double-take over my half nude form.

“Are you locked out? I have some extra sweats if you need something to wear while you wait.”

I tilt my head to take her in. She’s wary and grudging with her concern. It’s an interesting mix. She’s also speaking to me despite her obvious discomfort. Not very many people can do that with me.

“I’m playing a game,” I offer just to see what she will say.

“Oh,” she starts laughing lightly. “With the guy that carried you around?”

“Yes.”

“You’re brave. If you don’t win I’ll buy the drinks.”

She passes me without waiting for a reply. I eye her in speculation before regaining my focus.

I pace to the door and crack it open to watch for the sign. It takes a few minutes for her to get Andi into the car. She looks as excited as Tera is as they whisper to each other like children sharing a secret. Andi sits in the passenger seat and watches the door I’ll come out of with an expectant grin.

Tera positions and holds her hand behind her back with three fingers up. She starts counting down. When all of her fingers are curled, I walk out as casually as any other day.

At first, Shade is watching Tera with a scowl. He flips her off. Tera continues taking pictures while he’s oblivious to me.

Andi’s jaw has dropped in amazement. She must not have believed Tera about how far I’d go in this game. She starts bouncing and clapping as I pass her.

“Yes!” Her scream of joy is muffled through the window, but it’s clear.

I keep my focus on Shade.

His face swings towards me with irritation. At first, his cheeks start to flush, and he licks his lips, taking me in as I walk towards his car. He looks like he got sucker punched. Then his brows lower, and his jaw begins to clench. He looks around the parking lot for people as his hands tighten on the wheel.

Tera gets into her car quickly and drives away.

I stop at the hood of his car and slowly pace around it to my truck, watching him the entire way.

His sunglasses mostly hide his expression. He seems to go back and forth between anger and hunger as his head turns to watch. I make sure to bend a little to unlock the truck and slowly get inside. I spread my legs wide so he gets a good view and pause for a second before turning and closing the door.

Then, I calmly start my drive.

He tailgates me as I lead him through town in an aimless fashion. I stop at the intersection and glance in the direction of the coffee shop, debating my options.

He honks his horn and revs the engine behind me. When I look into the rearview mirror, he has a snarl on his lips as he shakes his head.

Yeah, it might be overkill. But that’s what makes it fun. He didn’t get his drink this morning after all.

I turn, and the horn blares again. When I pull into the parking lot of the coffee shop, he swings in beside me so close I can’t open my door to get out.

His door slams, the engine still running. He takes his sunglasses off to glare at me as he goes inside. He stands facing the windows to watch me as he waits in line with his arms crossed over his chest. By the time he has both the drinks in his hands, he’s more relaxed and shakes my drink in a taunt as he pauses at the hood of the truck.

I nod placidly and then gun it in reverse to haul ass away from the shop. He drives like a maniac. He’ll catch up.

In the meantime I slip out of my shirt, leaving my upper half bare, and roll down my window. The breeze is a little chilly, but cranking up the heat makes it bearable.

I see him weaving in and out of traffic so smoothly it looks like a car chase while I’m simply going the speed limit. I huff a laugh when he cuts off the car behind me to tailgate me again. I wait for a longer stretch between stop lights before I toss the shirt out of the window. Here’s hoping it lands on his windshield as a bonus.

When it does and slides over the roof of his car in the wind, I get a full glimpse of his surprised expression. That would have been an amazing picture to keep.

I carefully work my panties off next.

My phone goes off with a text, and I set the underwear aside to dig it out of my sneaker.

Tera: Andi said he was pouting that you didn’t get the backpack. He thought you weren’t playing.

I stop at the light and text her back quickly.

Me: He got my shirt across his windshield.

Her reply is swift.

Tera: Ding-ding. Finish him. From Andi.

The light turns green, and I quickly take off again. I notice he has to get back into his car because, at some point, he decided he was going to confront me. But he didn’t have the backpack in his hand to surrender.

I’m enjoying this so much. My heart is pounding. My skin is flushed with excitement. How far is he going to let this go?

It’s another long stretch between lights this time. He pulls up beside me and honks again. I turn my music up loud enough that he should hear it through his windows. Then, I hook a finger through the side of the panties and casually hold them out of the window to flap in the breeze.

I ignore his honking as people cross in front, glaring at the idiot lying on his horn. He’s just drawing more attention. When they find what he’s looking at, I give them all a smile while they gape at my naked chest. They can’t see much, but I’m sure it’s more than what Shade wants them to.

Shade guns his engine.

The light turns green. He peels out to get in front of me and stomps on his brakes.

I change lanes placidly to keep going. He tries to speed up and get in front again, but a car turns out in front of him. It slows him down until he passes and gets behind me again.

He looks ready to burst with rage.

Another light is coming up. I drop under the speed limit to catch it, turning my music down. This is the last light before we get to the house. I don’t want to miss this opportunity.

He brakes hard behind me and puts his hazard lights on. He has the backpack when he gets out. I roll up my window until there’s only an inch of space for him to reach me.

Shade tries the handle first, but it’s auto-locked. He takes his sunglasses off and looks into the truck at my body with flared nostrils and mutters under his breath, “Fuck me.”

I ignore him to watch the light.

“I have your backpack, baby. Open up.”

The gentle tone draws my attention around to see him holding it up in offering. I turn back to the light and clasp the hand holding the panties over the steering wheel where he can see. I shift until my knees spread on the seat.

He sucks in a sharp breath. “Take it. I’m done. Game over.”

His surrender is sweet, a victory that sings through my veins.

I look at him again. The grin he has is just as heady. He isn’t a sore loser, which makes it even better.

I roll down the window and gently take the backpack from him. As I twist to set it on the seat next to me, he leans in for a better view. With my legs spread, he can see how wet I am.

“Can I touch?” He asks in a strained tone.

Look at that. He’s being a good little statue without prompting.

“No,” I smile while his jaw clenches. He doesn’t take his eyes off the apex of my thighs. “But, I will give you these.”

I brush the panties along his cheek. His eyes dart to mine as his lips curl into a slow smile. He takes them in his teeth and walks back to his car with light steps that make me laugh.

The four lane becomes a two lane quickly after that. The rest of the drive out of town he pulls up alongside me and catcalls. The road is basically deserted so I laugh and leave it alone.

I slow for the turn off onto the gravel drive that smooths to concrete halfway through. I’ll have to trim back the trees before long. The branches are reaching over, almost touching the sides of the truck on the single lane.

Or I could let them grow over and settle into the life of a hermit.

I glance at Shade in the rearview and decide against it. His mask is off and he’s looking around with curiosity.

The clearing opens up and the lane turns to a concrete drive that loops towards the single story house. The fence is in better condition than when I last saw it. The lawn is trimmed now, too. No wonder it took so long to get into the place. They were fixing the things I noted during the walk-through.

I slow to park under the awning and frown. It has room for one car, not two. I glance at the open space to the left and wonder how much it would be to add on to it. Shade won’t be happy if his pride and joy gets caught in the rain.

I’ll discuss it with him. He can park under the awning instead.

I hop out of the truck, pulling my bag toward me to grab my clothes and dress.

“Baby,” he gives me a throaty growl as he grins. “Don’t get dressed now.”

“Tera will be here,” I remind him as I slide into my panties and sweatpants. They end just below my knees. I don’t bother with a bra as I pull the white tank top over my head.

“And you’re going to wear that while she’s here?” He asks in a strained voice. He’s staring at my peaked nipples.

“Untuck your shirt,” I suggest with a smirk.

“Jesus,” he mutters but he does it.

“Feel better about it?” I ask and sling the backpack onto my shoulder.

“No,” he answers in a grumpy tone.

I huff a laugh and open the gate, walking up my walkway as a homeowner for the first time.

The key goes in easily and the door opens smoothly. The hinges got oiled, too. They earned the extra money at this point. I’ve been planning all the things that need to be fixed since I laid out my offer. If this trend continues that will cut that list down considerably.

I walk in and drop my backpack on the couch. My shoes get set by the door. Everything smells fresh and aired out.

Shade follows me and takes a look around the furnished living room before setting our drinks down on a side table. It’s empty without personal touches, but a million times better than where both of us have been living.

If he likes it he won’t be leaving again without my permission.

“Nice spacing,” he comments absently, taking in the built-in bookshelf that takes up an entire wall. “High ceiling.”

“Shit on heating but worth it,” I shrug. “The fans are where my mind was at.”

He gives me a smirk. “You’re accent is coming out, baby.”

I glance back at him. “You like this place?”

“Yes,” his smile widens.

My chest clenches as my smile turns feral.

Gotcha.

“Sit on the couch,” I urge him and bend to grab my phone.

“I was starting to wonder if you really had one,” he teases with a gesture to the phone.

He drops his duffle near the bookshelf and settles in the middle of the couch with his arms spread across the back.

“How’s this?” He taunts.

“You’re always perfect,” I hold the phone up and take his picture. His expression of soft pleasure at the praise is now frozen in time for me to look at whenever I want.

“Why the picture?” He rallies his snark quickly.

“It’s our first day,” I explain and tuck the phone into my pocket. “I want to remember the look on your face. I want the proof that you’re happy living here when I start to question it. You weren’t a part of the decision so I want to know what you’d like to change. I can start setting aside for it once you have a list.”

His lips part in surprise. I should have kept the phone out.

“You,” he clears his throat and leans forward to brace his elbows on his knees. His stare is a mixture of intense longing, hope, and caution.

“Baby. You’re seriously ok with me just… moving in?”

“Of course,” I raise an eyebrow back. “You’re saving me a lot of time and effort. I want you to know I appreciate it. You’re offering and I’m accepting. No duct tape or rope necessary. It’s a surprisingly pleasant twist.”

He laughs helplessly, joy eclipsing all the other emotions, and jumps off the couch to lift me off the floor in a hug. He gives me a breathless kiss that turns addicting quickly. His hands slide down to cup my ass and pull me fully against him.

“Oh my gosh!”

Tera’s squeal makes Shade draw away with a curse. It makes me laugh.

“Nice, Southie!” Max bursts through the door with a wide grin. He takes in Shade and his grin gets mischievous as his brows wiggle.

“Oh my gosh !” Tera shrieks as she comes through the open doorway. Asher and Trevor follow behind her, watching her with doting smiles.

I tilt my head in confusion. I wasn’t planning on any more people joining us. Plans need to be adjusted. I should have backup plans in place now that she has boyfriends.

“We need a list,” Tera says breathlessly as she spins to take in the living room.

I nod and pull my phone back out to open a notepad. We separate to check things out in our own ways. A replay from when we would move into a new place. She sees things in a way that I don’t, turning livable into a warm space. I wonder what differences Shade will see so I can compare.

“You need a fuzzy blanket for this amazing couch,” she says thoughtfully.

“Extra light bulbs,” I flick the switch to make sure each one comes on.

“A lamp for all your figurines,” she points at the corner by the bookshelf.

“Batteries,” I mutter as I cycle through the remote for the overhead fan and check what size I’ll need.

We both wander through as the men stay in the living room, watching us go about our business.

“You need a bigger computer desk for this room. Please tell me you didn’t bring the little one from your old place. And filing cabinets for your folders,” Tera leans out of the second room with a frown as I lean out of the spare room to see her. “You can stop keeping everything in boxes now. You have a ton of space here.”

“Filters for the AC,” I jot down right after.

“You have a king size bed finally!” She screams. “Oh my gosh, you’ve always wanted one!”

“More sheets,” I mutter with a nod.

“I’m going to buy you so many pillows,” Tera dances past me with a giggle.

I keep nodding as I check the washer and drier connections. Then the sinks and making sure the water flows from the faucets. Turning on the water for the toilets. Making sure there aren’t any leaks. The fridge gets set to my preferred level of cold. Everything seems to be running fine.

“More towels. Which box did I pack my tools in?” I frown as I look around the second bathroom.

“You always pack it in the kitchen boxes,” Tera calls back from the master bathroom. “You forget every time.”

“Yeah,” I look in the kitchen again and start a wash cycle on the dishwasher to clean it out.

“There’s a guest room,” she bounces into the kitchen. “It has a bed. Is that for me?”

“Yeah.”

“Can I pick the sheets and stuff?”

“Of course,” I frown as we walk back into the living room. None of the guys have moved but they’re all grinning at us. I frown in confusion at their expressions.

“Oh my gosh, we could stay up all night watching movies again.”

“Popcorn and cherry slushie mix will get delivered today. I’ll be ready for your birthday,” I mutter as I look through the list.

“Wait. Tell me you have a big TV now,” Tera pauses her celebration to glare at me.

I face her with a frown. I didn’t think about that one. “It’s still little. Should I add it to the list?”

“Mine isn’t,” Shade says smugly and crosses his arms. “You can put yours in the spare room and the bigger one in here.”

I nod.

“Wait,” Tera says warily and Max stifles a laugh by coughing.

“Dresser for the spare room,” I mumble.

“We can grab the one from my apartment. The TV stand and TV.”

“Aren’t you useful,” I smirk at him and take notes.

“Computer desk, too,” he grins back.

“Look around and give me your list. I want to see it how you do,” I go back to my list and he brushes a kiss across my cheek as he passes.

“He’s moving in?” Tera asks with surprise. Her hands cup over her lips as she bounces on her toes with excitement.

“Yeah.”

“And he gets to make his own list?” She squeals and the bouncing gets more emphatic.

“Yeah. I’m going to order a pizza to be delivered later. I wasn’t expecting help with the move.”

“Do I have to give him my spare key?” Her hands drop as dismay fills her features.

“Of course not. I’ll get one made for him.”

“You technically don’t need one, angel,” Asher points out with a dark grin.

“It’s the principle of it,” Tera whines.

“Better window locks,” I type as Tera’s eyes widen on me.

“No! I still suck at that,” Tera stomps a foot angrily. “I need the practice.”

“Tripwires?” I offer breathlessly as I start laughing.

“You jerk, Southie. I don’t have anything to throw! It was one time and I learned my lesson, ok? You don’t have to hold it over my head forever, you know.”

“We can grab the extra towels from my place for the spare bathrooms,” Shade says as he passes the doorway to the hall. “I like pizza any way it comes.”

“Do you want beer? I’ve always heard beer and pizza are moving staples but I don’t drink.” I look around to see everyone else’s reactions. They seem to be accepting of the unwritten beer plus pizza rule.

“None for me,” Tera chirps happily.

“Some ginger ale and waters are being delivered too,” I tell her. “I have some in the truck for when they’re late.”

The faint sound of crushed gravel reaches me and I look out to see the truck hauling my stuff.

“On time. This town is so weird,” I mutter in confusion.

Unloading takes twenty minutes. I don’t have much to my name. I’ve only ever bought necessities. My figurines are the biggest portion. And my DVDs.

They leave everything in the living room and everyone separates boxes by their titles. Tera gets banned to the couch and pouts as she watches us.

With her stuck on the couch I get the chance to play with Shade.

I catch him in the kitchen, opening a box to take out a blender.

“Your list?” I stand next to him and lean on his arm.

He takes the unspoken hint and wraps his arm around me with a smile. I twist my body to press my breast into his side.

“I don’t need much. You obviously don’t either,” he looks down at the three boxes. They look ridiculous with all the space around them.

“I want you to be comfortable. Your teas. Coffee pot. Anything you can think of.”

“You made me a drink this morning,” he frowns. “I didn’t get to it.”

“That’s why we went by the coffee shop,” I whisper with a grin.

He gives me a dark look of anger.

My smile gets wider as my hand slips beneath his shirt to cup him in his jeans.

The anger drops abruptly as his eyes widen.

I slowly rub up and down, feeling him beginning to harden under my touch.

“Where do you want this, South?” Trevor grumbles.

I look over his shoulder with a frown, not stopping my movements as Shade stands frozen.

“Spare room.”

Trevor jerks his chin in acceptance and walks away.

“Evie,” Shade whispers in a tight voice.

“Start your list.” I draw away from him and leave the room.

Every time I see him I find a way to touch him. Sometimes innocent, sometimes not. If someone is in the room I brush his arm. Touch his cheek. Clasp his hand. If he’s alone I push his shirt up to scrape my nails down his back. I suck his neck to leave a mark. My fingers dip into the waistband of his pants in a taunt before I pull away.

A game that’s fun and frustrating at the same time. It has the bonus of giving him the attention he craves. He’s anticipating every touch now. His smile doesn’t dim again as we work.

A truck stops to deliver a new mattress for the bed and haul the old one away.

“You have this set up so well that we aren’t needed,” Trevor says with a frown.

“I never thought you’d be here,” I shrug and readjust the mattress. “I’ve never had deliveries go this smoothly before.”

“We’ll be here, South,” he says in a dark tone that brings my head up. “We’re with Tera.”

I tilt my head in confusion. “I know.”

“You’re ok with that?”

“She’s happy. It’s all that matters.”

He gives me a frown and nods as he walks away.

I unpack the box of new sheets and begin unwrapping them to throw in the washing machine.

I’m busy with that when Shade corners me in the laundry room.

He stands in the doorway with a smile that I return. Then he reaches for the top of the doorframe, his shirt rising to reveal his unzipped pants. His boxers are on display as he sways toward me, gripping the frame.

“Know this one?” he says in a playful tone.

“You haven’t unpacked the DVDs yet, have you,” I huff a laugh and walk up to him to slide my fingers into his boxers. “You’re a pirate today?”

He groans softly as my hand works his shaft.

“I approve, statue. Did you pack your pajamas? I can’t wait to see them on my floor.”

“Baby,” he presses a soft kiss to my lips. “I’m supposed to say shit like that.”

“Whenever you want,” I tell him gently, my grip tightening like he showed me this morning. “You can tell me anything you want.”

I let him go, carefully tucking him back in his underwear while he pants against my lips.

“I want to fuck you all over our house,” he says in a gritty tone. His eyes have darkened as he watches me for my reaction.

“You will,” I kiss him, a gentle press with a smile. “But we have to wait.”

“This is fucking torture.”

“Good,” I huff a laugh.

“Why are you doing this to me?” He grins, not angry at all, just curious.

“So you know you’re always in my thoughts. The touching is just a bonus.”

His expression drops into a look of surprise and his arms fall to yank me into his chest. “Do you mean that?”

I raise a brow in disappointment. “Of course I do. I don’t fake shit. You’re a slow learner, aren’t you.”

He cuts me off, kissing me viciously and backing me into the washer.

“I want you,” he groans, lifting me onto the machine to press me against him as hard as he can.

“You have me,” I return his drugging kisses, wrapping my legs around his waist to keep him close.

Someone clears their throat loudly and Shade’s head drops down as he curses viciously.

Max grins at me and says, “Pizza’s here.”

“Thanks. Now get lost so he can get himself together.”

Shade’s head rises to give me a scowl.

I sigh at the look, “Tell everyone I need to change my panties, too. It’ll make him feel better for everyone to know he affects me the same way.”

Max barks out a laugh as Shade’s eyes widen in shock.

“I’m not saying that. I’m just going to unwrap those paper plates you have and tell everyone to eat it all before you get there.”

“Sounds good,” I focus on Shade as Max walks away and stroke my fingers over his cheek. “Now we’re even, statue. I may not express it but I do feel it.”

I take his hand in mine and press his palm against my core so he can feel how wet I’ve gotten. I’m sure it’s enough to see through my sweats. I pull it away before he can start anything.

“I know it’s different but never doubt that you’re mine,” I tell him seriously as his eyes shift between mine, taking in the blank stare I can’t help. I’ve always been told my eyes are dead inside. I know what he sees. “I’ll do whatever I need to, to prove it. Whatever helps you understand.”

“I know you feel in there, Evie,” he whispers as if he can force it to be true.

“I do,” I agree easily. “About very few things. And you’re on that list.”

“Am I next to Deckhand Luna?” He grins and presses a hard kiss on my lips, pulling away to help me down.

“No. You have your own shelf, statue,” I huff a laugh and take his hand to drag him into the dining room. He quickly adjusts his shirt before we get there.

They’re seated around the table comfortably leaving two chairs open side by side. I thought the large table would never get used. It’s odd to have so many people in a place where I sleep.

“Don’t say a word,” Tera says with a scowl. “I don’t want to know.”

She’s amazing when she’s angry.

I grab a plastic fork and knife to settle in and cut up my slice.

Shade watches me with a frown.

“Don’t stare-”

He cuts off Tera’s tirade with, “Baby, I can cut that. I unpacked and cleaned the real knives.”

Everyone pauses their eating to stare at him.

I offer him the plate. He doesn’t hesitate to get up and cut it at the counter.

Tera cringes as she leans forward to whisper, “I hate myself for saying this but, can you keep him this happy forever? He’s being the nice dictator and I want that to stay.”

“Stop talking shit, Tera,” he calls over his shoulder.

“Let him open the figurine boxes,” I shrug. “Take a picture of how happy he gets.”

“Is that what’s in the living room?” Max asks with a wince. “That’s most of the boxes, woman.”

“More happiness for him,” I point out as Shade comes back with my plate. The pieces are smaller than I’ve ever gotten them. His knife skills are nothing to sneeze at.

“Wow,” Tera mutters with wide eyes. “That’s tiny.”

Max cracks up laughing as Shade glares at her.

“You’re perfect,” I kiss his cheek in thanks and dig in.

“Shade, do you have your phone turned off?” Tera asks as she glances at her own with a frown. “Andi says you haven’t returned any of her texts. She’s asking if South has a basement.”

I huff a laugh and glance at Shade.

“I don’t have one yet,” he says casually and takes another bite of his slice.

“Huh?” Tera’s brow furrows as my head tilts curiously.

“I quit. No phone.”

“No way,” she breathes in wonder. Her men stiffen up with wary expressions.

“Uh, should we be here?” Max asks nervously and starts looking around.

“Baby girl,” Trevor starts warningly.

Tera scowls at them. “He is not in the mafia! How many times do I have to say it?”

“I’m really not,” Shade adds and looks at me. “In case you’re wondering.”

“What happened?” I ask calmly. What prompted the sudden change in attitude?

“ You happened,” he says with an accusing look. “I’m cutting the dead weight so we don’t have to put up with bullshit all the time.”

“Did you put a new phone on your list?” I ask thoughtfully. “We can get one tomorrow. I think it’s too late now.”

“No,” he gets a smug look and pulls a phone from his back pocket to set on the table next to my plate. “I’m using yours.”

I look from it to him with a wide smile. “You win.”

“I do,” he smirks and starts eating again.

“Crap, he picked your pocket,” Tera pouts. “Isn’t that cheating?”

“No,” I grin at her. “I’d rather him have a way to get in touch with people anyway.”

“Baby-”

“You are not getting away with not having a phone Evangeline Lane,” Tera overrides Shade’s protest in a loud voice. “I’m not calling him to reach you . You will have a phone. I will call you whenever I want. Don’t make me buy you one.”

“A game?” I smirk.

“No! For real, South. It freaked me out when I couldn’t reach you.”

My head tilts as my smile drops. I didn’t think about that. I figured she wouldn’t know until I texted her and the panicked call was a way to play it off. “I owe?”

“No, those jerks owe,” she grumbles. “They’re the ones that stole it.”

“They paid.”

“How?” She looks up in confusion.

Shade starts to laugh. “She slashed their tires and left them stranded at the bar.”

“You’re laughing,” I say with narrowed eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t like it.”

“Of course I like it, baby,” he chuckles with a confused look.

“You didn’t laugh before.”

“I wasn’t sure if it was real before. I laughed my ass off when Andi told me everything you broke. Why didn’t you just set it all on fire?”

“I changed my mind. If a fire started inside the things you left might have gotten damaged.”

His hand goes around the back of my neck to pull me into a laughing kiss.

“I will get a new phone tomorrow,” he says with a grin. “You can have yours now that I’ve been all through it. You’re a little boring baby.”

“Good to know and not give a shit about,” I nod placidly while he laughs.

“My mom might text you though. I wanted her to know I was safe. Use caution,” he warns me. “She wants to meet you so bad she can taste it.”

“To threaten me for touching her precious son?” I ask calmly.

“No. So you can tell her how you got me to behave so well,” he scoffs.

“Just tell her threats. It’s all she needs,” Max laughs, watching our banter like we’re a soap opera. “I can’t believe you have a mom, man.”

“Did I hatch from an egg, Max?” He asks blandly.

“Maybe,” he shrugs. “How would I know since you don’t talk?”

Tera starts giggling. “It’s been driving Max crazy that you won’t talk to him.”

“The gossip deserved it,” Shade says and gives Tera a high five over the table.

“You were in on it together ?” Max looks betrayed.

“I’m impressed, Ter-bear,” I nod in respect.

“It was Shade’s idea,” she gushes like a proud parent. “He’s been helping me with passive aggression. He said I don’t have to be the one doing it for it to be effective.”

“I’m impressed, Shade,” I smirk.

“Don’t support bad behavior, Southie,” Max wheedles and leans forward to try and intimidate me with his frown.

“You look like a before picture,” I take another bite of pizza and chew slowly as I stare him in the eyes.

His eyes widen and his lips start turning up in a smile. Someone likes being insulted. Good practice for Tera. Game on.

“You’re dating Shade. You love the red flags that much?”

“They’re called fun facts. In your case, it’s called boring yawn-fest.”

“Tera says you like murder docs. You should take notes so you can get away with it when you’re ready.”

“It’s about figuring out what motivated a moron to get caught. Have you signed up for royalties on your episode yet?”

He leans back and starts laughing. “I like you.”

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” I tell him flatly.

He keeps laughing while I shake my head.

Tera sighs with a happy grin. “I’ve missed you so much.”

I look at her in confusion. I’ve been in contact with her a lot since I got to town. What’s to miss?

Her smile falters at my lack of response.

“I owe,” she whispers and stares down at her plate.

“You never owe,” my brow furrows in confusion.

“There’s a first time for everything.”

Asher puts his hand over her throat and whispers something in her ear. Everyone is starting to look uneasy. I wait for him to finish so she can hear me.

“You don’t understood. You’ll never owe me.”

“What?” She says in confusion, finally meeting my eyes.

“You feel guilty for something, you shouldn’t.”

Tera thinks about it for a moment and says, “I had to get away from it all. It’s like your quiet time. This time I needed it. I just didn’t tell you because my head was all messed up. I was scared of stupid stuff.”

It’s my turn to digest some information. “That would be more dangerous for you.”

“I guess I did it wrong,” she gives me a laugh soaked in sorrow.

“Because you have emotions and your comfort is people. You wanted to deal with it yourself. I’m proud of you for making a stand. This was an honest mistake for both of us.”

Could it be that simple? Of all the scenarios I didn’t think about this one. I took the wrong emotional stance as a factor. Not the first time and not the last, either.

“Yes,” she sounds so relieved.

“I used the wrong emotion as a baseline for behavior again. You weren’t mad. You were scared. I can’t help with that.” It’s an emotion I’m not familiar with. I try to comprehend what she’s telling me and come up blank so I let it go.

“Even if you’re alone we’re learning together. I might need you to start telling me emotions before we speak again. I’m out of practice.”

“How about I tell you dangerous ones like sad or scared?”

My lip twitches up into an evil smirk. “You don’t consider angry dangerous anymore?”

She blinks in surprise and whispers, “I guess not.”

“I approve,” I go back to eating.

After an extended silence Max breaks it with a whisper, “That’s it? Everything is ok now?”

“Were you expecting violins?” I ask blandly.

Tera gives a relieved laugh and Asher settles back in his seat with a smile.

Shade puts his arm around me, as if I need the comfort. I don’t need it, but I like him touching me, so I don’t say anything.

The doorbell rings after we’ve finished eating and everyone has settled into chatting. I notice Shade is quiet, stroking a thumb over my shoulder. I check the time. “Finally. Someone is late. This is a normal town again.”

I check the peephole out of habit and collect the groceries as the guy leaves them. Shade joins me, brushing against me as often as possible without being too obvious. Needing attention.

I glance into the dining room I never expected to use, noting that the fridge is covered by the wall separating the rooms. No one can see us there. They’re talking and having a good time, entertaining themselves for the moment. Good enough.

Shade is just straightening from putting drinks in the fridge, closing the door. I stalk behind him, wrapping an arm around his waist and sliding my hand into his boxers before he realizes what I’m up to. He never did his pants back up. He’s been eating right next to me, hard as a rock under his shirt. I could have touched him at any point. Did he want that?

I grip him in a tight fist and pull in long, hard strokes.

“Need some attention?” I ask him with a smirk, pressing my body into his back.

“Shit,” he mutters, bracing his hands on the fridge as he looks down.

“I’m happy to give it to you,” I kiss along his shoulder as his hips jerk in time with my strokes.

He grabs the bottom of his shirt to lift it up and watch my hand move inside his clothes.

“Yes. Like that. Shit.”

“Tell me you packed my favorite pajamas and I’ll let you cum right now.”

“I don’t know, fuck , which ones,” his voice trails away in a pant.

“Oh,” I let him go and step back. “Guess you better check then. It’s the Woodwind one. Maybe next time.”

He spins in a move I wasn’t anticipating but delights me. He’s fast. He jerks me to him and slams his lips across mine.

I return his ferocity with sly licks across his tongue.

“You’re going to fucking kill me,” he mutters.

“I need you too badly to let it end like that.”

“You’re too goddamn patient.”

“You’ll appreciate that later.”

He huffs a laugh and rests his forehead against mine. He’s sweating now. I give him a moment to cool down, stroking his back easily. I’m not sure if it helps but it feels good to me.

“Shade.”

“Yeah?”

“Are you in trouble? For quitting.”

“I don’t know and I don’t care,” he presses his lips to mine gently this time.

“I won’t let them touch you.”

He draws back to look me in the eyes. “I know. I’m yours.”

“You are,” I sigh with a smile.

“Break it up lovebirds,” Max calls with a laugh.

“Back to work,” I kiss him quickly and walk away. “Your drinks are in the fridge, Ter-bear.”

“I don’t know if I want them anymore,” she says with a wince.

I huff a laugh and go into the living room. I set the boxes side by side in preparation.

“What are you doing?” Tera asks as she resettles on the couch.

“Giving Shade Christmas early,” I smirk.

She grins and gets her phone out as Trevor sits beside her to rub his leg.

“Ibuprofen. Bathroom.”

“On it,” Tera chirps, gives Trevor a quick kiss and leaves the room, leaving her phone in his hands.

He clears his throat and I glance up, finding his attention on me with a frown.

“Is Shade forcing his way into your home?” He sounds so grim and his lips are turning into a scowl. “I wouldn’t put it past him.”

“No.” I go back to what I was doing, getting things arranged as if the boxes are around a Christmas tree.

“We’d back you up if you needed him out.”

“Why would I want him out? I just lured him in.”

“What?” He looks confused, then concerned. “Should I be more worried for Shade ?”

He sounds like the idea is ludicrous. It is. He’s mine, I won’t hurt him. Even if Tera lifted all my bans.

“Ask Shade,” I shrug.

Tera makes it back in before he can say anything else.

“For you,” she gives him a grin and hands him her ginger ale.

He blinks in surprise as he takes the medicine.

“South has a few pins in her leg too. Not as bad as yours but she knows the signs. How come you didn’t teach me how to take care of it before, South?”

“I can deal with it,” I tell her, like I always have.

He looks at me in surprise. “How did you manage that?”

“I walked on it after it was broken.”

“Dumbass,” he mutters and pops the pills.

I shrug.

Tera chews her lip, looking sad. She knows what I’m talking about. It’s bringing up bad thoughts for her.

When Trevor glances up to give her back her drink she shakes her head at him and starts clutching her throat.

“Asher,” he calls calmly and holds his arms open for her to drop onto him, regardless of the pain in his leg.

Asher comes in at speed and starts talking to her softly. Comforting her. She mutters something to them both. Asher and Trevor turn to look at me with surprise and pity.

“What?” I take in their expressions but I’m focused on the odd meltdown that just happened in front of me. Was this what she was talking about dealing with? Is she afraid?

“Nothing,” Asher clears his throat and shakes his head. He and Trevor exchange a look as Tera settles down.

“What do you need?” I ask Tera, who gives me a weak smile. My eyes narrow on her. She better not start crying with that smile.

“I want to see Shade’s face when he opens the boxes. He’s going to lose his mind and I want to see him try to hide it.”

“Easy enough,” I walk away to find him. If this stops the tears I’ll win on two fronts.

He and Max are still sitting at the table. Shade is refusing to speak and pissing him off.

“Shade,” I say and his head whips around to see me.

“You’re fucking trained,” Max chuckles at the abrupt move.

“Living room.”

He stands and walks away with me as Max starts guffawing.

When Shade sees the boxes he says, “What’s happening right now?”

“Christmas,” I push him forward.

Tera gets her phone ready as Shade tries to balk.

“What does that mean?”

“It means you get to geek out with Southie,” Tera laughs.

I lean close to whisper in his ear. “Leave the top shelf empty when you put them where you want. That one’s yours.”

He shakes his head and sits down, cross-legged, in front of the boxes.

I sit behind him bracketing his legs with mine and prop my chin on his shoulder.

“This is a little over the top, don’t you think?” he mutters as he pulls a box to him.

I smirk and wait.

The lid gets tossed aside easily and he digs in.

“Holy shit,” he mutters when he finds the collector’s items.

“Half yours,” I remind him.

He glances at me to see my grin.

“Did you find the pajamas?”

He starts laughing and then he’s a mess, wading through them all and figuring out where he wants to put them. I let him have free reign, watching him with a smile.

Everyone jokes around and has fun with it. Little things. Family things. All in all, I’m pleased.

When Tera starts yawning, Shade is the one that notices first.

“Party’s over,” he tells her as he sets another figurine up.

“Nu-uh,” Tera denies. Her head is resting on Asher’s shoulder as her eyelids flutter.

“There’s always tomorrow,” I point out.

Shade gives me a glare for that.

“Nah. We’ve got a surprise for her tomorrow,” Max says with a grin.

“A surprise?” She perks up with excitement.

“It’s your birthday tomorrow, angel,” Asher reminds her with a smirk.

“I know,” she bounces and then winces. “Too much pizza.”

I roll to my feet to find something that would soothe her stomach.

When I come back they’re standing in preparation to go.

“Drink,” I hand her the glass.

She looks down and gets a soft smile as she accepts it. “Old fashioned remedy coming right up.”

She chugs the whole thing, winces, then hands it back.

When she belches loudly everyone stares at her. Her face flushes as she mutters excuse me.

“Goodnight South,” she offers me a hug that I accept easily. “I guess rain check on tomorrow? But I can’t wait to spend the night. Shade can stay with the guys.”

“No.” The resounding word is said by all of them as Tera smiles.

“Goodnight,” I nod to the rest of them and go into the kitchen in case someone else wants a hug. Max looks like the type.

By the time I’ve set the kettle on to boil some water the door has closed on them. It’s quiet this far out of the city limits. I had gotten used to the thin walls and chatter all around me. It’s going to be difficult to sleep.

The buzzer has gone off for the sheets to be dry. I set the bed up and get to the kettle as it whistles. I don’t have chai tea. I’ll have to get some. Instead I make a different tea and call it good for now. I hear a car and a truck start up and leave.

I walk into the living room and freeze in place.

He’s standing in front of the door, all the locks done up tight, undressing. His shirt is gone already, along with his socks and shoes. A pile of weapons crowds the coffee table, everything set out in a precise line. He’s working his pants off as he watches me, taking his boxers with them. He’s hard, but his face is the mask again.

“I made you a tea,” I say in a low tone as my eyes wander all over him. “I don’t have chai, though.”

He doesn’t answer as he steps out of the last of his clothes. His pants get folded and set on the coffee table to be picked up later.

“You wanted to play.”

“With you, always,” I admit.

“It’s my turn.”

My head tilts curiously. What kind of game does he want to play?

“Tell me,” I smile, excited for this.

He stalks forward, takes the cup from me and sets it on the side table someone left behind.

“Strip.”

The word is harsh as he crosses his arms to watch me.

Easy enough.

When my shirt comes off, revealing my nipples and the tattoos running over my breastbone he licks his lips hungrily.

“Leave the panties,” he says gruffly as I start to slide the sweats off. I’ve been barefoot so that’s the last thing. The only thing keeping him from seeing me is a flimsy thong.

“I unpacked your clothes,” he says absently, taking his time looking. I stand comfortable under his intense gaze. I’m not shy or ashamed. Now that we’re alone, neither is he.

When I stay quiet his eyes meet mine.

“I kept a pair of panties. You’ll only get them back when I say you can wear them.”

“Is that so?” I smirk. Sounds like a game to find and wear them. Or to find out which pair he’s obsessed with and buy several of them as a surprise.

I’m up against the wall before I can blink, Shade’s lips over mine as he bites and licks across them to gain entrance.

“Play with me,” he says in a guttural tone that weakens my knees. The pitch and vibration of it, the desperation, twists something inside me that only he can touch.

I shift my head to the angle he likes and kiss him back. A gentle press against his lower lip, his tongue as it swipes across and I draw it inside. The broken groan that follows makes my fingers bite into the skin of his ribs.

He settles in at my mouth as if he could spend all day there. Sometimes gentle and coaxing, then frenzied and desperate. I follow his lead, letting go of the reins of control to see what he has planned next.

He’s kissing me into drugged distraction. I slide my fingers through his hair. Press my body to his with a sigh of relief. His heat, the silk of his skin, rough in some patches, is addicting. He sways his hips, just like his dance from the night before. Taunting me. Tempting.

I move in counterpoint, the precum smearing above my panties as we move. My arms wrap around his neck tightly and I press into him fully, trapping his erection between us to make the sway less taunt and more need.

His eyes close on a moan of relief. He presses me into the wall hard, crushing me with his body in a way that covers me from everything but him.

“I’m going to mark you,” his voice has gone so low I can barely hear him. His teeth bite my neck before he sucks strongly there. Then he does it again lower and on my collar bone. He stoops down to my breast and marks me just above my nipple before taking it into his mouth and flicking it with his tongue.

My back arches as he leaves signs of his ownership on me. I’ve never wanted to be owned until him. Seeing the one above my nipple, red and sensitive, just waiting to bruise, makes my hips undulate. Seeking his attention there too. I’m soaked, my thighs wet with arousal.

He marks me with teeth and sucking lips all the way down to my hip bones. My panties are still in the way, slightly askew but still a barrier. He doesn’t seem to notice as he gets on his knees, pressing his face into the fabric with a groan.

His head lowers and I can feel the wet heat of his tongue stroking over me. I tilt my hips forward, spreading my legs to give him better access. His hands cup my ass, keeping me from backing away as he buries his face in my core. Stroking his tongue over me as if he’s licking sweet cream and clenching his fingers in my ass hard enough to bruise.

“Shade,” his name is gritty on my tongue.

“You taste so fucking good, baby. You shouldn’t have made me wait for this.”

My fingers clench in his hair. It makes him shudder and pant against my thigh. Licking the arousal there like it’s a decadent treat.

He brings two fingers into play, parting me to tuck the fabric in so he can rub over my core and across my clit. My hips jerk at the motion and he looks up at me.

“Mine.”

The dark word, matched with his gray eyes, is a threat and a promise. A choked sound escapes me as I try to force his fingers deeper. His attention drops back to what he’s doing and he draws the panties tight against me. The movement of my hips rubs my clit across them and I go breathless as an orgasm rushes through me.

My legs go weak and I’m suddenly lifted in a bridal carry into the bedroom. My arms drape over his neck and I nibble his earlobe.

“So good,” I whisper in his ear with a smile. “You’ll always be worth the wait, statue.”

He lays me down gently as if I’m breakable and grabs the panties to yank them off roughly and toss aside. He spreads my legs to see me bare. His eyes are dark enough they look like shadows cloaking a dark moon.

He prowls up the bed, kissing along my legs as if he’s worshiping me. He pauses at my core and strokes his tongue through all the moisture there with a groan. He only lets me have one lick before he’s moving up, kissing the whole way until he gets to my lips.

His drugging kisses resume as I cradle him between my thighs. His erection is poised to enter me, his hips swaying again to run the length through my arousal.

“Shade,” I whisper between kisses.

“Yeah?”

“I’ve wanted this too long.” I drag my nails down his back to grip his ass and urge him on.

“I needed you before I even met you,” he presses his forehead against mine as I writhe beneath him.

The words make my eyes widen in surprise and then he’s parting my folds, his broad head nestling there and his hips slowly move to barely enter me and withdraw again. He holds my gaze as he teases me, the look on his face an agony of pleasure and he isn’t even fully inside me yet.

A heavy thrust and he’s inside, all restraint gone as his hips piston into me. I’m breathless as he moves. I can only clutch him close and give him barely there sounds of pleasure as he groans and whispers in my ear. His voice is hungry and weak at the same time as he pants.

“Yes. Fuck. So good, baby. Take me. Ugn. Yes. Soaked and mine. All mine. Fuck.”

His litany of broken words is like a symphony to me. Feeding the growing tension in my body as my head presses into the sheets. An orgasm is building inside with a force I’ve never felt. Like when it breaks it will crack me open for him to fill the gap. He serenades me with his pleasure, his need for more.

“So close,” he groans, almost in pain. “Not yet, baby. I want you addicted.”

I’m already addicted but I can’t utter a word as he works me up without mercy.

“I want you to crave me when I’m gone. I want you to ache. Fuck. Think about me all day. Fucking you, cuming for you.”

I have one hand clenched in his hair and the other around his shoulder, holding on with everything I have in me to keep him here, just like this. My legs have gone so weak I can’t hold his hips anymore. My heart is pounding hard as I meet him over and over, the sharp slap of our bodies meeting a part of the song he’s making of my body.

His words break down into grunts and moans as I gasp. A hand holds my breast, squeezing until my head presses into the mattress and my body draws tight.

“Yes. I’m with you baby.”

My legs jerk in the strongest orgasm I’ve ever had and he’s breathless, praising me as it takes me in a tight fist and shakes my body. I lose control of myself as he moves, just like he showed me this morning, extending the overwhelming sensation until I finally give a cry that cracks my voice and he gives me a long groan, releasing inside me but refusing to stop.

“I don’t want to stop. You feel so fucking good.”

I weakly turn his head to press my lips to his gently. It’s more harsh breath than kiss but he returns it, his body shuddering as he slows. He rests against me heavily but I don’t care. He’s already rampaged through me and I’m never going to be the same again.

This has opened up so many things that are new and more possessive than I’ve ever felt before. He’s shown me a color I’ve never imagined and I’m keeping it.