Chapter Twelve #2
“I promise.” I sigh and rub my head. “I need you here. I’m comfortable with being alone.
I work alone, live alone, and can go days without speaking to anyone.
Being here…” I glance around, dropping my hand.
“It’s overstimulating. The people here mean everything to her, and I want to be comfortable with them.
I could disappear with her, never see another soul again, and be happy forever. She needs them.”
“And you’ll do whatever she needs. I’m proud of you, but I know the mask you wear can become tiring. Don’t lose yourself in the process of giving her everything,” she lectures.
“Do you and Mom compare notes?” I ask.
“No, we just know the man you are.”
“The thing is,” I rasp. “In the end, giving her what she wants and needs provides me with everything I want.”
“Fuck,” she clucks. “You’re good.”
“Issy,” I rumble.
“Alright. I’ll stop. Send me the place and time.”
“Thank you.”
“Bye, Brother. I can’t wait to see you.”
“Same, Sis. Later.” I hang up and stand straight.
Crossing things off my list in my head, I'm anxious to check out of my room and get back to my mate. I won’t be back for lunch, so I’ll order something to be delivered.
She needs to eat more. I’m more comfortable in jeans and t-shirts, but my apparel needs an upgrade.
The last time I wore a suit was after my dad died.
Since we didn’t have a funeral, we dressed up months later and had a quiet moment together to remember him.
Before Rylee, my purpose here was simple and focused on one thing.
I wasn’t concerned about sightseeing, so I don’t know where to start.
I can track, kill, and dispose of a body.
Finding a suit shouldn’t be that hard.
“Damn,” Haven whistles as she opens the door. “I was not expecting this.” She motions toward my body. “I will deny everything if you tell my mates I looked at you in any kind of way.”
“My lips are sealed.” I step inside and drop my bag.
“Rylee is getting ready. Thanks for the food.” She glances over her shoulder and then back at me. “She ate, and had a silly smile on her face,” she whispers.
“Good,” I whisper back, grinning.
I place the flowers on the table.
“I’m off.” She grabs her purse and moves into the hall. “I need time to look as good as the two of you.”
“See you soon,” I say, and shut the door.
My phone buzzes. Sally is a force. She’s been updating me throughout the day. I take it out of my pocket.
Everything’s set.
Don’t disappoint me.
Give Rylee a night to remember.
I will do my best.
Thanks
Gotta go.
Put’in on the shine.
I shake my head, slide my phone in my blazer, and wander around the room.
I found a store that specialized in suits.
The manager explained that it would take weeks to make a custom suit.
I paid him a large sum to give me the best he could in an hour.
Deciding on black slacks and a black jacket, I paired them with a red dress shirt to match Rylee’s hair.
The salesman told me it was burgundy plum.
I stared at him. The shirt looks like her hair, and that’s all that matters.
I declined the tie, leaving the top two buttons of my shirt unbuttoned.
I was presented with shiny black shoes, which I also declined.
Rylee won’t care, so I stuck with my boots.
Issy is on a plane. She should be landing soon.
My mom will have to wait. I bought her a ticket.
She’ll arrive tomorrow. I’m cautious. Rylee needs slow.
Meeting both of them would be a lot. The women in my life have big personalities and often ignore boundaries when it comes to me.
I believe she could benefit from having them in her life, but I don’t want to force a relationship.
“Fuck,” Rylee whispers, and I turn.
“Foxy,” I rumble, staring at the beauty of my mate. I’m shocked. Her dress is long, tight, and the same color as my shirt. I couldn’t have planned it better without planning a damn thing. “You’re stunning."
“You like it?” She trails her palm down her side.
“Love it,” I growl, and we move toward each other.
“You’re hot,” she blurts out as we stop close.
“Thanks, baby,” I smirk and grab her hand, holding it wide. “Turn for me.” I lift my chin.
She giggles. “Sure.” And pivots.
“Perfect,” I hum, enjoying the view, twirling her.
“Are you going to tell me the occasion?” she asks, facing me.
“I thought you would enjoy a night out.” I pull her toward the table.
“First, flowers.” I lift them. “I understand women like them.” I lift a shoulder.
My mom’s face would light up when I bought them for her.
They died three days later, and I thought it was a waste.
A statement I didn’t express toward her more than once.
“They’re gorgeous,” she breathes, holding them to her nose. “I’ll put them in water.” She lets go of my hand and goes into the kitchen.
“I have news.” I tilt my head as she reaches a high shelf for a vase. Her fingers barely brush it, so I walk toward her and press against her back. “I’ll get it.” I grasp the glass and place it in front of her. Instead of moving away, I enjoy the warmth of her body.
“Thanks,” she says softly.
“I invited a guest.” I brush her hair over her shoulder, and she turns. “My sister is coming.”
“I can’t wait to meet her,” she says, cupping the edge of the counter.
“Yeah?” I drop my hands beside hers.
“Yes.” She smiles. “Did you think I wouldn’t want her here?”
“I don’t want to rush you,” I say quietly.
“Ezra, I want to know you.” She leans forward. “And the people in your life. They’re your family.”
“My mom will be here tomorrow,” I mention lightly.
“Alright,” she says slowly. “Do you want them to stay here?”
“Fuck, no,” I grumble, and she laughs. “I got them a room.”
“When did you see them last?”
“It’s been a few months. I talk to them all the time. Mom’s constantly updated on my plans. She doesn’t interfere, but she likes to know if I’m on a job.” I study her face so close to mine and realize how much I love her already.
“Don’t be afraid of my reactions,” she says softly. “I won’t walk away from this.” She presses her palm to my chest.
“I’ve never had anything mean as much as this,” I murmur, pressing my hand to hers. “Fucking it up isn’t an option.”
“Mate,” she whispers, gliding our joined hands up my chest. “You won’t fuck it up.” She slides her hand under the edge of my shirt, and I drop my arm. “I like you in a suit.”
“Oh, yeah?”
“Yeah.” She presses against me. “I can’t decide what I like more.” She tilts her head. “This or the killing outfit.”
I grin. “Killing outfit?” I slide my hand around her waist.
“The baseball hat is what made me extra tingly,” she hums.
“This is the first I’m hearing of the tingling.” I drop my head, pressing my lips against her temple.
“It’s what prompted the touching.”
“Really?” I kiss her lightly. “Is the tingling back?” I brush my face against her cheek.
“Yes,” she breathes, gripping my shirt.
“What should we do about it?” I ask.
“I want you to touch me,” she rasps.
“Are you ready?”
“Please, Ezra.” She tilts her head and drags her tongue across my skin. “Never be afraid to touch me.”
I move my hand up her back. “Careful, Foxy. My control is frayed,” I grit out, and tighten my grip.
“Control is overrated,” she says.
Fuck, she has no idea the beast she will unleash.