Chapter 19
XANTHE
Groaning, I roll over to find my bed empty, but Ghost has left out some water and painkillers for me.
My mind roams to last night, Isla seeing Skull with some stripper on his lap, and me telling Skull we were taking Isla home with us.
I’m pretty sure I even threatened him. I’ve never threatened anyone in my life, and I know it was more than the alcohol talking.
I felt so safe because Ghost was behind me, and I knew with all my soul that he’d never let a thing happen to me.
It made me feel confident.
And then when we got home, I gave Ghost a lap dance of his own and then pushed him back on the bed and fucked him hard, just like I said I would.
I remember him talking dirty to me, telling me to use his cock however I want because it belongs to me. My pussy clenches at the flashback.
Tipsy me took control in the bedroom for the first time ever, and although I prefer Ghost to be the dominant one, I had to admit it was pretty hot.
The fact that Ghost stayed at Strike to watch over me instead of being at the strip club with the rest of the men really turned me on.
I knew he’d have eyes on me, but since both prospects were there, I didn’t think he’d be in the security room taking a whole shift to make sure I was safe.
Sitting up and pulling the sheet with me, I swallow two tablets and drink half the bottle of water. I’m not much of a casual drinker, but when I do drink, I tend to go hard, and right now I’m paying for it.
After a quick shower, I brush my teeth and throw on a soft yellow maxi dress before I leave my room in search of Ghost. I find him in the kitchen, shirtless, frying some bacon.
“Fuck, I love you,” I blurt out, and he stills, turns off the stove, and faces me. His muscles flex and ripple as he storms toward me, gently cupping my face.
“What did you say?”
Swallowing hard, I repeat my words. “I love you.”
I know he said it to me once before, but I didn’t say it back. It felt too soon, and we haven’t addressed it again. He told me how he felt, and he let it sit without any pressure. I love him even more for that.
“I love you, too, sunshine. So fucking much,” he rasps, kissing me softly.
“I know,” I reply on a low breath. “You show me every day.”
Ghost might be the scary villain in some people’s stories, but to me, he is my Prince Charming.
He lifts me and sets me on the counter. “Let me feed you before I take you back to bed to show you just how much.”
I smile and watch as he serves me a plate of scrambled eggs, bacon, avocado, and toast. He sets it on the dining table and then carries me there before getting his own.
While I eat, I check the Baddies chat and catch up on everything I’ve missed.
“Isla said she’s fine.”
“Of course she is. Skull would never cheat on her. He’s obsessed with her,” he replies, smirking in my direction. “Sound familiar?”
“Cheating is a deal breaker for me,” I admit, and he nods.
“I know. And you don’t have to worry about that with me. I’d never be so fucking stupid to ruin this over some empty pussy.” He leans back in his chair, resting his arm behind mine. “I haven’t even looked at another woman in that way since I first laid my eyes on you.”
“Good,” I mutter.
“You weren’t tempted by any of the men trying to get your attention last night?” he asks, his tone suddenly rougher.
“No, Ghost, I saved myself for you. I’d never cheat. I might be a lot of things, but disloyal is not one of them.”
“What about all those fuckers you read about in your books?” he asks, scowling.
I burst out laughing. “They aren’t real, honey.”
His face softens. He likes me calling him that. Speaking of book boyfriends, I really should tell him about my writing. Considering I haven’t told anyone, not even my best friends, it’s going to be weird sharing that part of me.
“Ghost…”
His phone rings, and he glances at it. “It’s Prez, just give me one minute.”
“Okay.”
“Hello?” he answers, and then his eyes go to me. “All right, I’ll be there in twenty.” He stands up and bends down to kiss my forehead. “Prez needs me. You want to come to the clubhouse or stay here?”
“I’ll stay. I have a lot of stuff to catch up on,” I say, wincing. “And I feel like crap.”
“Okay, sunshine. I’ll come back when I’m finished and bring you some food and drinks.”
Another soft kiss, and then he rides off back to the clubhouse.
I do some cleaning and lesson planning, then get into bed with my laptop to write a few new scenes.
Ghost definitely gave me some inspiration last night. My cheeks heat as I remember how he talked me through it, telling me how sexy I am, taking his big, hard cock.
Smirking to myself, I write a one-chapter sex scene, which only gets me hot and makes me wish Ghost were here.
I don’t want to be that clingy girlfriend.
My sister FaceTimes me, telling me about another hookup, and all the things she’s done and seen since our last conversation.
I love hearing her stories.
She’s an extrovert to my introvert, and I love living vicariously through her.
“I can’t believe you are finally in a relationship. I can’t wait to meet him.” She grins, sounding genuinely happy for me.
And I am happy.
Good things do come to those who wait.