and have been for a while. I want to get you out of here and far away from your shitty father. Obviously, not straight away, we’ll plan it out, take it slow at first. I’ll need to talk to Rex and let him know my intentions are good. But soon, Dove, I want you living with me, somewhere with people who are going to treat you good and with respect.”
Lana’s shock is gone and is replaced with glassy eyes and a slight frown. “You want that tattoo with me?”
This time, I smile. “Yes, Lana. I want you to get the key to my lock. I want that and so much more with you.”
Lana stares off into the distance, biting her bottom lip. The doubts racing through her mind, they may only be in her head, but they’re as loud as screams to me.
Lana likes to think she shuts down, that she throws up a wall and no one can see past it, but really she’s the most innocent person I’ve ever met. Sadness, pain, rejection, I’ve seen each emotion on her beautiful brokenhearted face. She would call herself weak and it’s definitely how she acts, never talking back or voicing her pain, but to go through all of that silently. That’s real strength and I hope she realizes that one day.
“I’m not sure, Mack. Maybe we should keep it a secret a bit longer, make sure you really do want this with me. I don’t know if I’m even built for a relationship… for more.” Lana stares into my eyes and I see longing there. She wants this. However, she’s scared it may not go the way she wants it to. That she’ll get hurt.
I roll Lana to her back and pin her down with my heavy body. “I see you, Dove,” I say with a kiss to the corner of her mouth. “I see the woman who would rather play a game of pool with the guys than watch girly singing television shows. The girl who cooks, cleans and would do anything for her family. I see the Lana, who laughs at her brother’s lame jokes because no one else does. I know you feed the stray cats even though your dad keeps telling you to stop. Lana, you care deeply about everyone, even those who don’t deserve it. That’s who you are, who I want in my life… forever. I don’t care what your father says or who your momma was because all I see is Lana.”
She relaxes underneath me and nods. Her frown lines twisting into a beautiful smile. “I want more too, Mack. I have for a long while now. I just wasn’t sure if you wanted me the same way.”
“No more doubts, Lana. This is happening.”
Lana gives me a genuine smile, one which finally reaches her eyes. I don’t smile because I can’t hold myself back any longer. I take her mouth and devour it. Tasting the same sweetness and feeling the identical warmth that spreads through my body every time I kiss her.
When we pull apart, breathless, Lana holds me tighter, with a strength I didn’t realize she possessed, then my girl whispers, “Thank you for seeing me.”
***
“Tomorrow,” Mack repeats gravelly as he strips off my clothes.
It’s been five weeks since Mack and I opened up to each other and decided to finally come out as a couple to my family and his. We decided tomorrow would be the day we both talk to Rex and then to my father.
Mack is going to tell his brothers tonight. He’s not worried about his brothers at all, but I’m worried about my family. Rex might lose it for a bit. Nevertheless, I know he’ll come around, eventually, he loves the Kings. They’re like brothers to him now.
My dad, on the other hand, I have no idea what his response will be. It could range from thanking Mack for taking me away or telling Mack what a big mistake he’s making.
“Lana…” my eyes swing to Mack at hearing his voice, “…it’s going to be okay.”
“I know,” I reply. I believe no matter what my father says, Mack won’t leave me. “I’m just nervous, but more excited. I can’t wait to finally be able to hold your hand in public, show all those skanks at T.K.’s that you’re taken.”
Mack grins, fists the back of his shirt and rips it off. “Hold my hand? I can think of better ways to show the dicks who stare at you for