Heartless (Steel Demons MC #6) - Crystal Ash Page 0,3
something better to talk about. How’d it go with Shadow last night?”
A lightness lifted in my chest, the smile on my face instant. “Good. We talked for a bit and…kissed.”
“Kissed?” Reaper coughed. “You mean that guy knows how to do something with his mouth besides suck down booze? Ow!”
“Don’t be an asshole,” I growled, jabbing my fist in his ribs a second time.
“Sugar, do you know who I am?” He grinned, catching my wrist before I could smack him another time. “I’m kidding, but can you blame me for being surprised?”
“He’s a good kisser actually,” I said smugly. “And he’s…just really sweet.”
“Sweet? Are you sure we’re talking about the same person?”
“There’s a whole side of him that is just so tender and gentle,” I went on. “I saw moments of confidence that had nothing to do with his killing skills. He laughed and cracked jokes with me. He just held me and didn’t try to take anything further than kissing. It was refreshing, honestly.”
“So you want someone who will just kiss you without trying to get in your pants?” Reaper squeezed my ass and laughed when I smacked his hand away.
“Not necessarily. I mean, you know how much I love sex.”
“Mm, I have some idea.” Smoke curled from his grinning mouth.
“But with Shadow, I think I’d enjoy taking it slow. I could work with him to build up his confidence, and really take the time to learn what he likes. What we both like.”
“Okay, but it’s not like either of you are virgins. Why not just fuck and learn about each other that way?”
I gave him a pointed look. “We did that already and look what happened.”
“I know, but it’s different now. We’re all aware of what’s between you two.” Reaper flicked some ash away and returned the cigarette to his mouth. “Do you love him?”
My heart crashed against my sternum at the question, my insides heating up in response. Did I?
“I care about him, a lot,” was the answer that left my mouth. “But I think it’s too soon to tell if it’s like…what you and I have.”
“Is it really?” Reaper challenged. “You’ve known him as long as any of us.”
“Sure, but my interactions with him haven’t been the same as with all of you. I’m still getting to know him beyond the whole ‘silent killing machine’ thing.”
“Fair enough.” Reaper released a sigh with an exhale of smoke. “Just keep us in the loop before you make it official, sugar.”
“I will,” I said with a squeeze of his hand. “I promise I will.”
We turned another corner, rounding the block heading back to the B&B. The sun was just starting to come up and Jandro would likely be awake, getting coffee started or feeding the chickens.
The four of us, Hades and Freyja included, walked back in to find both of my other husbands awake and hovering over the coffee pot and breakfast pastries.
“Where’d you go, baby girl?” Gunner was still shirtless, hair up in a messy man-bun, pajama pants low on his slender hips as he pulled me in for a kiss. “I woke up to this dude spooning me instead of you.”
“He loved it,” Jandro cut in without missing a beat. “He was so impressed by my cuddling skills, he said we should run away together.”
“A likely story,” I murmured, kissing under Gunner’s chin, then sliding over to get my love from Jandro. “We just went for a walk. But it’s true, your cuddles are wonderful.”
“Fuck yeah they are.” Jandro’s arms were protective and heavy around my back. “I don’t see why these guys can’t appreciate it. The Sons cuddle up all the time.”
“Because they also fuck each other up the ass,” Reaper grumbled, helping himself to the coffee pot.
A door creaked open and my stomach began doing somersault motions. Freyja took off immediately toward the sound with soft, chirping meows. Shadow’s footsteps were light, lighter than the murmuring of “Hello, kitten,” as he greeted her.
My guys thankfully didn’t openly stare, but turned away and busied themselves in conversation, either real or contrived, as I approached the large man holding my cat.
“Good morning, Shadow,” I whispered, excited nerves wavering in my voice.
His smile was shy, his gaze downward on the ball of fur in his arms. “Good morning, Mari.”
I stepped closer, hoping to convey privacy and a bit of distance from the others as I kept my voice low. “Did you sleep well?”
“Yes, I did.” He lowered Freyja gently to the floor then returned upright, eyes now on me.