My Cruel Salvation (Fallen Saint # 3) - J. Kenner Page 0,41

to starbursts, as he cries out my name and fills me, as I collapse onto the mattress, buried beneath the weight of his body, feeling wonderfully used and completely loved.

We stay that way until the world rights itself, then get cleaned up before sliding back into bed, this time beneath the covers. He holds me close, and for the first time since yesterday, our bodies are drained of tension.

I close my eyes, letting sleep come to claim me, but Devlin’s voice in my ear pulls me back, and I blink in confusion as he whispers, “Thank you.”

“For what?” I ask.

“For loving me, El,” he says. “Just for loving me.”

Chapter Sixteen

I wake at half-past seven to an empty bed and the smell of frying bacon. Since I hadn’t thought to grab clothes from the room Lamar’s now occupying, I tug on the t-shirt I’d worn yesterday and my underwear, then head downstairs. Everyone in the house has seen me in less, including Lamar, and I don’t feel right borrowing the robe that hangs behind Mr. Big Shot’s bathroom door.

Devlin’s already fully dressed in what he wore yesterday, and his eyes skim over me as I enter the kitchen, sending a tremor of heat up my spine the same way the touch of his fingers had last night.

“You look very casual,” he says as Brandy glances my way, then laughs.

“Admit it,” she says. “You’re just trying to get a rise out of our Mr. Saint.”

“A rise?” I flash Devlin a seductive grin. “That’s always a good thing.”

He clears his throat. “While I understand the concept of just friends, do me a favor and cover that very sweet ass before Lamar wakes up and comes out here.”

I shake my head. “After the day he had? He’s going to sleep until at least noon. Trust me.” I wiggle my ass, simply because I’m enjoying the feel of this lighter mood. I know it can’t last, but I want to squeeze out all the moments I can. “Unless you have an issue with the outfit?” I add, raising a brow as I look at Devlin.

“For in-home loungewear when other men aren’t around, I have no problem. Suggest we go out to lunch like that, and we’ll have a chat.”

I smirk, then brush a kiss across his cheek before heading behind the counter to pour a cup of coffee and snag a muffin and a piece of bacon from the paper-towel covered plate.

“Hey,” Brandy says, swatting my hand as I dance away, almost spilling my coffee.

I take my score of bacon and settle in at the counter next to Devlin. “This is great,” I say, holding up a strip of bacon. “Lamar may regret sleeping in after all.”

“Oh, he’s already gone,” Brandy says. “Said he’s eager to get to it.”

I shoot her a what the fuck look, but she just shrugs.

“What?” she protests. “I was having fun listening to you two bicker.”

“Banter,” Devlin corrects. “We don’t bicker.”

I take another bite of my bacon. “Sometimes we do,” I say. “But only because we can make up after.”

“A definite perk,” Devlin says.

“You guys are too freaking adorable,” Brandy says. “Which remind me—because Christopher is adorable, too—I talked to him last night.”

“Oh, good,” I say, the relief so palpable I can feel it flow through me. “Did you tell him what we said? Not painting him with his brother’s brush and all that?”

She nods, and her smile telegraphs her answer before she speaks. “He says he really appreciates hearing that, and he’ll definitely come over today. But he said he wasn’t going to spend the night.” Her cheeks flush. “But that’s not because of you guys.”

“Oh, isn’t it?” I trill.

One of her shoulders rises in time with her brightening smile. “He says he knows I don’t want to move too fast, and he’s afraid if we’re sharing a bed we will.”

I sigh and press my hand over my heart.

“Interesting,” Devlin says, clearly fighting a smile.

“What?” Brandy asks.

“Ellie’s reaction.” He turns to me. “I didn’t realize restraint was so romantic. I’ll make a note.”

“Don’t you dare. And as for you,” I say, turning back to Brandy, “Good news all around.”

“I think so. And, oh,” she adds to Devlin, “he said he was going to the foundation this morning. More research. But he also said he could do some internet research here if I’d rather.” She worries her lower lip a bit before continuing. “I know the sources are better at the foundation, but should I ask him to come here?