words burned deep into my heart, but I just wasn’t willing to face any of that right now.
It was the reason I’d gotten out of Dodge, so to speak. If I was buried in enough shit that distracted me, I didn’t need to face any of it.
Rocky laid a hand on my shoulder. “I’ve got your back, brother. Never doubt it. You need to talk it out. It doesn’t have to be to me, but it needs to be someone.”
“Didn’t realize you were in therapy,” I spat out.
“Did I say therapy?” he challenged. “You can’t hold this shit in, brother or it’ll eat you alive.”
“I’ll take your opinion under advisement.”
He slapped my shoulder and nodded. “Let’s head inside. Can’t do anything until I get those parts.”
I nodded and followed him into the cabin, my heart and soul heavier than it had been in a long time. I hated that he was right. It was eating me alive.
Violet
A FEW WEEKS later, Dad, Orion and a few of the officers were heading to Denver for a few days to take inventory at a couple of the cannabis shops, which meant I was free to move about the cabin, so to speak. Dad had been in a shit mood all week, growling at everyone, so it was good that he was getting out of town.
I told Drake I was going to stay at Everly’s, but went to Aero’s instead, excited to get to spend an entire night together. I’d gone on the pill the second I’d decided I wanted to sleep with him, so I was now fully in the safe zone.
Of course, I hadn’t talked to him yet, but I planned to tonight.
Leaving my car at home, I took a ride share to his apartment, waiting for him to come and retrieve me. He grabbed my bag, then kissed me as the car drove away.
“Hey, beautiful.”
I grinned. “Hi. I brought dessert.”
“Yeah?”
I nodded. “Whipped cream and berries. Thought you could lick the cream off me.”
“Jesus,” he hissed, pushing open his door and guiding me inside. “Are you shittin’ me right now?”
I faced him as he kicked the door shut. “I went on the pill, so I’m good to go.”
He closed his eyes and dropped his head back. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.”
“Yes, please.”
He met my eyes and smiled. “You sure, Violet?”
I nodded. “Absolutely.”
“You in this with me?”
“Absolutely.”
“Pinky swear,” he demanded, and I chuckled, wrapping my finger with his. Then he kissed me gently. “Okay.”
“Now?” I asked hopefully.
“Yeah, baby. Let me put the meat back in the fridge.”
“Oh, yeah, put that meat back in the fridge,” I said in the sexiest voice possible.
Aero laughed and headed into the kitchen, then walked back toward me, taking my hand and leading me to his bedroom.
“I’m gonna go slow, Letti. You set the pace, though. Need you to be communicative.”
I nodded, settling my palms to his chest. “What if I’m, like, in the throes of an orgasm. How much do you need me to say?”
He kissed my nose. “We’ll figure it out.”
“Cool. Can we get naked now?”
“Yeah, beautiful, we can get naked now.”
I started to strip, and Aero laughed.
“What?” I demanded.
“You don’t want to take it slow and let me peel you out of your clothes?”
“Does it get my v-card punched any sooner?” I sassed, lifting my T-shirt over my head, not at all concerned about my state of undress in front of him. I don’t know that I’d ever be able to explain it, but I felt safe with him. Unlike any of the other guys I’d ‘flirted’ with or got close to doing more with. Aero made me feel totally comfortable.
“Jesus,” he hissed.
I immediately crossed my arms over my chest. “What’s wrong?”
He pried my arms away and smiled. “Abso-fucking-lutely nothin’.”
“Oh,” I said, and smiled. “Can I keep going?”
“Please,” he said, stepping back and crossing his arms.
“You have to as well,” I said.
“I’m liking the show,” he countered.
“Jasper,” I growled. “Shirt. Off.”
He raised an eyebrow, but reached behind him and pulled his shirt over his head. I let out a whimper and stepped toward him.
“Nope,” he said. “No touching until you’re naked.”
I reached behind myself and unhooked my bra, letting it slide slowly down my arms before dropping it to the floor.
“God damn,” he breathed out.
I smiled. I knew my boobs were good. I was a double D on a bad day, and since I was taller than the average woman, I could carry the weight a little easier.
“Your turn,” I said, my heart racing as he licked