Rock Me Faster (Licks of Leather #4) - Jenna Jacob Page 0,79
her a woman right now.
“I highly doubt she’ll be one much longer.”
“I’m not pursuing Harmony’s virginity like it’s some kind of trophy.”
Could this conversation get anymore awkward? Probably.
“No. You’re not. I could tell by the look in your eyes and the tone of your voice when I walked in and found you singing to her. She means something to you.”
“The world.”
“Does she feel the same toward you?”
“I’m not sure. Like you said, we’ve only been together a short time. But I hope she’s beginning to have the same feelings for me that I have for her.”
“And what happens when her six-month contract is through? Are you going to keep her traveling the country in a bus, that clearly isn’t safe, in order to be with you?”
“I don’t know, sir. Six months is a long way off.”
“Only when you’re waiting for springtime to come so you can plant your seeds.”
“I’m a very patient man.”
“I’m damn glad to hear that. Not because I expect her to stay my little girl forever; I just don’t want her to ever regret who she gives her innocence to.” Bodhi gently stroked Harmony’s hair. “She looks so…small. I’m not used to seeing her like this. She’s always so strong and vibrant.”
“She still is. Once she wakes up, you’ll see. She hasn’t changed.” Remembering how she stood up to Sylvia and wouldn’t let the pretentious snatch make her feel inferior filled me with pride.
“I know she’s here to prove herself. I just wish she’d decided to come help you out of the goodness of her heart.”
Wait. What?
“Why did she decide to accept Quinn’s offer?”
“She’s trying to atone for her mother’s sins.”
“I’m sorry, I don’t—”
“She didn’t tell you about her mother, did she?”
“Only that she left…that the wind took her away.” A horrible thought made me blanch. “Please don’t tell me that’s some kind of metaphor and that her mom has died.”
“No. Astrid is very much alive. But I’m not surprised Harmony didn’t tell you that. My little girl has a lot of pride. Too much sometimes. It’s hard for her to ask for help.”
I chuckled. “Me, too.”
“Birds of a feather. Just like Astrid and I were…once.” Bodhi frowned. “I know that Astrid is still alive because her actions are sending repercussions rippling through the collective consciousness. Clearly, Harmony has paid for Astrid’s sins. Fate, Karma, and Free Will have now collected their pound of flesh, through my daughter. Whatever crimes Astrid commits from here on out will be paid by her own soul.” He clenched his jaw and stroked the tip of his finger down Harmony’s cheek.
“Not that I’m proud of it, but I’m personal friends with Karma and Fate. I don’t know anything about collective consciousness. We haven’t gotten that far, but Harmony has been teaching me about crystals.” Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out the moonstone. “She gave me this.”
Bodhi’s brows arched. A tiny smile tugged his lips as he darted a glance at Harmony, then nodded at me. “Did she explain the stone’s power?”
“She told me it was for new beginnings. But I can tell by the look on your face it does a whole lot more.”
“Indeed, it does. It helps reduce stress and anger. Promotes intuition, inspiration, fortune, and safe travel,” he scoffed. “For women, it helps balance hormones and monthly cycles, keeps their skin and hair soft, their eyes bright and shining.”
“Does it do anything for men?”
“Oh, yes. It helps open us up. To recognize and get in touch with our true emotions.”
The stone suddenly felt like a hot ember, searing through my bandages and scalding my palm.
“She really did come here to try and save me,” I murmured. “In ways I didn’t even understand.”
“And I can tell by the look on your face that she’s succeeding.”
“Yes,” I choked past the emotion clogging my throat and stinging my eyes as I gazed at my priceless little miracle worker soundly sleeping. “But I still don’t know why…why me?”
“Because she knew. She knew and didn’t even tell me. Damn.” Bodhi shook his head and smiled at Harmony. “I tried to talk her out of coming here. Told her she had no business accepting Quinn’s offer if her heart wasn’t pure. I thought she was doing this wholly for the money, but…” He paused and smiled up at me. “She knew you needed her.”
“I-I don’t understand.”
The sun was just beginning to break over the horizon when our tongues were finally tired. We’d spent the whole night talking.