A Whole New Crowd(110)

“I hate him too.”

“That’s fine too.”

He lifted his head, staring down at me for a moment, then another, and another. “I love you.”

I opened my mouth, but I couldn’t talk. Giving him a shaky smile, I managed to get out, “I love you too.” Another nod. “I do.”

His eyes darkened. Then he bent, lifted me under my legs, and braced me against the shower wall. As he did, I leaned back, now gazing down on him. My legs automatically wrapped around his waist. His hand moved to my shirt, slipped underneath and began pushing it up.

His thumb rested on my stomach, pausing for my permission. My legs tightened around him in response and then I leaned down. My lips were caught by his, but it was mutual. A fevered frenzy took over me and I wanted him. I needed him. My hands grappled with his jeans, undoing them, and then I shoved them down as he peeled my shirt off. My bra was taken off and he cupped my breast, his thumb rubbing over my nipple. Falling back against the wall, I arched up for him. He held me, caressed me, trailed kisses down my throat until he was bent over me, and his mouth hovered over my breast, I let go. I wasn’t innocent, but he was making me feel new sensations again. It would be my first time with him. Knowing that I loved him, and he loved me, made everything right.

It was perfect.

His eyes were lidded and thick with desire. I cradled the side of his face and as I did, he turned to press a small kiss to my palm. Then he tightened his hold on my legs and stood from the wall. As he took me into the bedroom and lowered me down, I pulled him so he was on top of me the whole time.

I didn’t want to part from him. And later, as he slid inside me, our hands were clasped together, I had a feeling I wouldn’t have to worry about that again. I had found my soul mate.

*

A discreet knock woke us. Tray’s hand tightened on mine and I lifted my head from his chest. The clock said it was three in the morning. We shared a confused look, but the knock sounded again and we both rolled out of bed. As he went to answer it, I grabbed some shorts and then pulled on a loose shirt. He waited. I gave him a nod, and as he opened it, I ran my fingers through my hair. I must’ve looked like a mess. Hearing his brother’s voice, I forgot about my hair. Going to Tray’s side, I hugged myself. “I thought you said we could have our time to rest.”

Tray shifted back so I could join the conversation.

Chance’s lips were pressed in a flat line. He waited a beat to answer and as he did, his hand lifted to rub at one of his temples. “Uh, Taryn.”

“What?”

Tray leaned forward to peer over his brother’s shoulder. As he did, his eyes got big and he stiffened.

Chance saw his reaction and shot up a hand. “Stop, Tray. There are reasons he’s here.”

He jerked forward, but Chance blocked him. Tray brought up his arm and shoved his brother out of the way. He stalked forward. I still didn’t see who it was. When Chance saw I was going to follow, he held a hand up. “Wait.” He turned. “TRAY. Wait! This is truth time.”

He did and pivoted around him. A fierce scowl was on his face. “You better start spilling. Now.”

“I will.” Chance gentled his tone, and his hands lowered, slowly. “Give me time, and I will explain everything.”

“Waiting. Go now.”

He swallowed and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down. “Okay, but just you and me. We’ll go in Dad’s library downstairs.”

At the mention of their father, Tray’s eyes went to slits and his hands fisted again. Danger emanated from him. He was close to becoming violent. When I started to move again, to see the reason for his anger, Chance shifted at the same time. His hand lifted once more and it held there, his finger extended in my direction. “Taryn,” he started.

Then, whoever it was, made a decision. He stood. I could see the top of his head. My eyes followed his dark blonde hair until he stood, clear as day, and five yards from me.

Jace.

He was dressed in a black shirt and black pants. I couldn’t comprehend it. My eyes dropped to his side where a gun was holstered. Glancing at Tray, he was waiting for my reaction, but I had none. Why didn’t I?

I pressed my fingers to my forehead. “This doesn’t make sense.”

“Taryn,” Jace spoke.

My fingers whisked out, silencing him. “Shut up.”

“I have been undercover. I’ve been working to take down Sal Galverson’s entire drug ring.”

I shook my head. I didn’t want to hear it. Turning my hand, I gave him the middle finger. “I said shut the fuck up.” I moved towards Tray. “What do I do?”

Some of the danger had faded from him. His shoulders were still tense, but his hands had loosened. “You do what you want to do.”