“Caerwyn happened to be nearby leaving a restaurant and beat them up.”
“Beat them up?” they asked at the same time.
“Yes,” I nod slowly. It’s technically true, I just don’t know how he feels about sharing all the gritty details. “Once I got over the shock, I asked him how. He said after being the small Hale and living around Oran and Berke, he needed an advantage and took some Krav Maga classes. Once he decided to be a lawyer, he thought it was a good idea to stay current with his training.”
“I’m so happy he was there to save you. Did you tell mom and dad?”
“Yes,” I answer Esme. “They knew the night it happened. I asked them to give me time to tell you two myself.” I look at a shaken Karessa. “I know this is a lot to ask but let Wyn discuss it with Oran.”
She nods and I know she’s emotive, but this is beyond that. Karessa sniffles then blurts out her secret.
“Elmer didn’t die of a heart attack,” she confesses.
“What in the hell did he do?” Esme wanted to know.
“He tried to take me for his own the night of Caerwyn’s party.” I gasp because I’d thought they’d blown it off for newlywed sex. “Oran got there in time to beat him up then Markos took him.”
“Ah, hell. If Markos took him, then that explains the heart attack.”
I don’t know why, but Esme’s statement sends me into a fit of giggles. I’m relieved when Karessa and Esme join in. Since our chat killed the rest of the meal, we settle in my living room with the pitcher of alcohol.
“Since I don’t have anyone to kill because both of you kept me in the dark, let’s move to another topic I like to discuss.” She rubs her hands together and her light brown eyes sparkle with mischief. “Sex. Are you and Wyn fucking or what? I swear, if a man saved my life like that, I’d blow up his world in the bedroom. He’d be walking sideways.”
“It’s true, Oran got it in the car,” Karessa admits and has the nerve to blush, like she’s not pregnant.
I get that nervous feeling again. The closer we get to the date, the more nervous I become for the wedding night.
“No. I’m still a virgin. I did cuddle with him though.”
“Cuddle! What in the hell can he do with that!” Esme slides off her chair dramatically. “I thought I raised you right.”
“You’re only three years older than me on a good day, you couldn’t have raised shit.”
“Did. And all my training has failed,” she looks sad like I failed math after she tutored me.
“He knows I want to wait for our wedding night.”
“I respect that,” Karessa commends.
“Fine. It’s cute or whatever but what’s up with those hot texts?”
I shrug. “I guess he’s preparing me so I won’t be shocked.”
Karessa’s nod makes her ponytail bounce. “It’s a good thing if he’s anything like his cousin. I. WASN’T. READY. And I wasn’t a virgin. Caerwyn is a nice man and I’m sure he’ll take it right. I guarantee it’ll be better than mine or Esme’s first time.”
“True.” Esme readjusts her skirt as she stands to reseat herself. “At least Caerwyn knows what he’s looking for down there. I’m sure it’ll be soon that I’ll be the only one not having spectacular sex.”
“So, no repeat with Markos?” I ask to take the heat off me.
Her waves fly when she shakes her head. ?
?No. Like I told y’all, one-time deal. Our chemistry was off and we both look damn good naked. I know he’s capable of spectacular sex, but it’d have to be with a woman he’s not hiding from.”
“Wait.” I stop her because I’m confused. “A Bishop is hiding from a LeClaire?” That’s laughable on all accounts. We’re not exactly thug life.
“No. Not in that way. We still speak if we’re around each other. I mean. I feel there’s a part of him that he’s not sharing with the world. Only someone special to him can crack that safe. I’m not meant to be that person. Which is a whole shame if you ever happen to see his naked body and tattoos. Gah. Imma find a man with tats. That’s it.”
She shakes her head resolutely.