Chapter 41
Justice
The next morning, I wake in Brody’s arms. The blackout hotel curtains are pulled tight. In the darkness, I discern my feelings—physically and mentally. My walls ache softly. I’ve never been satiated, not to this extent. My moment of content is interrupted as I remember my previous obligations.
“Wit?” Brody bemoans. A bear hug compresses me.
“Chevelle cooked dinner for me. Oh, I missed it.”
In the darkness, he whispers, “Hopefully, Twigs ate yer plate.”
“How many times must I argue with you about her name?”
“It’s an affectionate nickname.”
Stifling a laugh, I feel along the nightstand for the remote and power the electric blinds open. A picture-perfect Hollywood sunshine beams into the opulent room. Brody places the pillow over his head. “Is my good-natured friend aware of said nickname?” I ask.
He lifts the side of the pillow. “She should be. Her arms look like—”
“Twigs, yes. Damn, now I’m calling her that.” With a huff, I snatch the pillow from over Brody.
“This,” my index finger moves between the two of us, “this is bad.”
Leisurely, Brody places one hand behind his head. The other rests at his meaty cock. “Remember wit I told ya?”
“No. Because half the things you say are uncouth, or you’re saying them while screwing me. Humph. And you talk about how I talk too much.”
Brody levels me a tropical blue glare. “I never fecked and had a conversation till ye, so excuse me for assuming.”
I laugh, placing the robe Brody bought yesterday around me. “Hey, I need to...” I chew my lip, crawling over the bed until I’m straddling him. “Need to apologize for—”
“Nae.” Brody cuts in. He looks at me, a gaze that stops time. “Ye are so fecking bonny, so good, Justice. I’m the one who needs to apologize.”
My head tilts, taken aback. “Why? You’ve been amazing. I judged you harshly at the beginning.”
“Aye, but—”
“The same day you called that McFarland guy.” I pause, feeling like my hands have pressed against a furnace on the coldest day of winter. Okay, perhaps I should not add Erika’s father to the discussion. “You had a check cut to replace my parents’ savings. Before we even connected.”
“Money’s not important. Justice . . .” His hands drop onto my shoulders.
“I know. My emotions were on a roller coaster in the beginning.” My gaze lowers, shame slinking across my skin. “But you called me yours yesterday.” My voice lowers.
Brody’s hands frame my face. “Ye are mine, Justice.” He speaks in slow, measured words. “If ye’re gonna be mine, I’ll need ya to know something.”
“What is it?” There’s nothing I want more than to be yours. I’m desperate to be your number one.
“I’m gonna feck up sometimes.”
I settle into the bed beside him. We might as well hash it out now. A heavy weight seems to fall on his shoulders. Right when Brody begins to speak, my cellphone rings. “Let me power off . . . shoot. It’s Chevelle. Sorry. I should take this. Hold that thought.”
I’m revitalized. Brody and I are making positive strides. With a smile, I answer the phone. “Hey, girl.”
“Well, well, well. I take it you made your flight and didn’t reschedule.”
“I’m the worst.”
“Nah. You alright.” She laughs. “I’m cooking breakfast at our new house. Erika spent the night. Her uncle Edward will be swinging by as well. If you can squeeze me into your schedule, we’re all riding together to Venice Beach. This is one of Nan’s that she has insisted we look at for weeks. She says it’s a prime location.”