She was getting to me in ways that I thought were no longer possible. When Grace died, I’d closed myself off from the rest of the world, and since then, I’d never let anyone get too close. It was the only way I could guard what was left of my heart. But there was something about Everleigh that had my walls crashing down around me.
I had no idea what the hell was going on with me. She had me so tangled up that I couldn’t eat or drink. Hell, it had been days since I’d been able to sleep. I tried, but every time I closed my eyes, I saw her staring back at me. I’d think of her innocent smile, and that’s all it took before I started thinking things I had no business thinking.
I’d have her pinned against the wall, and her gorgeous eyes would be locked on mine as I eased my hand down between her legs. Her breath would hitch when I slipped my fingers inside her, and then, the room would echo with all her little whimpers and moans as she writhed against me, pleading for more.
I’d start tossing and turning, doing anything I could to shake the thoughts from my mind, and when that didn’t work, I’d remind myself that she deserved better than a man like me. And after what I’d done, I didn’t deserve a woman like her.
So, I did my best to ignore the churning feeling in the pit of my stomach.
But the morning she reached out and touched me nearly did me in.
The feeling of her skin against mine felt incredible, so incredible it sent a jolt down my spine. Fearing Everleigh might have felt the same spark, I jerked my hand back. She was hurt by my brash behavior. I could see it in her eyes, and even though I was tempted to try and ease the pain I’d caused, I said nothing.
Instead, I pretended like nothing had happened, then I went outside to talk to Viper. I’d hoped that I would have a little reprieve from all the nonsense going on in my head, but no such luck.
We’d only been talking for a moment when Viper asked,“And the girl?”
“She’s making it. Getting stronger every day.”
“That’s good to hear.” Viper crossed his arms as he asked, “You got any idea what you’re gonna do about her?”
“I’m working on it,” I answered. “Still trying to find a safe place for her, but once I do, I’ll be able to piece things together from there.”
“Sounds like you’ve been busy.”
“Oh, I have... The way I figure it, the sooner I get her out of here, the better.”
“I can’t disagree with you there.” A smirk crossed Viper’s face as he added, “If it were me, I’d give her a fake ID and put her ass on a bus. Just be done with the whole fucking thing.”
For some reason, it felt okay for me to say I wanted her gone, but when Viper said it, it felt different. It felt wrong. “Well, it’s not you. It’s me, and I’m not putting her on any fucking bus.”
“Oh,shit.Notyou,too.” Viper looked over to Menace as he said, “There’s gotta be something in the fucking water.”
“I think you might be right.” Menace studied me for a moment, then chuckled. “Yeah, you’re definitely right.”
“You two wanna tell me what the hell you’re talking about?”
Menace snickered as he explained, “Prez has been waiting for one of us, just one, to find a drama-free woman, and looks like you ain’t it.”
“What the fuck?”
“No sense denying it.” Viper cocked his brow as he continued, “You got a thing for her. Hell, it’s written all over your face.”
“I don’t feel shit.”
“Hm-hmm. You keep telling yourself that.” Viper turned and started down the steps. “Tread carefully, brother. Tread very carefully.”
Before I could say anything more, he and Menace whipped out of the drive and continued toward the Manor. I was worried that Everleigh might’ve overheard my conversation with Viper and Menace, but that wasn’t the case. When I went back inside, I discovered that she’d retreated to the guest room, and I left her there and avoided her for several days.
Don’t get me wrong. I checked in on her from time to time and made sure she had everything she needed—food, fresh clothes, and whatnot, but there were no lengthy conversations. I simply gave her the necessities and went back to work.
I’d been trying to figure out the best place to relocate her and was finally making progress when I heard a door slam above me. Concerned that something might be wrong, I jumped up and rushed upstairs. When I stepped into the kitchen, I found Everleigh next to the front door. She was slumped down on the floor with her legs drawn up to her chest, and her chin propped up on her knees. She looked utterly defeated as she muttered, “I’m stuck here.”
“What?”
“I have nowhere to go.”
“Yeah, I know.” My chest tightened as I stepped over to her and said, “But I’m working on it. I’ll find a safe place for you soon enough.”