“Oh, Miss Archer, why would I tell you”—I wrapped my hand around her ponytail and pulled her head back so her back arched further—“when I can show you?”
CHAPTER15
Emily
Ifloated through the evening. Diesel was out with Bennet at a fellow ex-Marine’s birthday. I took a long bath with some salts. I was definitely feeling the burn after the last few days. I went all out and lit candles, put music on, and lay in the tub and allowed myself to dream for the first time in a long time.
Diesel had been my dream since forever, one that I had given up on.
I must have dozed off, because one minute, I was dreaming about Diesel, and then the next moment, I was jerked awake by the sound of rain hitting the window beyond the bath.
No, it wasn’t rain, I realized after a moment. It was stones. Tiny stones, thrown at the window. I got out of the tub, excitement lacing my blood, as I headed downstairs, wrapping a towel around my body.
I went to turn the lock, just as Diesel’s deep voice spoke from beyond the door.
“Ask who it is, sweet cheeks, before you open the door.”
“But I know who it is,” I said, opening the door to see him lounging against the wall.
“Damn it, woman, you’d be costing me serious sleep if I didn’t know that from now on, where you go, I’ll be there, watching your back.”
“Oh, really? I guess going to the restroom is about to get a lot more interesting.”
“Why are you all wet?” He pulled me toward him. “You didn’t even know I was coming over.”
“Hilarious. I was having a bath. How’d you know which room I was in to throw stones at?”
“You are assuming I didn’t try them all? The real question is, why don’t you have your phone on you?”
“Oh, right, I left it charging in the kitchen.”
He raised an eyebrow at me. “You still have that big old clawfoot, double-ended tub?”
Heat stoked low in my belly. I nodded, biting my lip. Diesel took a deep breath before lifting me into his arms, bridal style.
He prowled up the stairs, holding me close. In the bathroom, the windows were still steamy and heat curled off the water.
“Hop back in before you get cold,” Diesel commanded, and I was more than happy to oblige. I sank into the hot water and watched Diesel shucking off his clothes. He was a side of premium grade beef cake, and I couldn’t take my eyes from him.
“Enjoying the view?”
“I am indeed.” I laughed. I moved over as he stepped into the water, sending the water level dangerously high. We both froze as the small overflow drain gurgled to life, getting rid of the excess water.
He pulled my foot onto his chest and sank his strong fingers into the sole.
“So, how was the party?”
“Busy. I could slip away without too much trouble.”
“You didn’t want to stay?”
“Hm, loud bar with too many people, or here with you? No contest.”
“Bennet didn’t see you?”
Diesel’s hand faltered at the sound of my brother’s name. I knew it pained him he hadn’t had a chance to talk to him yet. He didn’t enjoy sneaking around.
He shook his head, and just like that, I felt the past crowd in on us. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one. After a long moment, he spoke. “Bennet saved my life, when we were away. He did it several times and I saved his, and we kept a running tally, but the last time, it was Bennet. I wouldn’t be here without him, hell, I don’t know if I’d have graduated high school without him, or you — you Archers saved me.”