Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 83970 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83970 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 420(@200wpm)___ 336(@250wpm)___ 280(@300wpm)
I sigh and look into his sincere blue eyes. “Why are you pushing this? Did he set you up to do this?”
His gives me a light laugh. “No, Emmalyn. He didn’t ask me to talk to you; he’s stubborn, much like you are, and doesn’t ask for help very often. He’s different around you.”
He doesn’t explain further, just takes another bite of cereal and chews thoughtfully before speaking again. “Besides, I don’t think Bunny is going to be much of an issue anymore. He ripped into her ass pretty bad last night.”
I do my best not to smile at the news, but I don’t quite manage. I rise from the table and take my coffee cup to the sink. “I’m going to head back upstairs. You going to be here later to take me to work?”
He smiles. “If you’re here, I’m here, Em.”
The minute I go upstairs and close the bedroom door behind me, I grab the phone Diego gave me and turn it on. I’d turned it off almost immediately after leaving the clubhouse yesterday. It buzzes with several text messages and a voicemail.
Ignoring the voicemail, knowing I couldn’t bear to hear his voice and not go to him, I look at the texts. There are several from last night before he came over and another one after he left simply telling me goodnight.
The most recent one was from fifteen minutes ago, telling me good morning. Unable to resist the pull, I text him back.
Emmalyn: Good morning.
His response is immediate.
Diego: How did you sleep?
Emmalyn: Terribly, I’m still exhausted.
Diego: You work tonight?
Emmalyn: Yes, I go in at five.
Diego: You should try to get a nap before work.
Emmalyn: That’s a great idea. If only I can turn my mind off and relax.
I wait for his response, but it never comes. I pull off the jeans and sweatshirt I put on to go down and get coffee earlier and crawl back under the covers. I run through last night’s events in my head for what seems like the hundredth time, but I refuse to discount my emotions and the pain it caused me to see that despicable woman in his bed.
The roar of a motorcycle tells me that Doc and Rose must be back from wherever they went this morning. I know I should go downstairs and be social since they’re gracious enough to let me stay in their home, but I just don’t have it in me today.
The soft click of the doorknob turning has my spine stiffening, and I whip my head around to the door, unsure of who I’d find invading this space. I almost cry when I see Diego closing the door behind him as he steps further into the room.
I’m going to ask him what he’s doing here, but he holds a finger to his lips.
“Shhh.”
He takes his vest off, reaches down and unlaces his boots, kicking them to the side. He pulls his t-shirt over his head and tosses it on top of his vest on the dresser as he approaches the bed. I watch all of this in awe and reckless appreciation, and it’s not until he pulls the edge of the blankets back that I realize his intentions.
I begin to shift my weight, but he’s too fast and before I know it he’s lying beside me in the bed. My eyes flutter at the feeling of his warm body against my skin. His hot chest and abdomen feel perfect against the thin fabric of my tank top.
“What are you doing?” I finally manage to whisper. He’s turned me slightly so I’m on my side, and he’s lined up behind me.
“You said you didn’t sleep well.” I feel the heat from his breath on my shoulder and goosebumps race down my arms. He must notice the tremor and assume I’m cold because he pulls me tighter to his chest. “I didn’t sleep well either,” he admits. “I know I would’ve slept better if you were in my arms; I’m hoping it’s true for you too.”
“Diego, I can’t…” I don’t even know what to tell him.
“Shhh, Em. No expectations, just get some rest,” He says gently, almost as if he’s already so relaxed he’s near sleep himself.
I let my eyes close and listen to his rhythmic breathing, and before anything else makes sense I drift into a calming sleep.
***
I don’t know how long we managed to sleep, a few hours maybe, but I wake rested as if I’d slept all night. I smile at the feel of Diego’s thumb tracing circles leisurely on my stomach. I sigh contentedly at the action which feels natural. Even in this situation, one that can turn sexual any second, the action feels comforting rather than a prelude to a more erotic ending.
“Was I right?” he asks before gently kissing my shoulder.