Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 103356 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 517(@200wpm)___ 413(@250wpm)___ 345(@300wpm)
Linc’s eyes widened. “Lilac, did you think . . . what are you . . . fuck, I wasn’t going to hit you. I’d never.”
“I know that,” she said quickly, forcing a smile on her face. “I’m not . . . I need to get a drink of water.” She tried to rush into the kitchen, but Tanner reached out an arm to stop her.
Generally, she wouldn’t be able to stand someone grabbing her like that. Especially when she was on edge. But it was like her body knew Tanner. Knew he wouldn’t harm her.
“I’ll deal with you in a minute, Linc,” he warned before smiling down at her. “But first, good afternoon, baby.”
“Hi,” she said shyly. “I wasn’t sure I was going to see you today.”
“I thought I’d let you sleep in. You don’t look very rested, though.” Great, so she looked like shit. Good to know. He frowned and reached up with his other hand to touch her face. She had to hold in a flinch.
Okay, so she was still on edge.
He ran his finger under her eye.
“That’s because she got up early and went to the diner,” Opal told him. “She’s barely slept.”
That frown turned into a scowl.
She shot Opal an exasperated look. The other woman just gave Lilac an innocent look back.
Yeah, right. Innocent, my ass.
Opal knew what she was doing.
The shithead.
24
“What? Lilac,” Tanner said warningly. “How much sleep did you get?”
“A few hours, I’m fine.”
“A few hours on the couch?” Linc asked, staring down at the sofa. “Why are you sleeping on the sofa?”
“Oh, well, I’m fine. I’m used to it now. I sleep on the sofa in Sugar too. And I like to be by the door in case . . .”
“In case what?” Tanner asked. “In case someone breaks in? So you can be the first line of defense?”
Why was he getting angry? “You say that like it’s dumb.”
“Because it is!” he snapped.
“Shh, you’re going to wake Kye,” she scolded. “He’s a good sleeper, but you’re being way too loud.”
As if on cue, they heard a baby cry.
“I’ll get him,” Ryleigh said.
But Linc turned to her with a frown. “No, you won’t.”
“He’s my baby,” she protested, trying to stand.
“You’re still not well enough, Ryleigh,” Linc told her gently as he pressed her back onto the sofa. “Let someone bring him to you.”
“I’ll just . . .” Lilac tried to move away, but Tanner refused to let her go.
“Tanner,” she said firmly.
“You need to quit the job at the diner.”
Right. So Mr. Bossy was here today.
“I’m beginning to think you have a split personality,” she told him. “Mr. Bossy and Mr. Easygoing.”
“How about I get Kye?” Opal said, clearly fighting a smile. “You two are busy with your men.”
“He’s not my man,” both Lilac and Ryleigh said together.
“Split personality, huh?” Tanner said, cupping the side of her face. “Perhaps it’s just that you bring out the bossy, protective side in me. Did you ever think of that?”
“I’ve personally never seen him act like this,” Linc said.
Tanner shot a glare at Linc. “If you’re trying to calm my anger toward you, it’s not fucking working. We’re still having a reckoning.”
“I figured.” Linc gave her a remorseful look. “It’s not like I don’t deserve it.”
She opened her mouth and Linc shook his head. “Don’t say anything. Just . . . I’m really sorry I spoke to you like that, Lilac. I was worried about Ryleigh.”
“I know. But I love her. I’d never do anything to harm her.”
“I get that. You also need to know that you are welcome to stay here for a long as you want. All of you. I’m not kicking you out, no matter what happens.” He frowned. “I’d also never hit you, understand? My life is dedicated to protecting people, especially women. Got me?”
“Um. Yes.” It should have reassured her, but she’d met too many dirty cops to simply believe what he was saying. And as Opal stepped into the room, she gave her a knowing look.
They’d both met their share of shitty humans pretending that they were upstanding and good.
But Ryleigh gave Linc a soft look, buying every word.
“Sorry, he was pooh-stinky, weren’t you, little boy?” Opal said, walking over to show Ryleigh her baby. “Don’t know how he can produce such a stink when he only has milk.”
Ryleigh sighed. “I wish I could hold him, but I don’t want to pass any of my germs on. I’m so glad he’s all right.”
“Of course he is,” Lilac told her with a smile. “We’ve got him.”
“I know you do.” Ryleigh slumped back, looking exhausted.
“You need to go back to bed,” Linc told her.
“I will,” Ryleigh said with a frown. “In here.”
“No. Not in here.” Linc shook his head.
Ryleigh glared up at him. “I’m not going back with you when you’re mean to my friends.”