Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 128380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 128380 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 642(@200wpm)___ 514(@250wpm)___ 428(@300wpm)
“I’m not surprised.”
Her brows hiked up. “You’re not?”
“He never stopped caring for you, Dayna. He’d follow you anywhere.”
“Unlike …”
Unlike him, yes.
Looking skyward, she let out a short, low, self-depreciating laugh. “We weren’t meant to be at all, were we?”
“No.”
Meeting his gaze, she pressed a fisted hand to her thigh. “I didn’t want to see it. Maybe I clung to you because, for me, you were safety. I could rely on you. You might be a rude ass, but you’re a dependable one. You kept me anchored at a time I needed it. For that, I thank you.”
He inclined his head.
“Maybe we can one day be friends. I don’t foresee it happening any time soon. But … yeah, maybe one day.”
His cat snarled, unprepared to be anything close to friendly with a person who’d once attacked his mate. Honestly, Deke didn’t know if he could get past that either. “Maybe.”
“Your mamba wouldn’t like it, huh?” There was a slight bite to her voice.
“Bailey wouldn’t feel threatened by it, if that’s what you mean. She knows who she is to me.”
“She did seem very sure of her place in your affections when she gave me a dressing down.” Her lips drew into a tight line, her eyes hardening.
“She only did what you’d have done if the situation was reversed.”
Dayna seemed as though she’d argue, but then she exhaled a resigned sigh. “Yeah.” She paused. “It must be weird for you. Imprinting on someone who, if the stories are true, was once your sort-of-nemesis.”
“Life takes us by surprise that way. It doesn’t feel weird, though.” It felt right.
“I wouldn’t have pictured you with someone like her. I don’t mean it in a cruel way. Truly. I just mean I wouldn’t have envisioned you settling down with someone who’s allegedly the ultimate extrovert. Loud, bubbly people generally annoy you.”
“It’s different with Bailey. Everything is.” Because he loved her.
Hurt briefly tightened her face. She forced a cough. “Well, I won’t keep you any longer. See you around.”
“I hope things work out for you and Gerard.”
“I hope … I hope you manage to keep the happiness you’ve found.” The words were strained but seemed partly genuine.
“I will.” He had no intention of ever letting Bailey go. “Take care.” With that, he skirted around her and returned to the building.
From her seat on the sofa, Bailey heard her apartment door open just as she ended her phone call. She knew it would be Deke before he came loping into the living area, since he was the only other person who had a key to her apartment.
Letting out an annoyed sigh, she held up her cell. “There are so many gossips in this pride it’s almost painful. I got to hear all about how you and Dayna were talking out front. Like they expected me to rush downstairs and order you away from her out of fear that she’d win you back to her side.” She crossed her eyes.
His expression hardened. “That would never happen.”
“I know.” Bailey didn’t feel in any way insecure in her relationship with Deke—he would never allow it. “I was told that the conversation appeared to be stiff but civil. I’m quite sure people were disappointed by the lack of drama.”
“They were probably hoping that you and Dayna would have a Round Two, considering most found your first fight so entertaining.”
She placed her cell on the coffee table. “Hmm, maybe.”
“I half-expected her to march right past me with a huff, but she didn’t.” Deke sank onto the sofa beside Bailey. “She swallowed her pride—not easy for her—and had a real conversation with me.”
“About what?”
“You and me, mostly.” Angling his body to face her, he draped his arm over the back of the sofa. “She claimed to be sort of pleased for me and said she hoped I’d keep what happiness I’d found.”
“Do you believe she meant it?” Bailey asked, mirroring his position.
“Yeah. I think there’s still a little bitterness there, but I do think she doesn’t wish me ill. And she seems to genuinely intend on trying again with Gerard.”
Bailey felt her nose wrinkle. “I’m not so sure it’s for the right reason. He’s familiar to her. Safe and comfortable. And his feelings for her will soothe her battered pride. She needs that to get through what’s currently happening.”
“Hmm,” was all Deke said, busy tracing the bite on her throat with his fingertip.
“But that’s not to say it’s destined to end. Only that I don’t think she has as easily moved on as she’d like everyone to think. Are you even listening to me?”
“No. I’m wondering if I should leave two claiming brands on you. See, I want anyone who lays eyes on you to see that you’re very much taken. But I also want you to have such a mark on your inner thigh.”