Page 39 of Bone Dust

A hearty laugh escapes him. “I’m not sure I’d know a woodland fairy if it bit me on the ass.”

“My mom used to read me bedtime stories about them.” A wistful feeling tugs my heart. “I haven’t thought about that in years.”

“You miss her.”

“I do.” I go to Ian’s side and thread my arm through his and the unexpected move widens his eyes. “You did a good thing here, Ian. You gave a child a memory. She’ll be talking about stars and bugs for days.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Ian

We stand quietly as I digest the tranquility of the moment. Not wanting the emotion I’m feeling to make me look like a weak little bitch, I glance down at the spot where Savannah and I are linked. That unfamiliar pinch in my chest is becoming a regular visitor. “I thought you didn’t like me.”

“I don’t,” she shrugs, “but it’s dark and I don’t want to risk breaking my neck while walking back to the car.”

The humor in her voice is unmistakable, and the lighthearted tone is cute. I took so many things for granted when I saw them with bloodshot eyes. My perception of the world has shifted from what it used to be. I am satisfied with the quietness shared between Savannah and me. As we watch Gigi chasing bugs and tiring herself out, it gives me a satisfaction I’ve not known. I’m learning to appreciate the little things and spending time with these two taps on a softer side of me.

A smile teases Savannah’s lips as she gazes into my eyes. Her face, so beautiful and perfect, is bathed with an ethereal glow.

“I know I said Gigi won’t be forgetting this night. Neither will I.”

I respond instinctively, barely giving myself a moment to think or breathe. That same night magic casting its spell on them is now bewitching me. With little regard for consequences, I hook her waist and pull her into me. Her full, pink lips are begging to be kissed. I crash my lips to hers, and a moan escapes. Savannah's mouth was made for kissing and damn me, forbidden fruit never tasted so sweet. Her body melds into mine and the heat between us ignites. Passion rises, fueling my need. Lust careens through me with a dizzying rush more powerful than any drug that entered my veins. I want her. I crave her. There’s a need in me I’ve never felt before. She’s a sin I want to commit. A prayer I beg. Heaven couldn’t be any sweeter than the thought of being inside her. Addict that I am, I can’t get my fill.

Our tongues twist together as my lungs with the scent of lavender and vanilla. Something inside me fractures and a rush of blood hardens my cock. How can one damn kiss be more potent than whiskey or blow? I don’t have the answer and, despite what logic tells me, for her, I’d want something more than cheap fuckery.

“Momma?”

One word and a pint-sized girl stop us dead in our tracks. Instantly, we separate. The spell suddenly broken and so is the kiss.

“Oh, my god.”

Breathless, Savannah pushes me away, her fingers flying up to her lips. A smiling Gigi props her hands on her hips and I chuckle. She looks like she’s ready to scold us. Savannah hits me with a flash of anger in her eyes, and I smother a laugh. It seems my finding humor in this situation is not well received.

Savannah rushes over to Gigi and grabs her hand. “It’s time to go home.”

“Savannah.” Her name rides on a plea but hits deaf ears. Instead, she ignores me and goes faster.

“Savannah.” Again, no response as she continues toward her car tugging Gigi as she goes. I note that my chasing, coaxing, pleading have caused her to quicken her steps even more and an alarm bell goes off as the little girl struggles to keep up.

“Savannah, stop. You’re practically dragging your daughter. She’s going to trip.”

Like a viper, she spins, her expression venomous and, in a lightning-fast move she hoists Gigi onto her hip. “I am NOT dragging my daughter.” She points at me and wags her finger as she goes around in circles. “You. You!”

“Me, what? Are you pissed off because I kissed you?” She freezes and stares at me, making a sound like some feral animal, then stomps away.

“Did you just growl at me?” I snicker but stop before it morphs into a full-fledged laugh, and continue to follow behind her. “Really, Savannah? It was just a fucking kiss.”

“Youse said a bad word again, E-ban!”

“Great. Just, great.” We reach the car and she yanks the door open, bending to place Gigi inside.

“Bye E-ban,” she waves to me, her cheeks raised by a cheerful smile.

“Later, kiddo.” I stand by, refusing to budge and block her as she moves side to side, both of us dodging back and forth like an awkward dance. “Why are you acting like this?” My tone is calm but is met with a vicious narrowing of her eyes. She darts, slipping her arm by me enough to grab the handle on the driver’s side door. I grab it too, momentarily cementing it in place, but she persists with the makeshift tug of war. When she doesn’t achieve her goal, she stops and hits me with an icy blue stare.

“Let go, Ian.”

“No. You’re making this into a big deal. It was nothing, so stop acting like this.”

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