Page 8 of Wicked Devotions

“It’s yours, too.”

I snatch my hand back, rubbing at the warmthleft behind and give him a shaky smile with a nod before turning away.

“I have to go home. Mom needs me for some paperwork.” He grips me by the shoulders, his thumbs rubbing soothing circles. “Do you want to come with me?”

“I brought the guys over so she could get to know them better before we move in together,” Declan’s voice cuts through before I can answer.

Banks presses his lips together in annoyance. “Don’t you think that’s something you should have run by her first?”

“Nope.” Declan smirks. “Stay with us, Harper. I told you I don’t bite.” He winks at me.

Banks breaks his glare to look down at me with concern. “You know Mom would love to see you. It wouldn’t be a problem.”

I war with indecision, but ultimately it does make sense to get to know my future roommates.

“I should probably stay.”

“Okay.” He presses his lips to my forehead. “Call me if you need anything. I love you.”

“I love you, too.” I watch him leave and gather my courage before turning back to the three guys who just jumped into the pool.

Chapter

Four

DECLAN

The way Harper and Banks interact physically seems off, stilted. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to my girlfriend with just a kiss on the forehead. His hands never stray from their innocent placement to her tempting curves. If it were me, I’d be permanently attached to her.

Knowing her father I wouldn’t be surprised if he had strict rules for her concerning dating. Maybe it’s just what they’re used to doing.Regardless, it’ll make it so much easier for me to carry out my plans knowing there’s a weird distance between them. I will gladly take full advantage of that.

Banks looks down into the pool at me with the sun illuminating his blond hair. He grabs his shirt and puts it on before walking over to the edge and crouching down.

“Give her some space. She’s dealing with a lot of changes.” His southern accent grates on my nerves.

“Plenty of space here. We own the whole southern end of the island.”

His lips flatten into a firm line as he glares back at me with a mirrored intensity to my own.

“I’ll walk you out.” Harper runs her hand over his shoulder to draw his attention away.

They turn and walk off together without another word to me.

“What was that about?” Emerson swims over and rests his forearms on the pool deck.

“He was just telling me to give her space.”

A dark chuckle rumbles from Cyrus. “Rookie mistake on his end.”

If I were to describe my two best friends in any way, it’d be as the demon and the angel sitting on someone’s shoulders battling for their soul. Luckily for me, I don’t have one forthem to fight over.

“When is she moving into the house with us?” Emerson shifts his body so he’s facing out toward the ocean.

“Same time as us.”

“Have you told her about her horse yet?”

“No.”

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