Page 90 of Cowboy Devil's Embrace

Next, we accompanied Max’s grandmother and his cousins to where their limousine was waiting. The kids were asleep, and Stephanie looked ready to nap as well.

“Well, this was a delightful surprise, cousin. It was very nice to meet you, Penelope,” Avail said with a wink, ignoring Max’s growl.

I loved it when he got all possessive with me.

“Penelope!” an unwelcome voice hissed my name.

I turned around to see Burt the Dirtbag and a woman who was not his wife with their arms around each other. He seemed to realize his mistake when not one, but five hulking males turned to stare at him, their expressions angry and grim.

I patted Max’s chest and moved in front of him. Ever since Max claimed me, I was more comfortable in my skin than I’d ever been before.

“What are you wearing?”

Burt’s eyes were practically bulging out of his head, and it was likely due to the tight jeans and low-cut blouse I had on.

He was forever telling me to be modest when we were married. But I wasn’t his wife anymore. And his opinion did not matter to me one bit.

“None of your business, Burt. Does your wife know you’re here with another woman?” I asked, and the woman he was with gasped and pushed away from him.

“Wait! We’re splitting up—dammit!”

“You’re still the same pathetic loser you always were. Get out of here, Burt. And don’t come back,” I said softly.

I couldn’t be sure if it was the warning note in my voice or the snarling men who flanked me, but Burt looked ready to shit himself. He hightailed it out of there, and I turned to say my final goodbyes to Max’s family.

Then I turned to the rest of the boys.

“Ready to go home?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Emmet said with a grin.

He and the boys had loaded up all the animals and the stuff for Jed’s stand. The rodeo would be back next month, and we were all signed up. I even planned to bring a littleDevil’s Food Bakerywith me.

As it was, I couldn’t wait to get back to work. My senses were so heightened now, smell and taste especially, I could only imagine what it was going to be like to bake.

“Mm. Well, when you do, bring us home a couple dozen cupcakes, Sugarplum, The boys and I sure appreciate it,” Max said, reading my mind.

I was still getting used to the telepathy part of our bond. We all were, actually. Max was coming into his Alpha powers, and he had managed to shut it down with the Crew. He still didn’t want them to hear naughty things between us until I could control it more.

Speaking of naughty things, I bit my lip and slid my hand into the crux of Max’s arm, smiling at him as we headed towards the truck.

“Come on, Sugar. I got plans for tonight.”

My blood sizzled and shivers ran down my spine.

“I can’t wait.”

Lucky for me, I didn’t have to.

EPILOGUE-MAX

Holding Penelope was my favorite part of every night.

No one ever told me, they didn’t explain how it would feel, having my mate in my arms.

Her curvy body was so soft, so warm, and I snuggled her closer, wrapping her up inside the shelter of my body.

She smelled like cinnamon and spice. So did I. And I loved it.

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