Page 14 of Kill Me Sweetly

With all of that sorted, we could spend the few days confined to the house without risking life or limb.

“Sleeping arrangements?” Mason addressed everyone once the kitchen was all cleaned.

“The security is up on the property, so no one can enter or leave without us knowing unless they have the code.”

I side-eyed Four. “But should we leave him alone? And we should feed him.”

“He’s not a dog, but yes, let’s make some food, and then we can each take turns keeping an eye on Four and Maxwell.”

“I won’t leave.” Maxwell sighed loudly. “I promise.”

Shep grinned. I knew that grin. “Nuh-uh, we don’t know you, so we don’t trust you.”

Maxwell’s shoulders slumped, but he didn’t argue. So I went about pulling leftovers from the fridge. We had so much, and all of it was amazing because Shep had cooked it.

“We can get a bunch in the oven and some in the microwave.” Mason preheated the oven, and I went to get the dishes.

Four still hadn’t moved. I hoped we’d be able to get real food in him and not just sweets. When I placed his dish in front of him, he sighed loudly. His hands went flat on the table on either side of the plate. As if he were waiting for it to be filled.Interesting.

Once everything was heated up, everyone fixed their dishes. I piled Four’s up and everyone stared, waiting for him to eat. Likely hoping he would.

He lifted the fork and methodically ate.

“Is it good?” I asked, but he didn’t answer.

“I guess it only works with sweets. But at least he’s eating.” Mason shrugged and he was right; it was a small victory.

After dinner was eaten and the kitchen was cleaned once again, I showed Maxwell to a spare room on the third floor. Four would be in the room beside him.

“I’ll take first watch,” Mason offered. “I want to call Gabe and talk to him while he’s at the hospital.”

I squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll relieve him tomorrow.”

Mason nodded and once the two men were ensconced in their rooms, with clothes, toiletries, and whatever they’d need to sleep, Shep and I made our way to the second floor to our bedroom.

Shep closed the door, and I walked over to the bed and fell against it.

“Today was the longest day in the history of days.”

Shep snorted. “We’ve had longer.”

I lifted up, leaning on my elbows, and watched as Shep removed his shirt.

“I mean…I’m not super tired, though.”

His blue eyes twinkled as he slowly made his way toward me, popping the button of his pants.

“Is that right?”

I nodded. “Mmhmm…sort of wired.” I released a breath. “Whatever will I do to relax?”

Shep slid his zipper open, and I couldn’t look away.

“Count sheep?”

“Pfft. No.”

He chuckled and pushed his pants to his ankles. His black briefs clung to his body as if painted on. His bulge was mouthwatering. And those thighs, damn.

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