Page 68 of Eternally Devoted

“They want to be with you even knowing whatever the bad thing is,” Dolly repeats. I’m sure she thinks my bad things are like her bad things. Overstepping boundaries or getting too intense. But I have to let her make those assumptions to keep her safe.

On a sniffle, I nod. “Yes.”

She sighs. “When Hudson found out about all the things I’d done, he loved me more, because I was imperfect but perfect for him. I bet that’s how they feel.”

Another sniffle. “Yeah.”

“If they accept you, then why are you on my porch?” Dolly questions, which is reasonable. “Not that I don’t love you, Juni, but I had Hudson’s co?—”

“Stop,” I laugh, twisting to face my adorably innocent-appearing sister. “I saw the bite marks all over that poor man.”

She wiggles her brows. “I told you I can’t get enough.” She shrugs it off, as if her mauling her husband is old news. “So, why are you here, sis?”

I swallow, the energy inside me shifting to something more serious in a heartbeat. “Do you think I’d be a good mother?” I croak, the question bloated with insecurity.

“You would be an excellent mother. Hell, Juni, youarean excellent mother. You raised me and Ivy, and we’re both married and happy with careers we adore and families we love. You did good because you’re meant to be a mama.”

“But the bad things…” I trail off, unable to speak them aloud, unwilling to make her an accomplice after the fact.

“The bad things, whatever they are, aren’t that bad if those men aren’t frightened away. Okay? Now you listen to me. A world where you aren’t a mother isn’t a world I want to live in, that’s how sure I am that you’re destined to have babies and take care of them.”

She wraps her arms around me, and we hug for what feels like forever but it ultimately is just the right amount of time. I help her to her feet, and we hug again. “Whatever is going on and whatever happens, just know, I’m here.” She kisses my cheek. “Now I have to go.”

I step down the stairs and look back toward the front door. “Go easy on that man.”

Dolly winks. “When he’s dead I will.”

She closes her door and I head back to the house, wondering if tonight will yield a new life. Secretly hoping that it does.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-FOUR

JUNIPER SKY ELLINGTON WAS A VIRGIN.

Sterling

Cold hands skirt along my shoulder, and a moment later, chilly toes press into my calves. With a yawn, I open my eyes and find Juniper adjusting in bed between me and Dash.

Last night comes crashing down around me as I struggle to wake. I slept so well, so comfortably, too. I didn’t think I’d everbe able to share a bed. I’m a substantial guy, I sleep in a Cal king at my place and I take up most of that thing. Another thing I’d always tell myself—it’s fine to stay single. Sharing a bed would be a nightmare.

And yet, I had no nightmares. I slept so soundly that I’m actually surprised.

Juniper’s eyes pop open and she greets me with a smile. “Morning,” she whispers, “or, whatever time it is.”

“Morning.”

My eyes veer to her leg draped over Dash’s. He’s facing away from us, soft snores radiating from him as his bare back rises and falls. I nod to him, compartmentalizing the way the carved striation in his back sends a flutter through my groin. “He’s sleeping well.”

“So was I,” Juniper says, tucking her hands under her face, peering up at me with adorably sleepy eyes.

“I slept great, too,” I whisper. Despite how well I slept and how happy I am to wake up in Juniper’s bed, there are things that need to be discussed. And then there are bodies to collect.

“Juniper,” I start, drawing her name out slowly. Scratching the side of my jaw, I stare at the rumpled pink comforter draped over my thighs, trying to sort out all the things I want to say without coming across as an asshole. “Last night…” I start, but the soft hand she drapes along my thigh causes my words to cease.

“Was great,” she says softly, almost seductively, then again, I always want her so most of what she says sounds like a tease.

I nod and find myself smiling. “Yeah, it was.” The words regarding the unprotected sex we had are right on my tongue, but before I can speak, she snuggles up close, bringing her lips to my shoulder.

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