Page 83 of The Fox

A loud laugh bursts from her and her body shakes as it erupts. Amelia bites her lip, turning her head toward my mouth before placing three kisses there.

“Deal.”

I stand, feeling the ache in my legs. It is both a reminder of my past, but also a token of the healing I’ve done. Amelia watches me with those stormcloud eyes not missing a thing. I shake the large towel out and motion my head for her to stand.

A slow blink and a loving smile grace me with an appearance as she lifts herself from the tub. Water drips along her body, running against the shimmers of stretch marks, finding their ways along her crevices and dips. Her breasts hang heavily, those wide hips carrying a softness I adore. Those thighs, the ones I forever want wrapped around me, are strong. As my eyes trace her divine body, I stop at each brand. I eventually make my way up to her face, finding understanding as she steps out the tub and into my arms.

“I like the trim, Ro.” Amelia says softly as I hug her. “The longer beard suits you.” It’s been a process, growing my facial hair out to this length. Her fingers often find it, rubbing it soothes her in a way she can’t explain.

“I’ll grab some clothes for you, baby. Then, we’ll head to the market.”

I walk from her, the squeal behind me telling me everything I need to know. Amelia Conte is happy.

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Amelia is in the kitchen, three loaves in front of her. I see the glint of steel in her hand as she skillfully scores the sourdough with intricate designs before placing them in their designated dutch ovens. It makes me chuckle. The woman loves her sharp objects almost as much as she loves her people. As she shakes her hand out, I see the slight tremor in it. Part of me wishes that it is a figment of my imagination, but I noticed it earlier when Amelia had reached for a handmade mug. Another part of me is thankful her hand was steady long enough to give me a shot when she was held in the warehouse.

“How’s the hand, Amelia?” Her eyes flick up to meet mine, the resignation visible in her gaze.She was hoping I wouldn’t notice.“Sorry, baby. I noticed it earlier today, but it hasn’t eased up?”

Amelia shakes her head. “No. But honestly, it’s alright, Rhodes. I can still do what I need to. I’ve found it really only intensifies if I’m stressed or exert more energy than normal.” She moves to the sink and washes her hands, grabbing a towel before spinning back to me.

“Now,” she says, tossing the hand towel on the counter, and snagging her iced coffee we’d brought home from the farmer’s market. “I seem to recall an offer of some time away at the lake being made this morning. Were you serious?”

Taking three steps toward her, I snag her hips and rest my hands where her back meets her fine ass.Gods, I’d love to fuck her there.“Mmmhmm,” I say gently. “We can go to my family’s house, take that grump of a cat with us. Slow things down for a few days. You wouldn’t have to worry about a single thing, Amelia. I just need my goddess there with me.”

“Okay. Let me make a few calls to make sure things are handled.” Amelia ducks out from my hold, swaying those hips just for me as she walks to the couch and starts handling business. Lennon hops up on the counter beside me, chirping loudly. He rubs his entire body against my bicep forcefully.

“Yeah, yeah. I hear you. Let’s see what treats your mama has saved for you.”

CHAPTER 60

Amelia---Momentary Escape

Staring down at my suitcase, I tap my finger against my mouth. I am forgetting something, I know I am. I also need Duncan to call me back. I don’t feel like texting him, and I just need to make sure everything is okay before Rhodes and I leave.

“Okay, Amelia,” I quietly say to myself. “You’ve packed pajamas and a few swimsuits. T-shirts and shorts are in the wash, you’ll throw your bathroom stuff in right before we leave.” I lift the pile on the bed, grabbing the chargers for my phone and laptop. “Stealing all of Rhodes’ shirts for bedtime, but you already know he’s keeping you naked so there’s that.” I laugh. A book will be in the passenger seat, along with a blanket and snacks. Potentially a large iced coffee as well. Rhodes has this trip planned down to the last detail.

I’m pulling my vibrator from my nightstand when my phone rings from the dresser and I swiftly answer.

“Hey, Duncan.”

“Amelia,” he says, making my eyes narrow at the use of my full name. “I’m just returning your call. I hope that I didn’t catch you too late.”

Odd. First, Duncan Russo uses my legal name, and now he’s speaking stiffly.

“Nope, just packing. You know how it is. Parker and I always pack too much,” I wait to see if he’ll laugh and it is just silence on the other end.Alright, then.

“So, listen. I just wanted to touch base and make sure you’ve got everything handled. I will be off-grid for the next three, maybe four, days. Rhodes says there is a satellite phone at the lake, so I’ll call you when we get there. Um, what else?” I tap my finger on the ridge of my toy, trying to think if I’ve left anything out.

He clears his throat before speaking. “Sure, sounds good.”

“I’m not expecting anyone to start something, Duncan, so that’ll be good.” Rhodes killing Medina in my defense prevented the outbreak of war. I get the feeling the other leaders aren’t missing him terribly, and business has never been better. I sigh, “I’m ready to have things be settled for a while.”

Duncan hums through the line.

“You okay?” I ask.

“What do you mean? I can handle things here while you’re gone, Amelia.”

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