Page 41 of Griz's Edge

“Well, Dad always taught us to push the fear aside ‘cause it doesn’t do anything but get in the way,” she murmurs.

“Gotta agree with that, but still don’t like that you were able to do so as you have. As for finding who did this, I can’t stop you, I know this, so I’m gonna ask you don’t do anything without me.”Marley opens her mouth to speak, but I keep going. “You might not like it, but it’s what’s gonna have to happen. You want to be involved, fine, whatever, but . . .” I lean forward, getting in her space, “you’re my woman, and I take care of what’s mine. We work together on this.”

Marley seems to look like she’s weighing whatever she’s gonna say next. Finally, she nods and reaches for her fries as she gives me an answer. “You don’t try to keep me out of it, then fine I can agree working with you on this.”

“Good.” Sitting back in my seat, I nod to her fries. “You gonna share the rest of those and that chocolate pecan pie my aunt sent for you?”

A look comes over Marley’s face, and she nabs yet another fry. “Why should I do that?” she asks cocking a brow, a smirk playing on her lips.

Leaning in even closer, I stretch an arm out, curl it around the back of her head, and pull her to me. “You share, you get rewarded.”

The way Marley’s eyes flicker with need, I know I’ve got her. “Fine, I’ll share. But on one condition.”

“What’s that?”

“I get to do what I want later.”

My cock stiffens in my jeans at what I know she’s insinuating. Marley wants my cock and not just inside her.

Fuck me.

“You can do whatever you want, sweets,” I agree, grinning.

“Break it up you two.”

I inwardly groan at Chelsea’s voice. Cocking my head slightly to see not just her but Storm, Meadow, and Olive, all standing on the other side of the table, moving to take a seat. “What are y’all doing?”

“We’re welcoming our newest sister into the fold.” Storm laughs, taking her seat. “Mom’s watching the boys so we can get to know your woman while you go meet with your brothers.” Shifting her gaze to Marley, Storm smiles brightly. “As ol’ ladies to these men, we’ve got to stick together. Otherwise, they’ll drive us all mad.”

“I could see that happening.” Marley giggles, shifting in her seat to face the other women.

“Guess that’s my cue to leave y’all be,” I grumble, not wanting to leave Marley. When her attention comes back to me, her smile in place, I know she’ll be good. Still, I lean in and press a kiss to her lips. “These women, they’re nutty as hell, crazy as shit, don’t let Chelsea pull you into any antics.”

“I resent that statement,” Chelsea snaps but looking in her direction, I don’t miss the grin pulling at her lips.

“Babe, just ‘cause you ain’t played any of your bullshit pranks lately doesn’t mean you don’t have antics,” Lucky says.

“Hey, I’m pregnant and getting closer to having this baby. I don’t have the time to come up with antics, but since you said that, I just might come up with something.”

“You do that, but leave that damn snake in her tank.”

“Snake?” Marley pipes up. “What kind?”

“Sass is a ball python, sweet as can be, and hates being in her tank if she doesn’t have to be,” Chelsea answers. “Lucky’s making a room into a tank for her at the house we’re moving into. Instead of her being in a small tank, she’ll have space to slither around. He’s even found a custom door that’s made out ofplexiglass that we’ll be able to look through to be able to see her. He doesn’t want to take chances of her escaping, so he’s coming up with every damn thing he can think of, so I won’t let her out to play.” Rolling her eyes, she sits back and grins mischievously. “What he fails to understand is Sass is smart. If she wants out, she’ll get out, but usually, she’s good with where she is. She’s lazy and likes to bask in the heat of her lamp.”

“Interesting.” Marley nods.

“Yeah, with her having the room, she’ll be even happier. Plus, I’d never do anything that would put my little boy in harm’s way.”

“Right, y’all have at your conversation.” Standing, I bend and press a kiss to Marley’s lips. “You need me, just ask these nuts where to find me.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine,” Marley murmurs, smiling at me.

“Yeah, you will be,” I tell her, snatch one of her fries and pop it in my mouth.

“Hey,” my woman snaps and swats at me.

Grinning, I leave her to it and head toward where my brothers are waiting for me.

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