Page 143 of GAF Factor

“Then I guess you have a decision to make.”

The momenthe strolled up to me with that sexy look on his face in his three-piece suit, something eased inside my chest. It was over. He already told me it was, but now that I saw him, it was real. I didn’t think as I took off across the parking lot and threw myself into his arms.

I squeezed my eyes closed as my arms mimicked the gesture around his large frame. I felt his muscles flex as he held me tight, lifting me higher as he buried his nose in my hair.

“It’s over, gorgeous.”

“For real?”

“For real.”

I exhaled freely for the first time since this whole thing started. Through it all, I wanted to believe I was strong enough to handle anything, that nothing would scare me, but deep inside, I knew I wasn’t far from cracking.

The moment I released him, his lips were on mine and his hand was at the back of my neck, holding me to him. His kiss was harsh and punishing, taking everything I had to give. When he set me down, I swayed on my feet, dizzy from his kiss.

“Let’s go home.”

I grinned at his words, ready to get out of here and into my own bed. Of course, I wouldn’t be going alone. I heard her before anyone else.

“Let me through!”

I rolled my eyes, prepared for the onslaught. “So much for being alone.”

“We can go to my place.”

We could, but I wanted to be in my own bed for at least one night.

Riley shoved to the front of the crowd, staring down IKE as if she was his mother. “Alright, mister. Tell me this is over. I cannot stand to stay in that creepy mansion for one more minute. I want my books. I want my shelves and my stairs. I want my kitchen and things. But most importantly, I want my own bathr—yah!”

Bowie picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder, winking at IKE. “I’ve got this.”

“You most certainly do not got this!” Riley shouted, banging her fists into his back. “Put me down, you big brute!”

“Riley, I think it’s about time we got our own place.”

“Our own place? If you think for one minute I’m moving in with you anywhere, you’ve got another think coming!”

“I wasn’t asking,” he chuckled.

“Then you’re going to find yourself sorely disappointed when you move my stuff and I’m not there.”

“I’ll move you, too, even if I have to tie you up and take you over there.”

Riley pushed off his back and craned her neck around to look at everyone, pointing her finger at the gathering crowd. “You all heard it! He just threatened to kidnap me! If I go missing, you know where to look!”

Dash shrugged. “You know, from what I hear, you can’t kidnap someone you know.”

“Yep, I’ve heard that, too,” Rae nodded.

Riley narrowed her eyes at all of them. “Traitors, all of you!” she shouted as Bowie pushed through the crowd and carried her away. I felt a little bad for her. She was my sister, after all. But then again, she was in love with Bowie, even if she didn’t want to admit it. She wanted this more than she let on. It was just a matter of time before he popped the question and she said yes.

I just hoped this marriage stuck for him.

“Ready to go home?”

I shivered, closing my eyes as IKE’s warm breath skimmed over my ear as he hugged me from behind. “Yes.”

“Good. Let’s get out of here.”

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