Page 64 of Rex

“Amazing and beautiful,” Rex whispers in my ear, and I squeeze his forearm in acknowledgment of him speaking to me.

“I have to take care of this condom, but I’ll be right back,” Rex says as he slowly pulls out of my body and leaves the bedroom.

I’m still on my knees, eyes closed, and not wanting the moment to pass, but it has, so I drop forward onto my stomach and simply lie there. I’m boneless, breathless, and not planning on ever moving again. I even ignore the small chuckle Rex lets out when he rejoins me in bed.

“You okay?”

“Hmmm,” I answer without moving, and I ignore the second chuckle that escapes him.

I feel strong, warm hands turning me onto my side and placing my back against a muscled chest. A light blanket is pulled over us, and then one arm wraps over my waist and grips a hip while the other slides under my head. I relax into his body and sigh.

“Are you hungry? I didn’t even feed you before ripping your clothes off,” Rex asks in an apologetic tone.

I give my head a tiny shake and snuggle further against his warmth. Rex doesn’t speak again for several long moments, simply holding me. It’s the most peaceful moment in time I’ve had in years. In fact, I don’t remember the last time I’ve felt this kind of peace. My family is safe and together at last. No mob to worry about. A new practice, new friends, and Rex. Realizing this, I turn my body until we’re facing each other.

Leaning up, I kiss him softly, wrap my arm over his stomach, and stroke his back. I lay my forehead against his shoulder and slide my leg between his. Rex, in turn, pulls me close and drops a light kiss on my head. We lay like this for a while before I speak.

“Thank you.”

“Are you thanking me for sex?” Rex asks, and I can hear the humor in his voice.

“No. Well, yeah, that too, I guess. Was thanking you for everything, though. For not giving up on my brother. Not turning against him. For pushing Lucy until she confided in you. For working so hard to find him. For offering friendship to the rest of us when you could have resented us for the trouble it brought to the club. For worrying about my safety and not getting angry at me for not taking it as seriously as I should. For not giving up on us getting to be together like this when it seemed like the universe was working to keep us apart. For taking a chance on me, even if it causes a problem for you with the club,” I answer softly but don’t get to finish the rest of my words because Rex’s mouth suddenly collides with mine.

Kissing me hard, Rex swarms my senses. After a long, hot moment, he pulls back but keeps my face tilted to face his.

“You don’t ever have to thank me for worrying about you or your safety. I’ll always be worried about that. While I was angry with Chubs, I never quit loving him as my club brother. Lucy was angry and hurt, but her love for Chubs never diminished, and I knew she’d eventually tell me what she knew. You are worth waiting for, and there’s no repercussion the club could hand out to me that would make me ever regret being with you. Bruises fade, but tonight is burned into my brain for a lifetime. Nobody can ever make me regret that or take that memory away from me. Not this time. Tonight is our beginning, Aria. I hope you understand that because I’m not backing off,” Rex explains in a quiet but passionate voice.

I stare into his beautiful chocolate-colored eyes and silently count my blessings. Reaching a hand up, I cup the side of his face and nod my head in agreement.

“Need the words,” he mutters before turning his face and planting a kiss in the center of my palm.

“I understand and agree. You must talk with my brother soon, though. Les and Mom have already figured us out, and Les said it would be worse if Drew finds out some way other than you.”

“I will get it done asap. Your mom and Les okay with us?”

“Yeah, both are good with it. They like you, so that helps.”

Suddenly, a voice from the ceiling announces, “Unknown person approaching front door.”

“What the hell?” I ask while jerking upright.

“That’s Higgins. I left my phone in the other room so we didn’t have to listen to it. He’s my automated system. Be right back.”

I watch in appreciation as Rex pulls on his jeans and walks out of the room. I climb out of bed, snatch up my thong and his t-shirt, and walk to the bathroom. Freshening up and using the facilities, I smooth my hair as best as I can and then head for the kitchen. At the end of the long hallway, I wait for a few beats to see if I can hear voices and if it’s someone I shouldn’t be seen by. I don’t, so I continue to the kitchen, taking a seat at the bar. Wondering where Rex is, I decide to raid his fridge.

Head inside the fridge, I hear the front door open and close. Looking up, I see Rex walking toward me, eyes on his phone, fingers flying. I grab two beers, setting one in front of Rex before returning to sit on my stool. I open the beer and take a long swig from mine while waiting silently for Rex to finish whatever he’s doing.

“I’m a fucking idiot. So fucking stupid,” Rex mutters to himself before tossing his phone on the bar and shoving both hands through his hair.

I lay my hand on his thigh but remain silent. He’s working something through his brain, and I don’t want to interfere, but I want him to know I’m here for him. When his eyes meet mine, and I see the look in them, I brace.

“I’m sorry, Aria. I fucked up, and it’s you that fuckup is going to affect,” Rex says with no small amount of disgust in his voice.

“Tell me.”

“You got here, and I was in such a rush to get you naked, I didn’t arm my security system. I totally forgot about everything but you. I’m so sorry,” Rex states while looking miserable.

“Okay, and I was in that same rush, so what’s happened that didn’t get caught on camera?”

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