Page 18 of Bond

Reaching for my phone, I called Bull to let him know where we all are and why. He assured me that he and Rogue would be over shortly to give us a hand.

Twenty minutes later, we’re taking orders from Rochelle on who’s to do what. It makes sense as she’s the one with the most experience in this. I’m fucking proud of her; it’s been barely a week, and we can all already see the change in her. Not only is she standing straighter, but she’s finding her place with us, and I have a feeling she’s going to be a force to be reckoned with when she realises that she doesn’t have to hide her personality with us.

We worked well into the night; Julia, Noni, Josie, and the kids joined us, bringing supper with them. We broke for an hour before we continued. It’s when Rochelle lets Daisy go back to the hotel with Josie that I know she’s starting to feel comfortable with us. Up until now, she’s only left Daisy with me. She’s happy for anyone to hold her but only if she’s in the room.

“Thanks, Josie,” Rochelle says as she hands Daisy over. “I’ll be back in time for her next feed, but if you need me, call Bond’s phone and I’ll come back to the hotel.”

“No worries at all,” Josie reassures her. I held out our room key for Josie to take. “Me and your little princess are going to have a nice bath, get into our jammies, and watch a movie. Aren’t we, Daise?” Josie cooed.

I have a feeling that before long, she and Skinny would be thinking about having kids. Turning my head slightly, I caught Skinny looking at Josie with a soft look on his face. Yeah, I gave it a year and there’d be another little Adams joining us.

It’s another couple of hours when suddenly Rochelle lets out a whoop and ticks her clipboard. “We’re done,” she throws her hands up in the air. Her exuberance has us laughing.

“Thanks, guys, that would have taken me at least a week. Tomorrow I’ll update the ordering system and start calling clients to let them know we have their orders.”

“Good catch today, Rochelle,” Bull praises her. “You not only saved us some money because this would have been costly to put right if it had gone to a customer but also embarrassment. Proud of you.”

Rochelle blushed at his praise and was bright red by the time all the brothers had given her their thanks as they left.

Locking up, I take her hand, switching on my high-powered torch because the nights out here are pitch black with no streetlights, and the last thing we need is to step on a snake.

We walked along the covered veranda that covers all the shops towards the distant hotel lights. It’s so different from the UK; the night here is alive with the chirping of crickets and the noise of bullfrogs singing their songs. Every now and then, in the distance, you could hear a troop of baboons barking calls at each other and the hippos making sure we knew they were around, although the water was a bit too fast for them where we were, but farther down the river, there was a herd of them.

Sound carried here at night with it being so quiet.

“It’s so peaceful out here,” Rochelle hums with a happy sigh, resting her head against my shoulder. “Very different from the city.”

“It is,” I agree. “It’s completely different to the UK. It’s like night and day.”

“Do you miss it?” she asks.

“The UK?”

She nods, “Yeah, do you miss being in a first world?”

I think on it before I answer, “Some things but not everything. The weather here is better, and we live a freer, more laid-back life here. I suppose I miss the convenience of having stuff easily available and not having to travel miles to get it. I don’t think I’d be as happy living in a city. I much prefer it out here in the bush.”

“Me too,” she agrees, stepping up the first step of the hotel, “I prefer it here to the city. I feel like I can breathe here.”

“I’m glad, baby,” I respond, stopping her from walking farther up the steps as I tug her towards me. Bending my head, I kiss her, long, hard and deep, knowing that when we got to our room, I’d be sharing her attention, and selfishly, for just one moment, I want all of her to myself.

We’re tired and filthy, but somehow this moment on the top steps of the hotel veranda, the heavy scent of flowers permeating the air and the sounds of the African night surrounding us, is perfect, and I wouldn’t change a single moment of it.

CHAPTER 9

ROCHELLE

‘Gah this man,’he was going to be the death of me with his perfect kisses, working me up and leaving me hot and wanting. Well, no more; tonight, I was making it known that I wanted him. He didn’t have to be careful with me. Not anymore. I knew deep in my heart that he was it for me.

I was going to do what my dad had whispered to me just before he’d put me in the car:‘I want you to live your life and be happy, my girl. I don’t want you to put your life on hold while we wait for this disease to take me. I’ve lived my life, and other than the last four years I’ve loved every minute of it. You have been my blessing, but I miss your mum, and it’s time for me to be with her again. But you, you my girl are going to live the life that you should have lived all along with the man who was meant for you. Don’t waste a second of it because all too easily it can be ripped away. Love you and Daisy with all my heart, and I’ll miss you but don’t wait. From this moment on, this life is yours to take and make your own.’

I was going to do my utmost to live up to his request; he’d done so much for me, and I could ensure that I’d do this for him. I’d live my life to the best of my ability, and I’d make sure he was never forgotten. Bond broke our kiss and searched my eyes, for what I’m not sure, but whatever he’s looking for he must see it because he threads his fingers through mine and leads methrough the main doors, past the reception desk, waving at the night receptionist, and down the hall to our room where we find Skinny with Josie pushed up against the wall, and he’s kissing the shit out of her. Biting back a chuckle, my amused gaze meets Bond, who’s also looking like he’s trying not to laugh.

Our bedroom door is slightly ajar, so I slip through, trying not to disturb the two of them although they’re in their own little world and I’m not sure much has penetrated their little bubble. Bond has no qualms in nudging them out of the way, “Thanks, Jose. Skinny, brother, I’d continue whatever you two are about to do away from prying eyes,” he chuckles.

“Fucking hell,” Skinny mutters a little hoarsely, and then Josie lets out a squeal as he must pick her up because she starts berating him but is also laughing so I’m guessing she doesn’t mind all that much. Going over to Daisy, who is now in a clean baby grower and kicking her legs and screwing up her face as if she’s working up a proper snit.

Smiling, I pick her up and bring my nose to her head, inhaling her gorgeous clean baby scent, and carry her to the bed, murmuring, “Aunt Josie gave you a bath, didn’t she, sweetheart?” Sitting on the bed, I continue crooning softly, “And now you’re ready for some dinner, aren’t you? Let’s get you sorted then.”

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