Page 64 of Séance

Even with my shitty family, I still had the guys.

My chest tightens at the thought of her having no one.

Unable to deny her anything, I nod, a tiny smile playing on my lips. “Exactly.”

I desperately want to create new memories with her and replace some of the darkness in her life with goodness, even if it’s something as silly as a sleepover.

My cheeks redden, and I glare at the guys with a warning not to say a fucking word. If they ruin this experience for her, I’ll beat the little shits into a pulp that will make it look like Gunner has just a little boo-boo.

James jumps to his feet like a fucking meerkat peeking out from a hole. He’s only half awake—or half asleep if you want—which usually only means trouble. “We need snacks. And pajamas. And someone needs to pick out a movie for us to watch.”

James almost trips over his own feet in his rush, like he’s trying to head off in too many directions at once and his feet got confused. Jace stands, taking a step toward his twin…only to have James place his hands on his hips with a glare and stubbornly stand his ground. “No, if we’re doing this, we’re doing it right.”

His face softens when he glances down at Rue. “My pookie needs the full experience.”

To my surprise, Jace hesitates, his impassive gaze switching to Rue, then he shocks the ever loving shit out of me by nodding. “You get the snacks. You won’t be satisfied if you don’t get exactly what you want. I’ll help Gunner change into something more comfortable. Ellis, you’re in charge of setting up the movie and grabbing blankets and pillows. Hicks will be in charge of finding something for Rue to wear for the night.”

Thankfully, the rest of the guys must feel the same way, because none of the bastards protest the orders. James doesn’t need to be told twice, practically bolting toward the kitchen, but not without a pointed glare at Hicks to behave. As Jace helps Gunner stand, they both look at Hicks suspiciously, and the man in question throws up his hands in exasperation. “Fine.”

He goes to stomp out of the room, then suddenly stops next to Rue as if remembering her feet. I watch, completely bemused, as he bends and places a single knee on the ground.

A man who never bows to anyone is kneeling for her.

I can’t contain my incredulity and choke on air, the sound covered when Hicks speaks. “Hop on my back. I’ll give you a ride.”

Rue’s eyes widen, and she sputters, “I can walk?—”

“No,” Hicks, Gunner, and I say at the same time, our tone brooking no argument.

Rue’s eyes widen like saucers, then she bites her gorgeous pouty lips, and I grunt as I imagine what those lips would look like wrapped around my cock. I mentally roll my eyes at myself. I’m not a horn dog like the rest of the man whores. For me, sex is more about control than release, but something about her twists up my thoughts and priorities.

And I want more.

Rue has a way of testing my control, and I smile in excitement at the prospect, despite knowing it’s going to be a struggle to keep my hands to myself.

Hating the indecision on Rue’s face, I take a wild stab in the dark, my voice low and coaxing. “Have you ever had a piggyback ride? He won’t even notice your slight weight. It will be fun. Promise.”

If Hicks breaks my promise, I’ll fucking send a virus to every electronic item he owns.

Indecision wars in her eyes for a second longer, then her chin lifts and her eyes narrow in determination. “Very well. What must I do?”

Hicks studies her with hard eyes for a moment longer, but even he can’t remain unaffected by her innocent charm. He taps her arms, then motions to his neck. “Wrap your arms around my shoulders. When I stand, wrap your legs around my waist. I’ll slip my arms under your knees to hold your weight and keep you stable.”

My mouth drops open at his softly spoken words, and I say nothing when Rue glances at me for confirmation. I just nod in encouragement. She hesitantly reaches out, loosely looping her arms over his shoulders.

With a huff of annoyance, he grabs her arms and wraps them around him tighter before tapping her arm in warning. “Hold tight.”

Without showing the slightest strain, he slowly stands, almost like he’s worried about dropping her. An adorable squeak escapes Rue, and she clings to him like a monkey, her arms tightening around him even more, while her legs instinctively wrap around his waist.

Fuck if I’m not jealous, my arms achingly empty without her slight weight.

Hicks doesn’t hesitate to grab her thighs, slipping one hand back under her ass. I open my mouth to protest, then close it without a word when Hicks glares at me. Rue stiffens slightly but doesn’t protest, then she wiggles around a little to get comfortable, a slow smile blooming across her face.

“Ready?” Hicks’ voice is gruff, and he turns to look at her over his shoulder. He stills when he finds her face only inches from his own, and I can see the exact moment when he falls, his face softening.

“Yup!” She nods eagerly, unable to keep the excitement from her voice, swinging her feet in anticipation. “Don’t drop me!”

“Never,” he whispers, then heads toward the stairs without glancing at any of us.

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