Page 60 of Magic or Madness

One thing about Ozzy is that he’ll always tell me the truth, without hesitation, and this time is no different. We’re stilllearning things about each other, but I feel we’ve moved past the stage where we’re afraid of our confessions.

There’s nothing he could say that would make me walk out that door, and I have the same confidence in him – and our dynamic.

I hold him close, knowing how much courage it took for him to admit that number aloud, and I want him to feel safe sharing something so complex, dangerous, and haunting with me.

“One day, when I’m brave enough to walk away from this life … I’m going to marry you, Fallon. We’re going to have beautiful babies, a big house, and maybe a cat, but it’s always you and me against this cruel world,” he whispers, and I can’t stop the tears from slipping down my cheeks.

“I’d marry you right now, Ozzy.”

“I’m sorry that you had to get involved in our shit tonight,” he says, but it’s my turn to shush him.

“I’d rather help you than see anything happen to you guys. Thank you for the wine, and dirty note, but Mick and Rae may be a lost cause now.” I sigh, and lifts me up, placing me in a straddling position on his lap, while he lays flat on the bed.

I steady myself with my palms flat on his chest, and he looks up at me, brushing the hair from my face.

“My only regret is the division I’ve caused between you and your friends,my beautiful girl. You and your fluffy little jammies were a very welcome addition to work, though.” He smiles, the sparkle returning to his eyes.

I stare down at him, taking note of the way his lips curl when he smiles at me, and the slight kink in his eyebrow where a small scar indents his skin.

“I feel so ridiculous in these, Rae bought them.” I tug at the silky fabric, wishing I’d changed into something else, but Ozzy smiles wickedly, his mind filling with other ideas.

“Really? I think they’re perfect, clinging to your skin, highlighting your curves … the daring choice to forgo a bra.” He smirks, pinching my nipples over the fabric.

“No panties, either,” I whisper, my lips hovering over his.

There’s been two days full of revelations, changed plans, and harsh realities since the last time our bodies met to make the magic that we do, and right now, I’m desperate for that connection.

“Oh, Bambi,I’m going to take my time with you tonight.” He drags his tongue along my neck, and my body is in overdrive, begging for even atinypiece of him.

“Wreck me, Ozzy,” I say softly, grinding my hips on him, mirroring the ways I begged for him the first night we spent together.

There’s nothing more I want than to feel him inside me, claiming me as his, and showing me exactly who I belong to. It’s a certain roughness that I’ve come to love, and when his calloused hands mix with the silk draped over my body, it’s a new sensation that sends me over the edge, and I give myself to him in every way possible.

The element of danger that I endured tonight has taken control, and even though I promised Ozzy I’d never need to be a part of his world to be with him, there’s a piece of me that longs for the chance to do it again.

It’s beenthree days since the motorcycle heist, and Keith and Kevin haven’t reported it stolen. They think it was an inside job, but I’m not the suspect. The company that does our deliveriesis Kevin’s primary target, and I’ve heard Keith mentioning ways that they can bargain to get the bike back.

It’s a dead end, but they don’t need to know that.

I was barely questioned, and the working theory is that someone hacked the system, which is true, but them believing I’m incapable of something so sinister is even better for my cover.

Today, I have to face Mick and Rae again, and they’re not messing around this time. I think they’re more suspicious of me than my actual bosses are, even if the bike hasn’t been reported to the police.

Ozzy is coming with me, mainly for support, because I have a feeling this may get ugly. I barely spent an hour with them before being whisked away by someone who was a stranger to them, and I know Mick will be out for blood.

“You okay, Fallon?

I sigh, searching for the words to explain how I’m feeling, but I can only shrug.

“I don’t know. I think I’m about to lose my friends, and the more my mind weighs on it, the more I’m okay with it. It’s been a constant battle since I met you, and they’re treating me like a child who can’t make her own decisions. It’s belittling.” I stare out the window, watching the trees pass as we take the familiar turns toward my building.

“You have a home with me, Fallon. If you want it,” he says softly, and my heart swells, knowing that he means every word.

“Thank you, Ozzy.” I stay quiet the rest of the ride, fidgeting with the strings on my sweatshirt, and preparing myself for battle.

I don’t want to fight, but it’s almost inevitable at this point.

Ozzy reaches for my hand and gently squeezes it to reassure me that he’s with me before coming around to open my door for me.

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