Page 40 of Mocha Kisses

Luna doesn’t fight my words, nodding. I let out a sigh of relief before pulling out my phone to let Rome know that when he closes up for his lunch break to go with these two. It’s a command I have no business giving and yet, one I know Rome will comply with. At half past two, he’ll be heading for lunch in 15 minutes.

“Nova?”

“Hmm?” I turn to face Luna and she steps up to me, her hands twisted together in front of her.

“Thank you. You scared me a little when you came in but knowing that someone else cares I’m still here means a lot. I… also haven’t been hugged like that in a really long time.”

I raise an eyebrow, looking between Griffin and Luna to understand. “Griffin-”

She shakes her head, taking another step until she’s inches from me. I feel the warmth wafting from her skin and the brush of her chest against mine. “His hugs are warm and inviting. They make the world stop. It’s just the two of us. In his arms, I’m loved and safe. But yours, it’s like a fortress. Like you’ll fight every last demon I have and then threaten the ones who even think to get close enough. I’m not explaining it right. All I know is that I know why Griffin loves you.”

I’m not sure I could be more interested in this woman standing before me than I am. Slowly, I open my arms again and she leans into them, snuggling into my chest. I will my cock to stay put, that this isn’t the time to show just how interested I truly am. Griffin hasn’t said much but I can sense his nonverbal approval from her.

She thinks my hugs are like a fortress but having her in my arms is a peace I’m not ready for. She says she understands why Griffin loves me. I’ve understood why Griffin loves this woman from the first moment he spoke about her. If I’m honest with myself, I’ve been in love with Luna St. Claire far longer than is appropriate. A woman I’ve never met before a few days ago stole my heart right along with Griffin.

Saying that he could have both wasn’t entirely altruistic on my part. I hope he doesn’t mind.

Luna

Sincewelefttheapartment, Griffin has been stealing glances at me, even as Rome wraps a hand around mine on the other side and brings it to his lips, kissing my knuckles. Rome has been constantly touching me, little brushes of the shoulder or a hand on my back over the last thirty minutes that we’ve been walking through the shops in Red Brook’s market. Griffin mentioned stopping at the mall but I just need something to tide me over until my next payday.

Rome was all too excited to tag along even if it was just for Nova’s comfort—not that I mind having both of these men walking me through Red Brook. Granted, I’m sure it looks strange, these tall, heavily tattooed and pierced men walking beside me. Fantasies that have no business creeping up do anyway, my cheeks heating and I bow my head, Griffin jostling my shoulder.

My backpack has been left in the car with a little persuading. I truly do feel safe with these men.

“Okay, what is it, Griffin?”

“What is what?” He straightens up, quickly looking around to make it seem like he hasn’t been staring.

“The glances. The smiles. The fuckinggiggles.” I will die before I let Griffin know that I love when he giggles, when he’s just so excited by the events around him that his chuckles soften and his entire body vibrates.

My gray-eyed writer giggles again, his smile belying the aura that Yana created for him. Yet, now that I know what all the tattoos mean, I can’t see how anyone thought he was abad boy.“Just really happy. You’re here and I’ve seen you smile so many times over the last few days. Luna, I’m living a fucking dream and I’m loving every last minute of it.”

Rome squeezes my hand, guiding my attention to him. “And the fact that you hugged Nova.Huggedhim.” He wiggles his brows and I rip my hand from him. I throw him a small smile so he knows I’m not mad but they’ve been joking around about that since we left. Rome caught the tail end of it but I don’t think either of them truly understand. Griffin might but they don’t know what it’s like to be on the run for six years, never knowing what will be the last straw.

If I knew the suited goons were trying to kill me, that would be one thing. But I don’t actually know what they’ll do when they catch up to me. That’s scarier in my mind. Will they hurt me? Force me to work for them? Are they just there to terrify me into paying them?

“Hey, Luna, come back to us. You’re with us. Right here,” Griffin coos. He’s standing in front of me now, holding my face in his hands, whispering words that draw me out of my head. Rome moves to stand behind me, their presence keeping out the dark thoughts that always seem to invade my mind. He’s still holding my hand, my arm pulled around my back, pushing my chest against Griffin. “There you go, precious. Still up for shopping or do you want to go home?”

“I need more clothes anyway,” I say sheepishly. They both seem embarrassed at that confession as if it’s their fault that I haven’t had the money to indulge in a large wardrobe. Not that I would like one. “Stop it. I get it but there’s nothing you can do about it. Griffin, don’t look at me like that. The faster I get the dress, the sooner you can take it for a test drive.”

“Sold,” he growls as he dips his head to kiss me. It isn’t a sweet kiss appropriate for the sidewalk. He pushes me against Rome, using him as leverage to deepen the embrace, thrusting his tongue between my lips. With my hand behind my back, I’m at their mercy, Rome’s head dipping to the curve of my neck. Their cocks thicken against my belly and ass, a sudden need growing between my legs. Just as his lips graze the skin, a voice I recognize calls out.

“Love birds!” I untangle myself from them, trying to catch my breath as I find the voice. I don’t remember her name but she’s one of the few women that would wave to me on my way to school. “Ah, Griffin and Luna, it’s so wonderful that you came back to Spring Haven. I always knew you would but now that you’re getting married? Or did I miss the wedding?”

I blink several times and twist to look at Griffin who looks just as confused as I do. Rome groans as he shifts behind Griffin, no doubt to fix how turned on he is by our recent entanglement.

“What?”

The woman steps closer, placing a hand on Griffin’s arm. “I’m very proud of you for bringing her back here.”

“I didn’t bring her back here. Ms. Harrison, I-” His cheeks turn a bright shade of pink as his face contorts further in confusion.

“Vera, please.”

“Vera, who told you that we were getting married?” He asks.

I have the same question, especially since I haven’t even been seen anywhere with Griffin as of yet. Sure, I have stepped inside his office but I’ve spent far more time with Rome in the past couple of days. The woman at the café mentioned something similar and I’m worried that rumors are floating through Spring Haven much faster than I’ll be able to stop them. There were murmurs during our graduation year six years ago. We definitely touted the idea enough but now? I shouldn’t be surprised that so many people know I’m back but this…

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