Page 45 of Reaper's Rage

“Problem?” Reaper asks in a tone that should tell the guy his only answer better be a ‘no’.

The man glances at Reaper, then me, before giving a shrug and taking his money. Reaper glares at the man for a few seconds longer before turning around and taking my hand. As we make our way to the boat, I squeeze his hand. He turns back to me and gives me a distracted smile. I stop, letting his hand drop from mine, which forces him to turn around and face me.

“Don’t.” I say to him, and he raises one eyebrow. “Do not let that asshole ruin this. He’s nothing. You are my everything.”

Reaper sighs as he pulls me into his arms and lays his forehead against mine. “I’m sorry, baby. You’re right. It just pisses me off. He sees me and he sees you and I know what he’s thinking.”

“Yeah, he’s thinking what a lucky bastard you are because not only do you have a hot girlfriend, but you’re built like a Greek god.”

Reaper laughs and I relax. “I do have a hot girlfriend. But a Greek god?” He asks, holding me tight as he kisses the top of my head. “I don’t recall seeing too many black Greek statues of gods.”

“That’s because they only had white marble.” I assure him. He chuckles as he shakes his head at my silliness.

When we settle into the boat, Reaper pulls me close. I’m not sure he appreciates our gondolier’s voice as much as I do. But I think it’s very romantic and sweet. When we debark, he leads me through the various stores so we can window shop.

“I want to buy you something.” He tells me as he pulls me into a jewelry shop. My heart stutters at his words and I hesitate. “What’s wrong?” He asks me.

“Um, I don’t need anything.” I tell him. “I wasn’t expecting anything…” While I love Reaper, I know I’m not ready. For sex, hell yeah, but not the wedding ring and wedding. Not yet. I don’t know how to tell him without making him feel like I’m rejecting him.

He gently takes my face in his hands. He takes slow, even breaths. I mimic his breaths until I feel calmer.

“I’m not buying you a ring today. One day. But not today. Ok?” He asks and I try to nod but he still has a hold of my face. “I love you, Ashlyn, and one day I want you to be my wife, but that day is not today and it won’t be tomorrow either. We’re taking this as slow as you need. I only want to buy you a necklace or a bracelet, something to commemorate this day. But we don’t have to go with jewelry. We can buy something else, somewhere else.” He gives me a soft kiss before releasing me and taking my hand.

As my panic attack abates, I know I’m being foolish and panicking for nothing. We look at the necklaces and the bracelets but nothing draws my attention until I see the pendants. Besides religious symbols, I see various Celtic and Nordic designs. But the one I’m drawn to is a platinum Nordic sword. The detail is exquisite. Looking at it, I feel as if someone made it just for me. I turn to tell Reaper I want to see it, but he’s already calling over the sales clerk. A few minutes later, he’s fastening the sword around my neck. It hangs from a platinum chain that he bought to go with it.

“My warrior goddess.” Reaper whispers into my ear.

“Thank you.” I tell him, giving him a kiss as I finger the pendant.

“How about we head over to the hotel and do some gambling before we change for dinner?” Reaper says, taking my hand.

We make our way over to the casino, 1%. According to Reaper, the restaurant, Blacktop, has amazing food. The afternoon flies by as we try our hand at slots, then black jack and finally roulette. I don’t know how much we win, or lose, because I’m too busy having fun while also glaring at the women who keep giving my man lustful glances.

“Good thing I didn’t buy you a real sword.” Reaper says, laughing as he pulls me back into his arms after I make a move toward one woman who will not take a hint.

“I’m right here!” I complain. “Don’t they see we’re together?”

“It doesn’t matter.” Reaper says, trying to placate me. “I only see you. And all the men who keep staring at you.” He growls and I laugh. I glance around and see his point. Two college guys are walking backward with their eyes fixed on me. He doesn’t see the women looking at him, just like I don’t see the guys looking at me. While we gamble, I try a variety of drinks while Reaper sticks to beer.

“I have to use the little girl’s room.” I tell him. We head down the hallway to the nearest restrooms. I duck into mine while Reaper enters his.

As I’m washing my hands, the door opens, and a man enters. My heart races until I realize I recognize him. “Coach Matthews? What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to rescue you.” He tells me, drawing a syringe out of his pocket. “Reverend Jordan sent me to save you.” I scream when he lunges for me.

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: REAPER

Hearing Ashlyn’s scream turns my blood to ice. I slam out of the bathroom to come face-to-face with two guys intent on keeping me from my woman. I land one punch before the other has me in a head-lock. I struggle and land a gut shot with my elbow while kicking the knee of the first guy. As I struggle, I hear a door open and a shout, then I’m free. I turn to see four members of the Shadow Borns holding down my attackers.

“Ashlyn.” I cry out, shoving my way past and into the woman’s restroom, skidding to a halt when I see the sight before me. Ashlyn, standing tall over a man cowering at her feet, turns my dick into a steel rod. Fuck, I’ve seen nothing hotter. She’s breathing heavy, but I think it’s more from anger than exertion. In her right hand is the baton Desdemona gave her, the brass knuckles are on her left. Before I can reach her, Ashlyn brings the baton down again, so it swipes the man’s hand, causing him to cry out.

“Baby.” I say calmly as I feel and hear others enter the room behind me. I glance back and see Trouble along with two of his men. “The others?” I ask them.

“On their way to less comfortable surroundings.” Trouble tells me and I nod, knowing he’s taken them to their version of El Bodego.

Turning my attention back to Ashlyn, I speak soft and slow as I gaze at the wild woman in front of me. “Sweetheart, can you come here? Please.” I can almost see sparks shooting out of her eyes as she glares at the man cowering at her feet.

“What the fuck happened here?” Trouble asks.

---