Page 46 of Reaper

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah, I—I just didn’t expect …”

As I watch Reaper play with the kids in the field, I shiver. It’s mid-afternoon, and the sun’s still high overhead, but a chill fills my bones. If he can bring people and animals back from the dead, what else can he do? Is Ace right? Is Reaper some kind of sorcerer?

“Reaper’s been through a lot,” Nina says quietly, her gaze following mine to where he stands. “More than most people could handle. It changed him in ways you can’t understand.”

“I see that now,” I whisper, my thoughts a whirlwind. “I’m going to talk to him about it when we get back to the clubhouse.”

“He’s a good man, Lexi. That’s really all you need to know about him.”

“He’s not a monster, is he?” I say, turning toward Nina.

She shakes her head, her lips curving into a soft smile. “No. There’s a lot of good in him. He just doesn’t see or acknowledge it.”

“I know he’s got a past that would break most men, but there’s something about him … He’s still standing, still fighting.”

“Have faith in him, Lexi,” Nina says, her hand reaching out to squeeze mine reassuringly. “Having faith in each other will get you both through the storm. Hold onto that thought when things get rough.”

“I do have faith in him,” I confess, finding comfort in the truth of my own words.

“Good,” she replies. “You’re going to need it.”

A shout of laughter pulls our attention back to the children. Ace’s eyes are bright with excitement as he plays with the other kids. Seeing him so carefree makes my heart feel lighter. It’s time to go, but I hesitate, reluctant to break the joyful spell.

“Come on, Lexi,” Reaper calls out. “It’s time to head back.”

“Ace, honey!” I call out, waving him over. “We gotta head out now.”

He runs over as fast as his little legs can carry him. “Aw, Mom, do I have to go too? I’m having so much fun with Miss Nina and my friends!” he protests, his lower lip jutting out in the universal child’s plea forJust five more minutes.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. Nina’s happy to have you stay for a few more days,” I assure him.

“Of course,” Nina confirms with a warm chuckle. “I love having the little rascals around. Keeps me young.”

“Thanks, Nina,” I say, sincerely grateful.

“Anytime, Lexi.” Her gaze follows Ace as he dashes back to his friends.

Reaper wraps Nina in a brief, tight hug. “Take care of my boy.”

“I will. Be careful, Reaper,” Nina murmurs, the maternal concern in her voice clear as day.

“Always am,” he replies. But there’s a softness there, an unspoken promise that speaks volumes.

Chapter 18: Lexi

Once we’re back on the road, questions swirl in my mind like the dust we kick up behind us. How exactly did Reaper heal that bird? How and when did he get that ability? Has he always had it?

When we reach the clubhouse, Reaper waits while I slide off the bike. We walk hand in hand through the boisterous clubhouse, ignoring the laughing and drinking prospects.

Once we’re inside his bedroom, the door shuts with a definitive click. Suddenly, it’s just us—no club, no secrets, nothing but the raw connection that always seems to ignite when we’re alone. His eyes hold mine, dark orbs etched with flecks of silver that seem to see right into the depths of my soul.

“I need you,” he breathes out, and the world falls away.

His lips find mine in a slow dance of desire, coaxing rather than demanding. Every brush of his mouth against mine, every deliberate caressof his hands as they roam over my body, tells me how much he cherishes these moments—how much he cherishes me.

“God, Lexi,” he murmurs against my skin. “There’s something about being with you …” His words trail off as if his emotions are too vast to be voiced.

We sink into the bed, our bodies entwining with an intimacy that goes beyond lust. There’s reverence in his touch, a sensual worship that leaves me breathless and longing for more. Our movements are languid, unhurried, as if time itself has slowed to savor the union of two fractured souls finding solace in one another.

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