Page 129 of Ruling Scar
“We’ll pick a place with a patio and take Albert.”
Roma pulls me into a hug, clapping my shoulder. “I’m headed out, but call me if you need anything.”
I shut the door behind him, waiting until I hear the familiar purr of his engine.
Then I trail softly up the stairs, pausing on the landing. Nat doesn’t shut Leonora’s door all the way, noticing me.
She passes with a smile, creeping toward a room I suspect is Adeline’s.
The room is silent and dark. It feels like the childhood version of Leonora despite her officially living here after her college days. Though, that’s about to be a thing of the past. She’ll move in with me the moment she’s got her head wrapped around everything.
There’s no way in hell she’ll be far from me again. She’ll wake up and go to sleep every day in my bed. I’ll even allow Albert to sleep on her side, but only because I know it makes her so damn happy to pet the furball first thing in the morning.
I slip under the covers, trying not to stir her, not that it matters. She’s pretending to be asleep.
Pulling her close, her back meets my chest and my chin rests against the top of her head. My arm wraps around her waist, needing to feel every inch of her skin without alarming her. My cock stirs, not understanding the need to be delicate tonight.
One of her legs moves under the bedcovers, the sheets rustling. She holds onto me tightly and I do the same with her.
“Can we get a cat now?” she asks in the dark and I smile.
Epilogue One
LENNIE
New Year’s Eve
It used to be I didn’t leave my house after dark. But it’s New Year’s Eve and I’ve got places to be.
Abe and Bennie throw a party every year, though, it doesn’t take much for Abe to put something together. As crabby as he pretends to be, he’s a natural party planner, seamlessly decorating, handing out invites, and putting together the liquor and food.
Fujimori’s glows, the only business on the street currently open. The window gives a snapshot of how crowded it already is.
Elijah holds out his hand, waiting for me to climb out of the car. I suggested taking public transport but he insisted.
“Wait.” I yank my hand back, feeling strands falling out of my bun. Elijah bought me another pearl French comb and I want it to be perfect considering how much time I spent wrangling my hair.
He spins me around, gentle fingers tugging at strands. Then he presses a kiss to my neck, making my toes curl. If others couldn’t watch us through the window I’d throw myself at him right here.
I grab his hand again, pulling it close, and he smiles wide. His real smile. The one I love most of all.
Though, his wicked smirks aren’t always bad.
The bell over the door rings and I quickly pull off my coat, not needing it with all the bodies.
Ren throws her hands up, her hair wild around her. She pulls me into a hug, her enthusiasm swarming me. “Guess what, guess what, guess what!”
“What?”
She nearly squeals. “We got a jukebox!”
It’s up against the wall and Ren claps her hands, kicking one foot up behind her. How much has she had to drink? Abe needs to come hound her about drinking more water.
“When did that get here?” I ask. She’s tried to convince Abe to get one for a year now.
“This morning.” She stares dreamily at the machine.
“Is it everything you’d hoped it be?”
