Page 72 of Wicked Devotion
But blaming her is easier than blaming myself. I am weak. I fell for her, for her constant search for affection, for love, where there isn’t any to give. Not knowing when to stop is her fault, yes, but I was the one who let her push deeper and deeper.
And somewhere along the way, she really became mine. Mine, like Max and all the other demons I carry.
The others are splayedout on Ruby’s outdoor couch as they watch the sunset. I decide to do the same but at a safe distance, from the recliner in the living room, and with a glass of whiskey in hand.
When the sun finally dips beneath the horizon, and there are barely any drops left in my glass, I get up and walk out on the terrace.
There’s a heated discussion going on about whether peanut butter and runny eggs belong on a burger, and I only came out here to pick up Lily, but I am physically unable not to comment on it.
“Someone who knows his shit would focus on the meat instead of trying to distract from its taste.”
“Yeah, but what about cheese?” Charlie asks, and Max groans.
“I’m gonna get back to your question later,” I say, not surprised that it’s Hunter who gets me. Coincidentally the same person sharing looks with me when some of the others eat their goddamn steak with ketchup.
“Thank you, Charlie,” Max says, and Charlie pulls his legs up to avoid Max kicking him.
I walk up behind Lily, sliding my fingers up her arm until I can wrap my hand around the back of her neck.
“You’re coming with me,” I say, and she nods before she gets up.
“And you’re going to sit back down,” I add when Max stands up alongside her. His cheeks are a bit red, and I make a mental note to remind him to use sunscreen tomorrow.
The way my hand rests on Lily’s neck may look caring. Affectionate, even. She’s good at hiding the bruising nature of my touch, and her smile is unfaltering as I lead her to the bedroom.
“Changed your mind about having a talk?” she asks once we’re alone.
“No. I didn’t like the fit you threw earlier. You disrespected me in front of the others. This better not happen again.”
Ruby also hit me really fucking hard, and I’m pretty sure there’s already a bruise forming on my arm.
“It won’t happen again. I promise.”
“Just like you promised to be good when Max and I were gone?”
Lily lowers her gaze, worrying her bottom lip.
“So… Am I in trouble?” I stay silent and wait for her to answer her question herself. “I mean, I did a thing or two to get me in trouble.”
“Glad to see your brain is working again.” I sigh.
“I am sorry, Logan. I am really, really, sorry.”
“Don’t just say it, sweetheart. Show me.”
She sinks down on her knees, but I pull her back up. “Not like this.”
Confused, she puts her hands in her pockets to keep herself from reaching out to me.
“You fucked up, so you get a…”
“Punishment.”
“And sucking my cock is a…?”
“Reward?” she says quietly, and when her tongue darts out to wet her lips, I’m tempted to make an exception.
“See, that wasn’t hard.” I walk over to the couch and sit down. Spreading my thighs, I shift my hips and clear my throat. “Now strip.”
