Page 30 of Little Bird (Advantage Play 3)

“And what if it doesn’t?”

“Then I kill anyone who tries to touch you, and we escape through the back door where I have a Plan B set up. Just in case.”

“Just in case?”

I look up to find him smiling softly. “Yeah. Just in case. I’ve got you, Little Bird. I promise.”

With a sigh, I tighten my hold on his waist, squeezing him extra hard. “Alright, Dex. I trust you. What do you need from me?”

Releasing his hold, he tickles the oily strands of my hair that hang past my shoulders. “I need you to shower. No offense, babe, but when was the last time you bathed?” His nose wrinkles dramatically, and I laugh, smacking him in the chest.

“Sorry about the hygiene issue, jackass. I’ve been a little tied up, if you know what I mean.”

Throwing his head back, he joins in, shaking his head and laughing deeply. “Well, I think it’s time we fix that. Don’t you?”

My eyes light up at the prospect, making me almost forget the screwed up situation I’m blindly diving into. “Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

“And what do you think I’m saying?” he jests, tucking a strand of greasy hair behind my ear.

“You mean I get to shower? Please say yes.” Lifting my hands up, I put my palms together and pretend to beg. “Seriously, I’d kill for a shower. I’ll do anything. Please, please, please!”

“Anything?” he teases, quirking his brow.

I lift onto my tiptoes and give him a slow, sensual kiss with a hint of promise. Smirking mischievously, I add, “Anything.”

Not even bothering to hide his groan, he grips my ass and tugs me closer. A soft gasp escapes me when I feel how hard he is. How ready. “If only, Little Bird. When this is all over, I’m making you pay up. But for now, let’s get you that shower.”

While I’m disappointed that I have to practice some patience, I can’t stop the squeal that erupts at the opportunity to wash my hair.

“Yes! Do I get a razor too? Pleeease? I’m dying, Dex. For real…this is miserable.”

“Yeah, Little Bird. You get a razor too. I even brought….” He eyes me wickedly, “Conditioner.”

“Ooo…talk dirty to me.”

“And a loofah.”

“Bow-chica-bow-wow,” I sing before throwing my arms around his shoulders and bringing him closer for another kiss, giggling when he nibbles my neck playfully in return. The glimpse I’m given of how we could be if we weren’t in this messed-up situation is bittersweet, and I say a silent prayer that I’ll get the chance to experience this side of him for more than a few stolen moments. I’d give anything for it.

When he backs away, I can see the sincerity in his irises, and I know that whatever he’s about to say is coming from the heart, and it won’t involve the innocent teasing from two minutes ago. I guess it’s time to get back to reality, though I wish we could stay in the world of teasing, and giggling, and smiles, and carefree joy. I had forgotten what that was like before meeting Dex.

He makes me feel alive.

“Let’s get through this, Regina. As soon as we do, I promise to treat you like the princess you are.”

I want to cry at his declaration, but I hold back my tears, knowing they’ll only put more pressure on him to fulfill his promise when I know we can’t control what our future holds.

“As long as I have you, Dex, then I don’t think I need anything else.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Dex

The drive to one of Burlone’s estates a few miles away is short and quick. I can’t take my eyes off the other passion fruit’s busted up face, though. Sure, they tried to cover it up with some makeup and shit, but I can still see the marks.

“You okay?” I ask in a gruff voice with a glance in my rearview mirror. The windows are tinted to hide any onlookers from seeing them in the backseat of my black Audi, but I’m not sure it would matter much, anyway. We’ve already beaten them into submission. After all, that’s one of Burlone’s greatest selling points compared to his competitors. When they purchase fruit from him, they’re purchasing docile fruit. He makes sure of it.

She doesn’t answer me, confirming my suspicion that she’s nothing but a walking corpse.

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