Page 42 of Bone's Destiny

“It’s not like I’ve been saving myself for the man I’ll marry. Marriage isn’t something I’m interested in. Besides, it would take a really special person to overlook my past.”

“Pretty lady, anyone would be lucky to have you. You’re kind, caring, and gorgeous.”

“And a spectacular cock sucker,” I teased but again, he didn’t find me amusing.

“Shit, I feel like an asshole.”

“You’re not.” I kissed his cheek and down his neck where he had burn scars from when he rescued his brother from a burning building. “Will you be my first?”

“If you want me to be, I will. Whenever you’re ready, you take the lead, and I’ll follow.”

That was sweet music to my ears. “Thank you! Let’s go shower. You can finish your breakfast, and I’ll return the favor.”

He stared at me with a look I hadn’t seen before. “I’ll race you.” He flipped me off him and jumped off the bed.

I burst into giggles and ran after him.

How did I get so lucky to be kidnapped by Micah? Dare I believe it was fate that had brought us together?

17

Bone

“She doesn’t look traumatized anymore,” Espada muttered as we watched Destiny open every cabinet and drawer in the gourmet kitchen. He was the first person I wanted her to meet. I didn’t want to overwhelm her, introducing all the guys at once.

“No, she’s not. She bounces back from situations fast.” I’d never forget the look on her face when she saw it for the first time—priceless.

“No thanks to you, am I right, ese?” Espada wiggled his dark eyebrows. What the fuck was he getting at? “I’ve heard y’all from down the hallway. Sounds like you two got it going on.”

Hell yeah, we did. With Destiny, I didn’t think about all the shit going on in Fargo. “We’ve been getting to know each other.”

“Been bonding and shit, have you? Gotta say I’m surprised.” He elbowed me as we leaned against the island.

“Why?” What was this guy getting at? Did he not think Destiny was hot and sexy? Did I want my crew drooling over her? Absolutely not. I stared at Destiny’s ass as she bent over. My hands tingled with desire, wanting to squeeze her flesh and rip off her clothes.

“I just mean, if it were me, I’d worry she wasn’t really into me. Ever hear of Stockholm Syndrome?”

“Not sure.” I thought for a moment, trying to recall the term. It didn’t ring a bell.

Destiny opened the fridge door and gasped, all cute and shit. “I’m surprised to see milk and eggs in here.”

“When you get done with this kitchen, I expect it to be well-stocked,” I told her with a wink.

“You have nothing to worry about.” She went back to writing items on her notepad.

“Good.” I nodded, then whispered to Espada, “So what’s that syndrome?”

“It’s where the hostage develops a bond with the captor, maybe even falls in love because they’re messed up.”

“That’s not what’s going on here.” Destiny and I were only friends…with benefits.

“I’m sure you’re right.” He didn’t sound convinced, which made me doubt myself.

The side door opened, and Cash entered. “The chicks are here. Oh.” He saw Destiny and blocked the doorway.

“It’s fine.” I waved him in.

“Come on in, ladies.” He nodded to the four interviewees.

---