Page 70 of Dancin' with Demons

Trickster shakes his head. “Nah. Cat wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Good idea. Here’s to hopin’ she still wants to be my ol’ lady after this shit.”

Trickster scoffs. “If you think she might not, you’re the stupid one. That woman’s been hell on wheels without you. I didn’t know she had it in here to be so fuckin’ mean. Especially the last few days.”

For the rest of the drive, I try to think of ways to apologize to both my girls. I know Raylynn said the day I got arrested that she wasn’t mad, but bein’ gone a week is still too long for either of us. A shower is the first thing on my agenda, then figurin’ out how to make this up to ‘em.

By the time Trickster pulls into the clubhouse and we step inside, I’m actually nervous. Thankfully, the brothers give me a very loud welcome home and ease some of that. The last one to come up to me is Catacomb.

“Welcome back,” he says as he hugs me and claps me on the back.

“Thanks,” I say. “Where’s my woman?”

“Your room,” he says. “Her and Savior went back a few minutes ago because Savior needs a nap. She’s been cranky today.”

“Aight, well, I’m gonna go see ‘em. Can we talk later?”

Catacomb smiles. “Go be with ‘em. Everythin’ else can wait a while, brother.”

Headin’ back to our room, I pause outside the door for a second before gettin’ my keys out and unlockin’ the door. Quietly, I step inside to find the livin’ room empty. Movin’ down the small hallway toward Savior’s room, though, Moana comes from her television, and for a few moments when I step into the doorway, neither of ‘em notices me. I take the time to just watch ‘em as they lay together, starin’ at the television.

“Daddy!” Savior yells once she notices me and scrambles off the bed. “You’re home!” She jumps at me and I catch her, pullin’ her up so I can hug her.

“Hey, little one,” I say softly, holdin’ her against me. “Did you miss me?”

She nods hard against my shoulder. “Yes. Bunches.”

When I finally set her down, she yawns. “Take your nap, okay? When you get up, we can order somethin’ for dinner.”

“Okay,” she says as she heads back to the bed. I follow her and Raylynn gets up to let me tuck her in. “Ren-Ren?”

“Yeah, babygirl?”

“Can I call you Daddy now?”

Ugh, this kid fuckin’ kills me. “Sweetheart, you can call me whatever you want.” Kneelin’ next to her bed, I hug her tightly.

“Love you, Daddy,” she whispers before I lay her down and pull her blanket up.

“Love you, too, little one.” Gettin’ up, I head to our bedroom across the hall from Savior’s and find Raylynn pullin’ a pair of my sweats and one of my tank top undershirts out to lay on the bed. “What you doin’, little love?”

“Figured you might want a shower,” she says softly.

“Definitely do, but maybe you can let me kiss you first.” Raylynn comes over, stoppin’ in front of me, and tears swim in the bottom of her eyes. “Ah, damn it, baby. I’m so sorry.”

Raylynn shakes her head and steps closer. “Don’t. These aren’t sad tears or upset tears. These are I-fuckin’-missed-you-and-realize-how-much-I-really-love-you tears.”

Grabbin’ either side of her face, I bring my lips to hers. She tastes like fuckin’ heaven, and all I can think about is needin’ her closer. Movin’ one hand to her lower back, I pull her toward me so her body is pressed against mine. Her hands fist my shirt against my chest as her tongue moves in sync with mine.

“I love you, Ray,” I whisper breathlessly as I rest my forehead on hers, “and one day real soon, I’m gonna marry you.”

She chuckles, runnin’ her fingers through the side of my beard. “Can’t wait.” Takin’ a step back, she grins as she steps over to grab my clothes and hold ‘em out to me. “Now, shower.”

I try not to take long, but jail showers don’t really get anyone clean, and the hot water is barely warm at best. I end up spendin’ damn near forty minutes under the water, scrubbin’ my damn skin until I actually feel clean. After I’m dressed, I head into the livin’ room and flop on the couch next to Ray. It feels so good to have her snuggle next to me while we stare at the Food Network on the television.

With my arm around Raylynn’s shoulder, I bring my other hand up and rest my palm gently against the side of her face so that she turns her head in my direction. Just as I press my lips to hers, there’s a knock at the door, and I growl, makin’ her laugh.

“Go away,” I snap, bringin’ my lips back to hers.

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