Page 78 of Tabitha

To touch them whenever I’m lonely.

Someone to confide in when I’m troubled.

People to love when life goes bad, which it inevitably will.

I’m so tired of being alone, struggling to keep my head above water. Before Pierce, I was barely treading water. I want to know what it feels like to have the whole fantasy, even if it’s just for a little while. I’ll give them everything—they won’t give me a choice—even if it breaks my heart in the end.

I swallow hard, hope and fear a giddy mixture, and answer him cautiously. “If you really want to give this a try, then we’ll need a list, rules on what’s allowed or things could easily go bad.”

The words are barely out of my mouth when Bast scoops me off the counter and kisses me like he’s trying to devour me. It’s all passion and hunger, and I’m swept away by emotions that I don’t usually allow myself to feel. The smell of him is slightly spicy, mixed with teakwood, and hunger for more floods my system.

When he drags his mouth away and lifts his head, I want to climb higher and demand he return to his task. A thrill goes through me at the feel of his arms around me and the ease in which he carries my weight. Despite my worries about the future, I know he would never let me fall.Protect and honoris built into his DNA.

“We’ll finish this tonight.” His heated eyes are full of promise, and I let myself believe in the beautiful future he is building. If we’re going to crash and burn, it won’t because I held back. “We’ll talk with the others when we return and go over the rules needed for this type of relationship. For now, we need to catch up to them before they find any trouble.”

An icy chill snakes down my spine, dousing the desire, and I sigh as he gently lowers me to the floor. My legs wobble for a second, and I immediately miss the feel of him between my thighs. I debate asking him if he could give me an orgasm really quick to take off the edge, then I sigh and head for the door, calling over my shoulder, “Fine…but you’re going to have to make up for the orgasms you just denied me.”

A choked laugh nearly causes him to wheeze, then his hand touches my lower spine before slipping possessively to my ass. “Challenge accepted.”

His low, husky voice leaves me shivering, and my nipples instantly harden.

Fuck! If that’s what he can do with just his voice, I can’t wait to find out what the rest of him can do.

As we climb into the truck, I’m tempted to close the distance between us, my hands itching to explore every inch of him and discover what makes him growl with lust. I don’t, because Bast is correct. The guys get into almost as much trouble as me, if that’s possible.

Later, I promise myself.

I thought Banks was joking about the town fair, but as we drive into town, the streets are flooded with booths and people. The mood is festive, but a darker tone lingers underneath, like it would take just one spark for the whole place to explode in violence.

I can’t help but search every corner and street for my father. I’m not sure that I want to see him again, but not knowing where he’s staying is almost worse.

We take a side road and park behind one of the stores. Bast turns off the truck and climbs out, but I linger in the cab, my skin prickling painfully at the thought of mingling with so many people.

I’m so lost in thought that when the door is wrenched open, I give an embarrassing girly yelp. Before I can tear a strip off his hide, Bast cups my face and presses his forehead against mine. Without conscious thought, my hand comes to rest on his chest, and it’s not long before our breaths sync.

“You don’t like crowds?” He lifts his head, concern darkening his gaze.

I grimace that he can read me so easily, then shrug. “I don’t like people watching me. Or touching me. Or speaking to me.” Pausing, I give him a wry look. “I just don’t like people.”

With a chuckle, he steps back and offers me a hand, helping me down from the truck. “I can help with part of that.”

I glance up at him in curiosity, but he just drags me around the side of the building. We stop at the opening of the alley, then he smirks down at me. “One good thing comes with my size—intimidation. When people see me coming, they’re the ones who move out of the way or risk being trampled. Stay at my side, or if you feel pressured, step behind me and slip your hand in my belt loop so we don’t get separated.”

I eye him skeptically, but he just waits for me to nod before merging into the crowd.

And damn if he isn’t correct.

The crowd takes one look at him and fucking parts like the goddamned Red Sea.

While thankful, I can’t contain my jealousy and glare up at the big lug. “What fucking bullshit sorcery is this, and how can I get it?”

Bast tips back his head and roars with laughter, and I narrow my eyes on his massive form, unable to contain my jealousy. “Spinach,” I mutter, remembering something I saw on television once. “I bet you ate a lot of fucking spinach when you were growing.”

Which only makes him laugh harder.

And as much as I want to stay mad, there’s something contagious about his husky laughter.

Before we can find the rest of the guys, I spot Banks heading our way through the crowd.

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