Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
TWENTY-EIGHT
PIPER
“Oh my gosh, you are a lifesaver, Piper Whittman. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you today. Somehow it was busier today than it was yesterday, and I was not expecting that.”
Emery’s cheeks pinked as she worked through her closing procedures, shaking her head as if she couldn’t comprehend the number of people who had walked through Ivy Thread’s door today.
Kane walked by and gave her a gentle smack on her ass. “Word got out that my Em-Girl is amazing, that’s why.”
I pretended like I didn’t notice the act, that I wasn’t paying attention, but it was difficult to ignore all the PDA since the man couldn’t keep his hands off her.
She swatted at him, though it was in pure affection. “People just don’t want to have to drive all the way into the city to shop for the holidays, so they’re coming here.”
“That’s called a good business plan,” I told her as I restocked the fabric shopping bags under the counter.
“That’s right,” Kane agreed. “My girl’s wicked smart.”
A humble sort of pride filled Emery’s features, a wistful grace riding out with her hushed words as she paused to take in the store. “I think Emmalee would have approved.”
Kane slowed, not immune to the soft wave of sadness that rolled from her. He wrapped his arms around her from behind. His voice was just as soft. “Yeah, Little Warrior. She absolutely would approve. Think she’s looking down in amazement right now. So fuckin’ proud of you. I know I am.”
I dipped my gaze and busied my hands, not sure I could stand under all the sweetness.
How were these men who were so menacing on the outside—cut with a current of violence that I couldn’t fathom was only a vibe and not certifiable—so thoughtful?
But I’d witnessed it constantly with Kane.
Had witnessed it last night.
The way River and Otto treated Charleigh and Raven.
As if they were treasures.
Gifts.
Clearly their queens.
And Theo…
I tried to clamp my thoughts off before they spiraled in a direction I couldn’t let them.
Wistful air huffed from Emery’s nose, and she rested her head against Kane’s shoulder for a few moments before she untangled herself from his hold.
“Alright, I think we should be set. Why don’t we call it and get back to our littles? I know Maci is going to be anxious for me to get home, and I’m sure Finn has to be anxious, too.”
Warmth billowed in my chest. “Yeah, I’m sure he is. We’re supposed to decorate a Christmas tree tonight.”
That felt like an impossibility.
A dream.
Fiction that for a little while we were living.
Of course, I needed to somehow figure out how to get to a store and get decorations, but I was determined to make it happen.
“Oh my gosh. There is nothing better than a little one decorating a tree. The sheer joy of it.” Awe filled her features, her smile tipping in affection as she continued, “Maci demanded that Kane bring one home the day after Thanksgiving. She might be a little eager.”
“And what my girls demand, my girls get,” Kane said, grinning wide.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket, and I pulled it out at the same time as Emery grabbed hers from where it sat on the counter.
Raven
Hey, you sexy bitches. My place tomorrow at 4. Bring a dish to share. This includes you, Piper Poo! We want to meet Finn!
Excitement filled Emery’s expression as she glanced up at me as she typed.
Emery
Best plan ever.
Disquiet gusted through my insides. Was it the best idea? Or was I just setting us all up to get our hearts broken?
Raven
Do you even know me? I have all the best plans.
Unknown
I concede to the fact. I love this idea. Nolan is going to be so excited! This is Charleigh, BTW, Piper. Save it and use it.
My heart palpitated, and I felt Emery peering over at me as I hesitated, not sure what to say. If I should give in or put the walls back up around us.
No doubt, Emery sensed my panic because she whispered, “You belong there.”
My eyes pinched at the corners, and the truth was flowing out before I gave it permission to. “I’m not sure I belong anywhere.”
Something passed through Kane’s eyes.
Something dark and ferocious that still somehow amounted to care. “Everyone belongs somewhere, Piper. All of us, even when we don’t trust the path to get us there.”
Tapping suddenly thudded against the glass pane of the door. We’d locked it when we closed.
I looked in that direction.
My chest squeezed when I found Theo standing on the other side of it.
My entire being flailed in that direction, stretching out for him as if I were lost in a dark sea and he was a buoy rather than realizing that this man was an abyss that would only lead to my destruction.