Total pages in book: 77
Estimated words: 72421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72421 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
“You know I love you, too.”
“Obviously,” I mumble against his neck, warmth blooming inside my chest at hearing him say those words. It's been a long time since they've been spoken to me. “Because you’re a sociopath with a death wish.” I'm going to get him killed.
“There are things far worse than death.” I lift my head to meet his gaze.
“I would have thought waking up in a hole with a man known for his torture skills would have been one of them.”
"The only person without the last name Marino that went into that hole and came back out."
"Your mom must have been really sure about us since she was the one who had me sent down there." I can't even be mad at her about it. Not with how things played out.
"Maybe you should stick to pretending to be mad about it, or she'll never let us live it down." She might start to regret putting me in her son's sights soon.
"Nah, the razzing around here is pretty epic." It's crazy how much I even like his family now too. I could sit in the kitchen and watch them like a reality show. It's not just their independent family, either. It's all the cousins and aunts and uncles coming and going. There's always a flow of people in and out.
If the rest of the city knew this side of the Marinos, they'd be shocked. At least I know I have been. But it makes sense. This family doesn't run on fear or power over each other. It's run on respect and love. In that, they have the deepest of loyalty and trust. I think that's how the Marino name has stood the test of time when other families with such power have fallen.
"I've been jealous of sharing you with them. I got you all to myself in the cabin, but I can see it in your eyes. You want a family. I'm not going to keep you from that."
"I do want a family. I can't pretend anymore that I enjoy my lone wolf status." I trace my finger down his jaw. “You’re a bit of the lone wolf in this core family.”
“I’m more like my uncles.” Now that, I really can see. War is always stoic, but I wouldn’t call Ronan that, though he might be the deadliest. He is just reserved, paying attention to everything.
“Well, I like who you are. All the different parts. You just, uh—"
“We fit,” he finishes for me when I can’t find the right words.
“We do.” I wiggle in his lap. “Bet we’d fit everywhere,” I tease, or it might not be. I do want Eros inside of me. After today, I know I want him all over me.
Chapter Twenty-Five
EROS
Bonte’s smile is sexy and teasing. She teases me about my own when it’s hers that chips away at the hard edge of the man I have always been, but with her, I’m different. My girl has managed to reach right into my chest, those delicate fingers of hers wrapping around my heart, forcing it to beat only for her.
In such a short time, she has managed to take over my whole world. Before her, I was all work and no play. Well, not all no play. I did enjoy my time in the hole every now and then.
Who knew in such a dark, empty place I’d find her? A girl who has a darkness of her own but still manages to hold a candle to give off light. It could so easily be blown out, but I won’t allow that to happen.
“Bonte.” I cup her face, brushing my thumb back and forth to stroke her cheek. “You know what you’re asking for?”
I want to make sure we’re both real clear at what she’s getting at. I’m hanging on by a thread. It’s been one of the hardest challenges of my life to keep my dick in check around her when often all I can think about is stuffing her full of it. Since the moment I laid eyes on her, I’ve wanted to claim her in all ways.
My girl is right. I am a Neanderthal with all the thoughts I’ve had of rutting on top of her and a million other filthy things. It’s almost maddening how excessive my thoughts have been. Is this what men feel all the time and why they are consistently on the search to get their dicks wet? I might understand that now, but I only want one to wet mine.
She reaches between us, pulling my shirt she’s wearing off and tossing it to the floor, leaving her only in a pair of panties.
“I want you, Eros. You told me you loved me, so now show me.”
That’s all the confirmation I need. I’m not going to give her a reason to change her mind. My hellcat would make it real fucking clear if she didn’t want me inside of her. I shift, taking her with me, pinning her underneath me.