“I texted a friend of mine. He just got here. He’s going to board the door up for the night and make sure the back door is able to be locked. He’ll be back in the morning to do real fixes.”
“Thank you.” I don’t fight him on this. For once I’m going to lean on him and let him do things his way.
“Let me have a word with the cops for a moment before they leave.” He slips me off his lap, putting me back into the other chair before he steps out of my office. I can see him talking to a few of the officers.
They already knew who he was when they arrived earlier. I swear Miles knows everyone or always has someone who can handle something. He’s a man of many trades clearly.
I let out a yawn, exhaustion finally hitting me. I must be coming down from the adrenaline rush. I think about my bed upstairs, not wanting to be in it. I don’t want to be here and alone while we sleep. Even the thought has my heart speeding up again.
I was thinking Miles was going to ask me to come with him, but he hasn't yet. Stop being prideful and just ask, I tell myself. I know he wants me there. He wouldn't mind Ryan either. He gets we are a package deal. A few minutes later, Miles is back in my office.
“Are you ready? Everything here has been handled.” I take his hand, and he pulls me up from the chair.
“Do you think we can stay with you?” I ask.
“Of course,” he says instantly.
“Okay. I think I got everything E might need. She always wears the same shit.” Ryan walks in with two giant bags and his backpack.
I give Miles a look, but he only smiles. I can’t help but return it. This is temporary. We’re so not moving in with him. That’s the plan.
Miles clearly has his own.
Chapter Thirteen Miles
Ryan deserves more than a loaner car. I’m going to have to take him shopping as a reward. I’ll tell Eden the car is mine until she’s ready to accept the reality that she’s mine, and that means I get to shower her and Ryan with gifts.
Violet shows no surprise when I arrive home with Eden, Ryan, and their bags.
“You didn’t bring much,” she observes.
“We’re only staying the night,” declares Eden.
“Sure.” Violet doesn’t believe her because she knows me. I gather up the bags and tell her to lead the way.
“The rooms are kind of bland,” Violet admits as we enter the first one that will be Ryan’s. “Very hotel like.”
I toss his bag onto the beige comforter. “You’ll have to make it your own,” I suggest to him. “Put some posters up. Throw socks on the floor. You’ll need a desk.”
“But we’re not staying long,” interjects Eden.
I ignore her and hand Ryan my card. “Either order one from some internet site or give this person a call. She’s a decorator.”
“I can work on the floor.”
“We’re only here for a day,” Eden reminds us yet again.
Violet’s growing concerned about the adamant stance Eden is taking. As for me, I figure it’s
part of the shock and fear caused by the man in her place.
“This room needs a desk anyway, Ryan. You’d be doing us a favor. Isn’t that right, Violet?”
“Absolutely. Like I said, these rooms are soulless. If you add some personal touches, it will save me money from hiring a designer.”
“Me? Help you save money?”
Violet nods vigorously. “Yes. I’ve been thinking about bringing someone in to fix up these rooms, but now that I have you I won’t need to do that. Your budget is fifty grand and not a penny more. I’ll expect receipts and everything. Don’t buy anything cheap. It won’t go with the rest of the house. Come on, Eden. This is your room.” Violet sweeps out, leaving behind a somewhat shell-shocked Ryan and a confused Eden. I use the opportunity to hustle Eden along.
“Here’s your room. It’s identical to Ryan’s.”
She spins around, taking in the beige comforter, the pale walls, the prim chairs, and the low, round table situated next to the window that exactly mirrors the setup in Ryan’s room.
“Like I said,” Violet repeats, “soulless.”
“Should I put up posters and throw around my dirty socks, too?” Eden is still skeptical.
“If it makes you feel at home, yes,” I answer.
Eden shakes her head. “Where do the stairs outside my room lead?”
This time it’s Violet’s turn to roll her eyes. “His room.” She jerks her thumb at me.
Eden’s eyes widen.
“It’s just how the house was built,” I say innocently. Ideally, she’ll be in my room. These were rooms for the kids we would have in the future. The stairway access would make it easy for us to respond to any issues they may have at night. I feel that information wouldn’t be helpful right now.
“And where do you stay, Violet?” Eden asks.
“There’s a guest house on the other side of the pool. The pool’s heated so you can swim anytime. I forgot to tell Ryan that. Make yourself at home. I’ll see you in the morning.”
Violet closes the door, leaving Eden and me alone. In two strides, I have her in my arms.
“Sweetheart, let me shoulder some of your burden.”
“I don’t know,” she says into my chest. “It doesn’t seem right.”
“My sister depends on me. Are you saying that’s not right?”
“No. Not at all, but she’s your sister.”
“And you are mine now as well.” I tip her chin up. “Give yourself a break. Just for tonight.”
I claim her mouth, not allowing her to protest. Fire licks up my spine. My cock turns rock hard.
