His hand rubbing circles on my back stills momentarily. “Me either, little thief,” he returns equally as softly. “Have you eaten?”
“No, my stomach was a mess.”
“Let’s eat, shower, and head to bed. I think we’re both exhausted.” He gives me one more squeeze, then helps me to my feet.
When we get to the kitchen, he instructs me to sit at the bar, then warms up leftovers for us. Once we’re done, we shower together. Tommy undresses me, then insists on washing me from top to bottom with immaculate reverence. Every touch is a benediction. Every caress, an ode. He worships my body, and though he’s hard as a rock the entire time, he never makes any of the exchange sexual. And when I’m aroused beyond comprehension and try to take him in my hand to encourage him, he withdraws from my touch.
“Not tonight, Dani,” he says in a voice ravaged by desire. “It wouldn’t be right.”
I don’t fully understand since I’m telling him with my touch that it is alright—everyone is safe—enjoying a physical release isn’t inappropriate. But that hardly feels like something I should argue about. If he’s not comfortable, then I won’t push him.
He towels us both dry and minutes later, we’re snuggled in bed. He doesn’t even check his gun or the blinds a single time. Every ounce of his attention is focused on me, and I’ve never felt more cherished.
I wake confused.The sun shines into the room, yet Tommy is still here with me. When I lift my head to get a look at him, I see that he’s wide awake.
“What’s going on?” I ask in a voice husky with sleep.
“Nothing, why?”
“You didn’t work out.” I scoot closer and curl into his side, my head resting close to his shoulder.
“There’s a lot going on today. I thought it would be nice to enjoy the morning with you.” He trails a hand down my arm. “Though, I will say that my resolve was wavering. If you didn’t wake up in approximately one minute and thirty-five seconds, I was going to have to wake you up. I couldn’t lie here any longer.”
I grin sleepily. “That’s more like my Tommy.”
My Tommy?
I’m too groggy for a filter. The words simply slipped out, and I only realize that’s how I feel once they’re in the air for both of us to hear.
Tommy squeezes me gently. “And on that note, we should get moving.”
“Why? We have somewhere to be?”
“I made you a promise, remember? It’s time to go see your mom and grandmother.”
“Oh! Right.” I sit up and rub my eyes, dumbfounded that I could possibly forget something so important. My motivation ignited. I’m dressed and ready to go in record time. Tommy makes us a quick plate of eggs, then we’re on our way.
The smile etched into my face is so ingrained that it doesn’t even waver when we pull up to an ancient little church sandwiched between two giant buildings. “Is this where they’re staying?”
“This is where we’re meeting them,” he explains.
I realize that’s probably much safer than going to their place and possibly leading Biba’s men to them. I’m so glad Tommy thinks of that sort of thing. I truly feel safe in his hands.
The blackened stone exterior of the church shows its years of wear, but the inside is magical—even more so with gorgeous bouquets of fresh white flowers all around. Someone must be getting married. I’m struck by the oddity that we would decide to meet them here if there’s going to be a ceremony soon, but figure we don’t have to stay long. Seeing Mom and Gran at all is a selfish treat. I could have done with a call, but this way, I get to give them hugs, and that is too much to pass up.
As though hearing my thoughts, my two most favorite women on this planet round the corner and come into view. I launch myself at them. We hug and cry in a tangle of limbs and I love yous.
Eventually, we pull away but still clasp hands. None of us is ready to relinquish our hold on one another quite yet. I look them both over joyfully. “You two look lovely—so dressed up today!”
Mom quirks her head and shoots me a funny look. “Of course, we’re dressed up. What did you think I’d wear for your wedding?”
My wedding?
I study their twin expressions of confusion, prompting Tommy’s words to replay in my head.
I will get your grandmother back and keep the two of them safe, and you will marry me immediately after.
I look over my shoulder at the flowers leading into the chapel, then back at Mom and Gran.
