Nothing matters but the way he makes me feel, the way I feelsafefor the first time in a long time.
And for the first time, I don’t need to run anymore.
Blade’s arms encircle my waist, his chin resting on the top of my head.“You’re going to need a new bed.”
I sigh, looking up at him.“Yes.Is there a furniture store in town?”
“Yep.It’s not big, but if nothing suits you, they can order something in.”
I twist in his arms, placing my hands on either side of his face.“I love you.”
Blade exhales, then pulls me close, kissing me with a fierce passion that leaves me breathless.
“Get your things.We’re going to my place so we can be as loud as we want, and then I’ll take you back to the clubhouse.”Blade’s voice is low, thick with desire, and the promise of what’s to come sends a shiver down my spine.
Not needing to be told twice.I move quickly, grabbing my bag and a few clothes, my heart racing with anticipation.Blade is already halfway to the door, waiting for me, that dark, intense look in his eyes making my pulse spike.
As I step toward him, he catches me by the waist, his fingers trailing down my spine in a slow, deliberate touch.“You’re not getting away that easily,” he murmurs, pulling me close again, his lips grazing my ear.
“I’m not trying to.”
With one final kiss, he takes my hand and leads me to the door, the promise of what’s next hanging between us.
“Wait!I just need to grab some tea and Grace’s food and harness.”
“Hurry.”
“I’ll be two seconds!”
With a growl, he lets me go, and I hurry into the kitchen, grabbing my favorite tea from the counter and everything for Grace.
My mind is in a bit of turmoil as I wonder why Blade made me feel safe.Travis never cared.Travis left when I was broken and needed him the most.And yet, here’s Blade, offering something I never expected from anyone.I glance out the window, something red catching my eye in the wind.Without thinking, I pull back the curtain over the sink, and my breath catches in my throat when I see the heart-shaped balloon floating outside.
“Blade!”I call out, my voice tight with surprise.
He’s by my side in an instant, his gaze following mine as I point toward the window.“Stay here,” he orders, his voice low and commanding.
Blade opens the back door with a smooth, practiced motion, his eyes scanning the area.On the ground, just beneath the window, sits a box of chocolates with a balloon attached to it—red, with a heart-shaped message written in delicate script.
I step forward, my pulse racing as I try to make sense of what I’m seeing.I stammer, my words barely audible.“T-Travis?”
Blade steps closer, his jaw tightening.He shakes his head slowly, his expression unreadable.“I don’t think so.”
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest.“Then who?”
“Doesn’t matter,” Blade says firmly, his hand coming to rest on my shoulder.“Whoever it is, they won’t be getting any answers here.”
I nod, trying to calm the flutter of anxiety in my chest.But the sight of the gift, the balloon, and the strange connection to my past makes it hard to shake the unease crawling under my skin.I want to believe Blade, to trust that this is just some messed-up coincidence, but my thoughts keep drifting back to Travis and the question that’s hanging in the air.
“Let’s go,” Blade says, his voice softer now but still carrying that protective edge.“I’ll take care of this.”
I let him lead me away, trying to push the nagging thoughts aside, but the presence of the gift and the way my past keeps creeping back into my life isn’t something I can easily forget.
“Wait.It could be Travis.”
Blade shakes his head slowly, the calmness in his gaze not matching the anxiety building in my chest.“No, it’s not him.”
I throw my hands in the air, frustration bubbling to the surface.“Okay, Blade, you promised me answers.So, now’s the time.How do you know?”
