Writing Dirty (BTU Alumni, #5)

by Alley Ciz

“No matter how big or small, you came to me if you needed anything.” I kiss up and down her neck. “You trust me because I’ve always been your shelter in the storm.”

Aren’t you two SOOO funny. Keep that shit up, Ty, and maybe I won’t tell you that our dear sweet Hook here finally made a move on his Tinker Bell.

You act like I don’t see you with your shirt off A LOT. Did you really think I wouldn’t spot the silhouette of Tinker Bell hidden in the ink on your shoulder?

“Oh, good point,” Skye concedes, leaning forward to rest her elbows on her knees. “So, Madz, tell us—did you Jolly your Hook’s Roger?” “Now that’s a good one.” “Oh yeah.”

“Turn your phone off all you want, Madz. You’re a Covenette—you know you can’t hide from a Coven Conversation.” This is true, but I much prefer one of the guys being the topic of them, thank you very much. Strong arms wrap around my middle, tugging me back until I feel that chest I just want to lick along my back. The scent of the sea has my eyes closing to properly breathe him in. “You’re telling me our girl here was kissing and telling?”

“How are the dogs?” Paul asks before grunting, obviously still in the middle of changing the tire.

Oh oh. Pauls the stalker?

Relax. She’s with Paul. He’s a cop—he’ll be able to protect her if anything happens. That’s just it though…it’s my job to keep Maddey safe.

It’s accepting their weirdness just because. It’s knowing when to push and when to not, being able to read each other and give them what they need. Holy motherfucking shit-balls. I love Dex. I’m in love with Dex.

“Hook.” I try to shout, but my throat feels like it was scraped with razor blades. I don’t care about the pain. I need him. “Hook! Hook!” Tears stream down my face and the heart monitor beeps out of control while I continue to yell for Dex. Then finally, finally, coming in behind a doctor in dark blue scrubs and a white lab coat, rushing into the room, he’s there, filling the doorway with his large form.

“Paul is dead. Justin shot him when his gun went off, and he and Jack are fine. They are dealing with all the fallout and paperwork.”

“I love you.”

“You love me?” he asks. My eyes cross trying to hold eye contact, and I nod. “You’re in love with me?” Another nod. “You want me to put my ring on your finger?” “And your babies in my belly…if your boys are able to handle it after my electrocution,” I add cheekily, because he still won’t kiss me. “Fucking hell, Tink.” There it is. “Kiss me, Hook.”

“I’m going to give you the best damn happily ever after you’ve ever seen.”

“So what do you say, Tink?” I place the ring in front of her finger. “Why don’t you let me explore this whole new world with you and marry me?” Tears fall from her eyes, and she gives me a watery smile. My heart is in my throat as I wait for her answer. Trident, less patient than me, smacks our joined hands with a paw. “You approve of Hook as a dad, bud?” Why am I not surprised she’s deferring to the dog? Woof! Woof! Yup, definitely buying him the biggest bone at the store. “Come on, baby. Say yes. Be my forever happy thought.”

“I’ve been waiting a lifetime for you, Tink.” My eyes fall shut as he cups me behind the head and strokes a thumb across my cheek. I love these moments where he’s possessive yet gentle. “Even when we fought it, you were always mine and I was always yours.”