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Yes, the Tin Kings had reputations as womanizers and criminals, but they were hot as hell. One in particular had played a role in my teenage fantasies, back in the days when I’d lived in Clifton Forge and seen him around town on his motorcycle.
“What should we call you?” he asked, the timbre soaking deep into my bones, melting the marrow. “W-what do you mean?” Oh, hell. A stutter. Really? I was officially the lamest female in this bar. “A nickname. I’m not calling you Red. How about”—Leo snapped his fingers—“Firecracker?”
“I’m, um . . . I’m not much for fireworks. Boring, remember?” He grinned. “Maybe you haven’t met anyone who knows how to light the fuse.”
“How would you light the fuse?” By some miracle, my voice was steady. Leo leaned in close, his piercing pale eyes darkening. “With my tongue.”
“Pick a car, Firecracker.” “What?” I giggled. “Pick a car.” “Why?” “Just pick one.” I scanned the parking lot. A shiny black sports car caught my eye in the back row, its clean paint catching the orange and blue glow from the bar’s sign. “That one.” He’d fucked me against that car. In the dark of night, where anyone who came out could stumble on us, I’d let Leo inside. After that, we’d piled into my car and I’d followed his directions to his house, where I’d spent the night in his bed before leaving early the next morning to pick up Olive from Emmett’s.
She was smart. Sexy without flaunting it. Witty. A firecracker. And that’s how I’d remembered her. Firecracker. Not Cassandra or Cass. Firecracker.
Who was I? Not a father, that was for damn sure. I had no business having a child. Too late. Cass was telling the truth. She was pregnant and I was the father.
Six months and she plagued me daily. Hourly. Was she okay? Was the baby? Did I care? Yes.
Cassandra. My name sounded like a dream in that gravelly tone.
He kissed my bare shoulder, and with me tucked into his arms, he fell asleep. I fell soon after. Maybe, despite my better judgment, I’d fallen months ago.
Shower. Then groveling. Weeks of groveling.
“You’re in a universe of your own.”
“You’re making it worse.” “How?” “By being . . . this guy. Who are you?” A wash of guilt clouded his handsome features. “Just a guy trying to deserve you.”
“I’m hormonal and exhausted and hungry. Unless you want me to cry through breakfast, I need you to stop being that guy for a minute. Be the other Leo.” He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Your tits are fucking huge.” I laughed. “Thank you.”
All this time, I’d been afraid I’d be my own father, a selfish motherfucker who’d failed his kid. But he hadn’t been a father. Draven had filled those shoes. I wouldn’t be my own father. I’d be Draven.
“I bet you read more books that summer than I’ve read my entire life.” Cass giggled. “I do read a lot. But after you read to me in the bathtub, I might have to make you do that with me all the time now.” I’d do anything she asked.
“How’s my little?” He nuzzled into her neck, blowing a raspberry on her skin and earning the smile that stole my breath every time. That, and the words he’d say to her. Every time he called her little, I melted.
“Make a wish, Firecracker.” Leo stood behind my chair, his hands on my shoulders. I closed my eyes and wished. I wish for you.
“You deserve better.” “Now you sound like my father.” “He’s not wrong.” “Babe.” I used his own word to get his attention. I loved my father, but in this, he was wrong. One day, he’d see it. He’d admit it.
When we fell asleep, it was together. Right after he whispered, “I choose you.” And with his words, my birthday wish came true.
“Claudia’s father told me no when I asked him for her hand. I was pissed about it for years. We have a good relationship now, but it wasn’t always that way. I asked him once why he said no. He told me I’d understand it when Cassie was older. He was right. I understand. I’d say no to anyone because she’s my daughter. Maybe you’ll get it when Seraphina meets someone who loves her.”
That's a shitty reason. Fuck you, Dale.
“My answer is no,” he said. “I just . . . I can’t say yes. To anyone. But if I had to, I’d say yes to you.”
Still, fuck you Dale.
“I don’t want you to know the truth.” “Why?” “Because if you know the truth, all of it, then you might stop looking at me the way you do.”
“Right now, I’m looking at you like you’re an idiot for thinking that.” I fought a smile. “Right now, you’re looking at me like I’m an idiot and a decent man.” “Because you are a decent man.”
“The club might be gone, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t a Tin King,” Bryce said. “We’re there for each other. Leo wanted to surprise you today. We all made sure it could happen.” A Tin King.
