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April 23 - April 24, 2023
It’s to remind me that someone can experience life and death, joy and grief, and still be beautiful and bright. That, like the truck full of marigolds that overturned, I can find a new home and thrive. Like this little flower, I am strong.
Colton must sense my panic because slowly he slides his hand from my mouth down to my neck. Oh fuck. A hand necklace? Jesus, that’s even hotter.
“That’s not the reaction I expected with my hand wrapped around your neck, Tiger.”
Oh God, he’s going to kiss me, and I’ll be damned if that’s not exactly what I want right now.
“You heard me.” He leans in closer, his lips brushing against my ear. “I haven’t stopped thinking about you since that night at the rest stop. All that strength. All that fire. Your brazen, idiotic disregard for your own safety when you risked pissing off a dangerous stranger because you thought someone was in trouble and needed your help. I thought I could ignore this feeling. I thought I could ignore you. But I can’t.”
“I know you feel this, too. I can barely fucking think straight anymore, but I’m only going to ask if you’re sober enough to make a sound decision.”
“Do you want to leave with me, Tiger?” His nose skims the ridge of my ear.
He reminds me of a painting I once saw of a fallen angel. Beautiful and perfect.
“I need to hear you say it,” he growls again. “I want you to fuck me, Colton Archer.”
“You feel so fucking good, Tiger,” he pants against me.
“I don’t give a single fuck what you’re doing. I’m telling you the seat next to her is mine. Move.”
“Tiger?” he says after a moment. “Yeah?” “Thank you for coming today.”
“Told you she was a tiger, didn’t I?”
“I can answer that one. The first time he saw you, at the rest stop, Colt said you looked like a caged tiger ready to strike. He said he was afraid of what would happen if you got out of your car.”
“Can I take you out Friday?” “Like murder me?” It’s kind of funny watching him squirm. His face scrunches in confusion. “Why do you always think I’m trying to kill you? I want to take you out, like on a date.”
“You look incredible, Tiger.”
“Jesus, Tiger. That dress.” He moves his head like someone shaking off a dream.
He called Eden my home. He said we.
“Oh fuck. I scared you, didn’t I? Listen, I know it’s early, but I want to make this work. I want you to go after your goals, and I want to be there when you reach them. For the first time in my life, I want something for myself. Not for Jack or the club, but for me. I’m not going to let a little distance come between us, Tiger.”
“It’s too perfect. You’re too good to be true.” His chest rumbles against mine. “Far from it, but I’m glad you think so.”
“You taste even better than I imagined.”
“You’re so beautiful when you come.”
“I’m going to need you to come again, this time while I’m buried inside you. Can you do that for me, Tiger? Can you come on my cock?”
Will it always be like this with him and me? All consuming?
“That’s it, come for me, Tiger,” Colton says against my mouth.
“How did I ever think once would be enough?”
“You’re incredible, you know that? Never in my life did I think I’d find someone like you. Someone passionate, strong, and generous. Someone so beautiful and fierce.”
“Fuck, if we don’t get out of this room right now, I’m not going to be able to keep from burying myself inside you.”
“I couldn’t give a single fuck what you smell like, only that you’re okay and that you’re still mine after this mess.” He kisses me on the lips, and I melt into his touch.
I love this man. I love Colton Archer.
“You are the best thing that ever happened to me, you know that?” I want to tell him he’s the best thing that happened to me, too. I want to tell him I love him.
“You.” Kiss. “Perfect.” Kiss. “Beautiful.” Kiss. “Insane.” Kiss. “Woman.” Kiss.
“It was just a test. We can be together. Your choice shows that you are willing to put aside your own happiness for the good of others. You’re a true Jackal. You’re fucking perfect, and I don’t deserve you. And of course, I love you. I’m in love with you. Have been for a while, I think.”
I get the overwhelming sensation that this is where I belong. In his arms. In this place. In Eden.
“When it’s safe, I promise I’ll come find you.”
