Total pages in book: 47
Estimated words: 44902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 44902 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 225(@200wpm)___ 180(@250wpm)___ 150(@300wpm)
“Take me somewhere,” I plead quietly, praying he doesn’t tell me no. That he gives me one more beautiful memory to keep me going.
He doesn’t even hesitate before brushing his lips against mine again. “Get dressed, sweetness. We can’t walk out of here with your shirt like that.”
My heart swells. And even though it’s impossible, I think I fall in love with him in this moment.
Chapter Two
Keegan
I keep Landry tucked up against my side as we slip onto the elevator from the convention floor to the hotel situated above. I texted Slade Stark while Landry was dressing, asking him to cover the booth for me because something came up.
He didn’t ask any questions.
I’m not sure what I’d tell him anyway. That I met my future while Tyler was trying to drag her from the building? I don’t think there’s any explaining the feelings coursing through me. They just fucking are.
As soon as I saw her, my feet were rooted to the floor. It was impossible to miss her, looking like sunshine in the middle of the crowd. Her blonde hair was tied back with pieces wild around her face, those beautiful green eyes so wide. Her bottom lip trembled as she glanced around, confusion stamped all over her face.
When Tyler grabbed her and she cowered away, I wanted to fucking howl. She sounded so goddamn scared, pleading with him. And that look on her face? Christ, it was haunting.
My heart stopped for a minute as soon as her eyes met mine. It’s like every part of her was crying out for me, begging me to wrap myself around her and promise to keep her safe.
I had to step in and stop him…had to find out who she was. Her name is engraved in my memory now, and so is that sweet little whimper, the feel of her skin beneath my fingertips, and the way she trembles every time I touch her.
She’s so sweet, so innocent. And I don’t mean sexually. I mean, innocent, pure and guileless, untouched by the darkness of the world. She’s shy and trembling, but there’s strength in her, too. I see it in her eyes, as if she’s endured more than anyone her age should have.
I recognize that look. It’s the same one I see in the mirror every time I look at my reflection. I see it in my sister, Elodie, too. Landry is a survivor, a fighter, just like us.
I’ve never wanted to ink someone as badly as I wanted to ink her. But I needed my art on her body, as if it marked her as mine. I’ve never felt any of this before—this absolute conviction that someone was meant for me. But this shy little flower was meant for me.
I’ve spent most of my life taking care of Elodie, protecting her from our alcoholic father. I raised her when he couldn’t, because he couldn’t get out of his own way long enough to love the daughter who once idolized him. He put us through hell. Sometimes, that shit still haunts me.
What haunts Landry? What monsters has she faced?
Whatever they are, they won’t bother her again. I’ll handle them for her, making sure she wants for nothing, like I did for Elodie.
“Almost there, sweetness,” I murmur, brushing my lips across her temple as the elevator jolts into motion and she trembles against me again.
“Okay,” she whispers, pressing her face against my throat.
She’s so soft in my arms, so fucking sweet. I feel every curve pressed against me, turning my dick to steel. There’s something beautiful about the way her softness yields against me, cradling me everywhere our bodies touch. The feel of her against me is electric, sending currents straight to my cock.
I nuzzle her throat, breathing her in. Trying like hell not to press her up against the elevator wall to lick that scent from her skin…all the way down to her pussy. I already know that peaches and cream scent will be stronger there. So fucking delicious and wet for me.
“Fuck,” I groan against her throat, my hands flexing involuntarily against her waist. “You smell so fucking good.”
“So do you.”
My lips curve before I press a sweet kiss to her racing pulse. I flick that same spot with my tongue, chuckling when her heart races even faster.
She’s responsive as hell.
“Are you nervous?” I ask.
“N-No.”
The elevator shudders to a stop, and she startles, making me chuckle again. I lift my head, meeting her wide-eyed gaze.
“We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do, sweetness. If you’d rather go back downstairs, we can do that.”
“No!” she says quickly, shaking her head. “I want to go with you, Keegan. I’m just…” Her shoulders bounce in an adorable shrug. “I’ve just never done this before.”
I grin, lacing our fingers together as we step out into the hall, but my fucking heart is pounding. I’m guessing by this, she doesn’t mean she’s never met a man at a tattoo convention, let him ink her, and then take her back to his room. I’m guessing she means any of this. Landry is a virgin.