Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 62737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62737 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 314(@200wpm)___ 251(@250wpm)___ 209(@300wpm)
“Jeffrey Ellison is the reason I don’t drink alcohol or touch drugs. He was bearable when sober. Drunk or high, it was a million times worse. The stuff nightmares are made of. The only vices I have are these things”—he grabs the pack of smokes—“an unhealthy amount of candy, and you.” He sends me a wolfish smile.
“Well, I’d like to think those aren’t too bad, especially the me part,” I tease, trying to break the heaviness. Jude brings the back of my hand to his lips and presses a kiss there.
“Life got better. Went to college, kept tabs on him when I could, but back then, I didn’t know jack shit. Fast forward some years, and I had time, knowledge, and money. I ran his name through a database daily. Rory, at eleven years old, lit up my screen with more details than anyone needs online. It took me a bit. Pulled in the guys, figured out a way to be a part of her life while keeping them safe, and that’s about the gist of it. Bobbi put a restraining and protective order in place, but they failed her multiple times. That’s why Rory ran to me. And now her life has been turned upside down. I’m still battling and coming to terms with the reason why Rory wouldn’t have given me some kind of sign he was back.” Jude sits back, and I’ve got just enough time to put my cup of coffee down beside his before I’m settled on his lap. My hand goes to his heart, and my head tilts upward, never wanting to lose a moment of our time together.
“Whatever reason it is, Rory will tell you when she’s ready.” She is going to need help every step of the way, there’s no doubt about it.
“Which leads me to my next problem. I laid this at your feet, leaned on you a hell of a lot after a short amount of time. And I don’t want to give you up. I want you to know this with my whole fucking heart, Foxy. I’d fight my darkest demons to keep you. But that’s not fair to ask of you.” His chocolate-brown eyes are tinged with red, a sign he’s been battling this all night, meaning Jude hasn’t slept a freaking wink.
“The reason I’m afraid of needles is because my mom had a habit of her own. I walked into the bathroom one day, and a needle was sticking out of a blown vein. She told me I had to help her. When I did, blood came oozing out, and it didn’t end there. She was a crystal meth addict by choice, mother by chance, and at the age of six, she’d make me hide in the dark. Kitchen cabinets, closets, any space she could fit me, for hours, especially when her dealer came. Dad worked the bar, Zane lived with his mom most of the time, and neither of them had any idea until she was too far gone, Dad more than my brother.” I sit up, straddle his waist, and cup his cheeks. “You told me your past. It was only fair I told you mine. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be by your side, in your corner, and your strength. There’s also a sixteen-year-old girl inside your house who I’m not leaving, either. One doesn’t come without the other.” Last night, Jude laid his heart on the line. No words were spoken. It was in his action, the way he held me, the way he watched me, and the way he really looked at me.
“Jesus, Foxy, the best damn thing I ever did in my life was talk shit to you while playing video games.” I laugh, remembering the night vividly. I wanted to punch the cocky arrogance off what I was sure had to be his smug face.
“Yeah, well, you’re easy to love, Jude Ellison.” The words come effortlessly.
“And you, Veronica Navarro, my Foxy, are the love of my life. I love you.” His mouth crashes into mine, and he tastes me like never before. I don’t get the chance to return his words that have my stomach swirling with happiness.
“I love you, too, Jude.” I’m able to pull back for the slightest of moments, declaring my words of adoration, before we’re back to our kiss. It turns from soft and sweet to hot and heavy in the blink of an eye. My nipples pucker when Jude’s hands roam up the sides of my thighs, gripping my hips, and holding me in place.
“Incoming,” he murmurs against my mouth. His hands settle on my hips and peel me away. The fog fades away when I put two and two together as I hear the door open.
“’Mornin’, Roar girl,” he says, welcoming Rory.
“Good morning. And I do not roar like a lion. Will that ever go away?” she says, settling between the two of us. She sprawls out and settles her head on my lap and the rest of her body on Jude’s.