Inmate of the Month (Souls Chapel Revenants MC 7)

Grabbing two Benadryl, I popped them in my mouth, swallowed them dry, then turned around to stare at my kitchen.

It was bare.

I hadn’t been there in weeks and my mom and Harlow had come over and completely cleaned it out.

I didn’t even have a stray ketchup bottle in my fridge, which was likely Harlow’s fault.

Speaking of Harlow, I texted her, knowing that she would likely answer.

Me: I’m in love with Laric.

Harlow: Of course you are. I’ve seen the size of his feet.

Me: Yes, they’re quite girthy for feet. I miss him.

Harlow: Have you texted him?

Me: Yes. But either he’s still working or he’s in bed and didn’t get it. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. Option three—him ignoring the text—hurts my heart too much to think about.

Harlow: Based on the way he couldn’t take his eyes off of you when I was over the other day, you have nothing to worry about. He loves you.

I felt warm tingles spread through me, then immediately typed out the longest text message of my life to the man I couldn’t stop thinking about.

Me: I hope that you found what you’re looking for. Because I want you to know that I have. I didn’t know that I was searching for you, but you fell into my lap anyway. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to save my life. Couldn’t have dreamed up a better person. Let me just say that the moment that I laid eyes on you; I knew you were different. You were what I’d been searching for and didn’t even know it. Then you went and saved my life and all, and I’ll never be the same. Both literally and figuratively. I didn’t set out to fall in love with you, but I did. And I hope you know that if you ever need me, I’m here. No matter what. I’m here. When you get done tonight, text me. Or call. Or hell, show up at my door. Because I haven’t even been away from you for half a day, and I already miss the hell out of you. Sadly, I’m headed to bed—medicated, might I add because I can’t sleep without you anymore—and just wanted to send you one last text to let you know that you were on my mind. I love you.

Sadly, he didn’t reply.

Luckily, I didn’t notice that he didn’t reply because the drugs finally pulled me under.

• • •

It was the hot breath on my neck that woke me.

I wasn’t worried, though.

I was used to the breath. Stink and all.

Laric was perfect, but his morning breath left a few things to be desired.

I rolled over and stared at him, a smile forming on my face.

I reached forward and poked him in the cheek, right under his eye.

He blinked one eye open.

“How’d you get in?” I asked curiously. “I set the alarm.”

“Your dad gave me the code and a key.” He buried his face into my chest.

“And you didn’t wake me?” I teased, running my fingers through his overly long hair.

“Got your text,” he mumbled sleepily. “Was already on the way to your house, so I didn’t reply. But I want you to know I feel the same damn way. I love you, too. Move in with me. Marry me. Have my babies.”

I laughed. “How about I move in with you first. Then we’ll talk about the other two.”

He smiled sleepily, his eyes falling closed once more. “Okay. But just know that I’ll get you to say yes eventually.”

He was right.

I said yes to his not so subtly asked question—he didn’t even ask, he just slipped the ring on my finger and told me he was done waiting—two months later.

EPILOGUE

Adultery is a sin. You can’t have your Kate, and Edith, too.

-Text from Catori to Laric

CATORI

Three months later

“Ready?”

I looked at my dad and grinned.

“I am,” I confirmed. “You?”

He looked down at the suit I’d made him wear—something that he’d complained about to no end—and shrugged. “As long as you don’t really expect me to put the tie on, then yes.”

I smiled and threw my arms around my father.

“I’m nervous as fuck,” I told him bluntly.

He wrapped his big, hulking arms around my shoulders and pulled me in tight. So tight that I let out a small squeak.

He laughed and pulled away only enough that he could see down into my eyes.

“What are you worried about?” he asked. “That it’s too soon?”

Maybe. Kind of. Sort of.

“I’m not worried about it being too soon for me,” I admitted. “But for Laric. He’s been alone a very long time. He’s used to a certain way of life that has him being very independent. I just don’t want him to regret moving so fast.”

My dad snorted. “You do know that Laric’s a grown-ass man, right?”

I frowned. “I’m very much aware of that, Dad.”