Broken but Breathing (Jinx Tattoos 2)

“How’d you get so smart?” he asked, sitting up and pulling her into his lap.

“Years of school and interaction with children from all different walks of life. These little people are more resilient than we give them credit for.” Wrapping an arm around his neck, she rested her head against his shoulder. “She’s half you, Snake, she’s strong and resilient. A year out, things will look completely different. I promise.” She stroked the nape of his neck, willing him to relax.

“You know I can’t do this without you, don’t you? You’re my center.”

She kissed his cheek.

“No, I mean this.” He cupped her face. “I want you to be mine forever, Es. Will you marry me?”

Her mouth grew dry. There’d been a lot of changes recently. Maybe this was more about his need for stability.

“I don’t want to say yes, if this is asked for the wrong reason.”

“What are you talking about, Es? I love the hell out of you.”

“Yes, and you also need stability for Jocelyn and security in case you have to battle for custody.”

“Fuck all of that. What we had going was headed this way before the other issues were in the picture.” His body tensed. “So what, you want me to prove myself?”

“No. I want you to ask me when we haven’t had a huge, life altering event happen. Everything between us has been going at hyper speed. I think we need time to settle in with Joc.” Coward. She’d just been telling Kali she wasn’t sure of her place, and he’d tried to give her one.

“If it wasn’t connected, what would your answer be?”

“Yes.”

“Next time I ask …”

“We’ll both be ready.” It was a promise she felt to the depths of her soul.

He broke into a smile. “You always make me work for it. I think that’s why I fell so hard, so fast.”

“You like a challenge?” she said playfully.

“I like learning everything there is to know about you,” he replied quietly.

“And I feel the same way about you, my love.”

“I bet we have an hour before she’s awake,” he said.

“Then we shouldn’t waste a second.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Estelle

“I hate to do this, but I have to go out of town for a week, maybe two,” Snake said.

“Wait, you have to what?” She stood up from the couch. “What about work?” she asked, glancing down at her uniform.

“I cleared it with Kali. She has someone to cover your shifts,” Snake answered.

Well isn’t that convenient? “She just got here last night.”

“I know, but this can’t wait. I’ve been shirking my duties as it is over the past three months. I need to get back to it.”

“You were taking care of your family,” Es snapped, irritated.

“That doesn’t stop the Club’s issues from happening,” Snake said.