The Christmas lights on the tree sparkled. The fireplace crackled and sent up even more soothing smells. For once, I felt more at home in my house than ever before.
I’ll do anything to protect this.
“This is amazing.” My stomach growled.
“With the way things are going.” Ebony gave a sad smile. “I figured we should have a little Christmas feast now.”
Dread hit me. I hoped she wasn’t considering running off or thinking that something would happen to me.
I nodded. “We’re going to enjoy this meal, but on Christmas it will be an even bigger feast and huge celebration. I’ll help cook.”
“Me too,” Kevin chimed in.
Ebony and I looked at him.
Kevin shrugged. “With the way we’re eating around here, I’m not going anywhere. Count me in for New Year’s dinner too.”
The kids giggled. Jalen began chatting away about the game. Kevin brought up some other games that he’d brought along. Kia asked to play.
Meanwhile, all through dinner I couldn’t keep my gaze off Ebony no matter how hard I tried.
Probably not used to a peaceful feast, Ebony beamed the whole time and joined the conversation with Kevin and the kids. They shifted from games to movies, then old tv shows and music. Laughter came. And Ebony glowed.
I barely talked. Inside of my chest, my heart tumbled and twisted. Between the succulent food that she’d made and the beautiful sight of her before me, it took every ounce of restraint not to end dinner, pick that delicate body up, and carry her to my bedroom. Her movements played havoc with my cock, stirring up hunger that her food couldn’t satisfy. I thought about the moment we had upstairs. How her presence assaulted my senses—from her tantalizing scent to the quiet breaths feathering my skin.
Once again, I sat there perplexed at the emotions she always ignited within me. I craved her so bad and couldn’t remember ever wanting anyone as much as I longed for her. Even my wife. That fact sent guilt to my heart. I pushed it away, knowing that nothing could be done, when it came to the truth.
Every few minutes, Ebony caught me gazing at her. A blush would hit her face as she turned away.
Stop staring at her like a crazy man. Focus on something else.
But I couldn’t.
She’d captured all of my attention.
We have to take our time.
Despite the fact that my body erupted with a blazing longing for Ebony, I wouldn’t push her. I’d already stolen kisses. And while she’d enjoyed them, I wasn’t sure how prepared she’d been to give them to me.
Be patient. You have other things to focus on anyway. . .like taking Wyatt’s heart out of his chest.
She didn’t want me to battle Wyatt, but there was no way to stop myself. In many ways, Ebony had become mine. Those kisses earlier sealed the deal. And in the end, I believed in protecting what was mine. I would never let anyone hurt her.
What if she brings those damn tears out?
Anytime those eyes filled with tears, it made me crazy. I couldn’t take it. The same effect came when fear entered her gaze. Whenever it happened, I got the urge to pull her into my arms and shield her from the world.
Even though she was a strong woman, there was a vulnerability and frailty about her that seduced him.
I checked my watch. The club would open in three hours.
I looked up and noticed Ebony staring at me.
I’m sorry, but it has to be done. Everything will be okay.
She sipped her drink and looked away. Worry covered her face. And I swore her hand shook as she set the glass down.
No matter how it made her anxious, I would go after Wyatt until he was dead.
Now that we are sharing this happiness, I can’t go back, Ebony. I won’t let that bitch of a man take it from us.
Did she understand how much things would change for her?
My thoughts got disrupted from a shift in conversation.
“Oh wow. You’re going to stay here?” Jalen grinned.
Kevin nodded. “I don’t know what time your bedtime is, but I can show you Space Cops really quick. If that’s okay with your mother.”
Jalen looked at me. “Are you going to play too, Yoshiro?”
I checked my watch again. “Probably not.”
“Come on, man.” Kevin shook his head. “I can call in to the club and have eyes out. I’ll talk to Strawberry. You know no one will get by her.”
Kia raised her eyebrows. “Strawberry? That’s a cool name.”
“Honey and Cinnamon will watch out too.” Kevin stuffed his mouth with macaroni and cheese and talked while he chewed. “They’ll have everything covered, if something happens.”
“Honey and Cinnamon?” Kia’s face brightened. “Where do you work? Those are such cool names. I want to work at a place with such—”
“No.” I shook my head.
Kia frowned. “No, what?”