“Maybe we should have that talk in the kitchen.” I get up and she throws her hands out to stop me.
“Don’t you dare come over here.”
The room erupts in laughter as her whole upper body becomes stained pink. She tries to remain serious but does a poor job of hiding her growing grin.
“Ember, I hate to tell you, but Robbie’s exactly like his father. There’s really no budging them when their minds are made up,” Mom tells her.
“Can I at least get to pick my guard? Is there a place on your website to see pictures? What about someone like Will Turner? Or maybe this Jared guy?”
When I growl, the laugher gets loud again. Finn even throws his head back and roars.
“You do realize Will Turner is probably going to jump on the bandwagon soon and ask Ella Collins to marry him? Jared’s not getting near you.”
She opens her mouth to argue, and this time I don’t stop myself from rushing to her. She beats on my lower back when I throw her over my shoulder demanding I set her down, but I don’t stop until her ass is on the counter, pinned between my arms.
Her lips are still moving in protest, but I tune her out and lean in, sealing my mouth over hers. She finally shuts up and kisses me back passionately, gripping my neck. Her nails scrape lightly up my scalp, while mine dig into her hips. Unlike earlier, she doesn’t taste like the salt of her tears. Instead, her lips are coated in the flavor of her cherry lip-gloss.
I kiss her until we both pull away panting. My forehead rests against hers, and her eyes are glassy with lust and desire.
“What were you saying about Jared?”
“Who?” She grins slyly.
“It’s not funny.”
“Serves you right for being an idiot.”
“I don’t think worrying about your safety is idiotic.”
“No, but being bossy and jealous is uncalled for. I needed to put you in your place.”
“My place is wrapped around your body, rocking back and forth inside you as you whimper my name.”
A voice clears behind me, and I look to find Chloe standing in the doorway with a knowing grin. Ember lays her head on my shoulder, shaking it back and forth.
“Of course she probably heard that.”
“I didn’t have to hear it to feel the energy buzzing in this room. You two plan to join us back in here anytime soon?”
I set Ember on her feet and kiss her quickly before we go back to the living room.
“Little Star, why don’t you go pack a bag for at least four days? When you get back down, we’ll order pizza,” Thad instructs her.
“Is that Dad speak for you want me out of earshot?”
He doesn’t answer, but looks away guiltily. Cruz grabs her hands and pulls her up the stairs.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Robbie, I want to send Ember as far away as possible until we get this shit sorted.”
“I’m inclined to agree, but it’s unnecessary. She’ll be covered at all times with someone we trust. My house is safe and still unknown. The restraining order will help. No disrespect, but she’s not leaving town without me. If I have my way, she’ll rarely be out of my sight.”
He stares at me and finally nods. “Keep her safe.”
“Always.”
Chapter 30