Page 35 of Blaze
Blaze hesitates, then, “Reaper will want everyone close. For safety.”
I lift my chin, meeting his eyes. “I can’t stay cooped up again, Blaze.” I keep the desperation out of my voice. I don’t beg. Instead, I try for logic. “If they’re driving here, we’ll have warning before they show up. If they fly, Chainz said Stubs and Bones will know,” I add before Blaze can protest. “I trust you. I trust the Knights.”
Blaze sighs, running his free hand through his hair.
“Fine,” he grumbles. “But as soon as Reaper tells us, we’re inside. No arguments.”
I nod, biting the inside of my cheeks to keep from grinning like an idiot. I’m not even thinking of the Santi Pastori chasing me or Enzo. “Deal,” I agree easily.
Blaze studies me for a moment before nodding, and I follow him around the pool deck.
Despite the worry over Enzo and the Santi Pastori, I can’t help but drink in the sight of the pool. It’s massive—taking up nearly half of the large lot behind the clubhouse. The pool deck itself is simple, made up of cement and surrounded by a short, battered wooden railing. Chairs are scattered around the deck, and a large grill and a bar are along the opposite side. There are no signs there was a huge party last night, not even a single red plastic cup or a random piece of forgotten clothing.
The parties Enzo held for his men at our mansion always took forever to clean up after. Half the time, there were still men passed out throughout the house. I’d have to help the staff clean since the men wouldn’t hesitate to take a swing at one of the maids if they were hungover. With me, they’d just grumble before heaving themselves up, smelling like booze and piss, to go find something to eat.
I hated Enzo’s parties.
Blaze glances at me, and I realize I’m frowning. He squeezes my hand, and I smile up at him.
“Reaper will probably call a meeting later since we left early,” he warns me. “You’ll have to sit through it.”
I swallow, nervous. Enzo’s meetings were usually him and his captains gathered in a room, me sitting on a small chair beside Enzo’s chair, and me fetching drinks or whatever else.
“I’ll sit wherever Reaper tells me,” I answer Blaze, keeping my tone light.
“As long as its you sitting on my lap,” Blaze rumbles, stopping at a lounger. “I’m not giving you up.”
I ignore the way my heart jumps at his words and the butterflies in my stomach. I ignore the hope in the back of my mind that Blaze might mean his words. I have to remember that this isn’t meant to last. I need to leave, even if I’m starting to hate the idea.
Blaze sits on the lounger, tugging me down until I’m curled into his lap. His arm stays around me, and I close my eyes. I can pretend, for now, that this is all real. That Blaze truly wants me and isn’t just saving me. That he’s not just attracted to me—he’s actually starting to feel things.
I ignore the voices in the back of my mind, the ones telling me I’m going to get hurt. That this is temporary. Instead, I relax against Blaze, determined to take today for me.
One day is all I’m allowing myself, and I’m not going to waste it.
Blaze is silent, and I let my mind wander. The heat of the sun soaks into me, and the stress of Enzo and the Santi Pastori slips away.
“I’ve got you, Kennedy,” Blaze’s words are soft, so quiet I almost think I’ve imagined them. I tilt my head back to meet his dark, smoldering eyes, and my heart thuds.
Mine, echoes in my mind.
Blaze’s eyes search mine and I freeze, not wanting him to see the hope in mine.
Blaze is silent, and I wonder what he sees. Finally, he brushes a lock of hair from my face, his fingers trailing down my cheek. “Close your eyes, kitten,” he whispers, and his gaze is heavy.
My heart skips a beat and my stomach flutters.
I obey, closing my eyes.
Blaze’s arm around me tightens, and his other hand cups the back of my neck.
My heart races, and Blaze’s fingers stroke the sensitive skin.
His grip tightens, and I let out a shaky breath.
I can feel his breath against my lips and my body tenses, waiting for his kiss.
Blaze kisses me, his lips feather soft against mine.