Page 85 of Eagle

“He was around four. She’d been sick a long time, and she knew she was dying.” A sad smile came upon her face as she went back in time. “I told her I’d take Max and raise him the way she would have wanted to. Harold and I had a son, but he died at birth. We didn’t have any children after that.”

“I’m so sorry.” My heart hurt for her. “Sorry my curiosity is bringing up a painful past for you.”

“Nonsense, dear. That was a long time ago. And I’ve thought of Max as my son from the moment he stepped through the door, carrying his little suitcase.”

“What kind of kid was he?”

She laughed, the light in her eyes reflecting her love for him. “He was too smart for his own good. Energetic. Independent. Outspoken. Got into trouble all the time. When he was fourteen, he shaved his head and found some unscrupulous—pardon my French—bastard to give him that neck tattoo.” The surprise must have shown on my face. “I was furious!” Her chuckle said that she was long over it. “Max has always done things his own way.”

“That won’t change.”

Eagle had come in through a back door, walking into the room from the direction of the dining room. His eyes caught mine, and I knew that his statement had been meant for me. He was telling me, or warning me, that he wasn’t going to change for me. Surprisingly, I didn’t want him to change. His take charge dominance turned me on, especially in the bedroom.

“Coco scare anyone?” Aunt May asked.

He laughed. “I don’t know why you think she’s a good guard dog. Unless she licks them to death, you’re in trouble.”

Eagle sat down next to me, his hand falling to cover my knee. He gave it a little squeeze and gazed into my eyes. “So, did Aunt May tell you everything you wanted to know about me?”

I couldn’t contain my smirk, but I refused to give him the satisfaction of knowing that we had been talking about him. “You think you’re so smart, don’t you.”

Ignoring my response, he turned his gaze to his aunt. “Did you leave anything out?”

I rolled my eyes. Aunt May caught me and laughed. “I may have forgotten to tell her about the time you ran streaking down the street on Halloween.”

“That doesn’t surprise me.” Picturing that image amused me. “I’ll bet you were an adult, too.”

“Huh! She’s got you pegged, honey.” Her snort drew Eagle’s eyes to her. “I like this one.”

I had a feeling that her words carried with them a deeper meaning. Something passed between them, and then Eagle surprised me by saying, “So do I.”

Our eyes clung for a moment. I hoped that he could see the reciprocation in mine. I wished that we were at home so we could share this moment in a more intimate way.

“Aunt May, do you mind if we take our dessert home for later?”

He’d read my mind.

“Of course not.” She pulled herself out of her chair. “I’ve already fixed you some left over dinner to take with you, too. I’ll go get it.”

“I’ll help you.” I started to get up.

“I’ve got it, dear.”

Eagle pulled me back down.

“I’ll be right back.”

She had no sooner left than Eagle pulled me down to straddle his lap. I gasped, throwing my head back so that he had easier access to my neck, which he zeroed in on with his mouth. “We shouldn’t be doing this here,” I scolded breathlessly.

“Relax, babe. Just enjoy my mouth on you.”

I quivered at the hotness of his breath and the scrape of his teeth. Goosebumps traveled down my body when he kissed his way over any exposed skin he could reach. The top I was wearing was low cut in the front, revealing my cleavage, and Eagle wasted no time dipping his naughty tongue there.

I moaned when I felt myself get wet. “Max, no—" My voice was weak, along with my attempt to push him back.

There was a wicked grin on his face when he let me pull away. “You’ll be screaming yes five minutes after I get you home.” He kissed me hard and then set me back beside him.

It was just in time, because Aunt May breezed into the room carrying a reusable grocery bag. She looked at me as she handed the bag to Eagle. “Now I expect you to come back again next Sunday.”