Page 10 of Bang
Ican’t help but smile. This time when I lift Louis out of his car seat he doesn’t wiggle to be free. The kid is completely and totally out. His limp body molds into mine as soon as I raise him to my shoulder. Exhausted from delivering the mail via the pony express, assembling gigantic robots, constructing a suspension bridge, and spelunking in the kiddie cavern, Louis played hard at a thousand percent power for four straight hours. Until he couldn’t give anymore and pooped out in the foam block pit and I had to climb in to fish him out much to Eden’s delight. Once his belly was full from our lunch, he collapsed. Dead to the world.
She’s just as sated from our trip and leans on my other shoulder as we maneuver inside the house and up to his room. Without ever opening his eyes or uttering a word, he sprawls on the mattress while Eden slips off his sneakers and I cover him with his comforter. I don’t think I’ve ever slept that damn hard.
Eden’s quiet too as I tuck her against me and lead her to our room. Far enough away from our son that she could speak without disturbing him if she wanted to. “If you’re tired, you should take a nap too. I’ve got more plans for you tonight.”
A giggle bubbles in her throat from what she thinks is insinuation with her winking and tugging playfully on my belt buckle. “I’m sure you do.”
I jerk her against me so she can feel the proof of my desire for her while I nestle into her neck. “Believe me baby girl I’m definitely going to fuck you later. But I have another surprise for you first.”
“You do?”
When she looks up at me with so much expectation in her expression, I almost rip off her panties right then. “I promised you a date night, didn’t I?”
“Really?”
Her breathe stutters with anticipation, and I tip lower to brush over her lips with mine, tasting the hint of rich chocolate from the hot fudge sundae the three of us shared earlier. “Yeah, really. I’m taking you out.”
My restraint disintegrates when she climbs me like she fucking owns me, squeezing me tight and peppering my face with kisses while she squeals with delight. The need to fuck her overwhelms me but I refuse to wear her out and ruin our evening. There’ll be plenty of opportunity for her to show me her gratitude when we get back. “You’re welcome.”
When her dainty hands cup my face, I smile just as huge back from her ecstatic expression. Not used to looking up at her when it’s usually me gazing down at her petite frame. “I’m taking you to the surprise birthday party Ford’s throwing for Taylor and then out to dinner so I can have you all to myself for a while.”
Not sure if she wants to hang out with my younger brother and his fiancée during our night out, but Eden seems thrilled. “It’s perfect. Just like today. Just like you.”
I’ve done nothing to deserve her accolades yet I remain grateful as hell she thinks that I do. And, I’ll be damned sure to keep it that way regardless of anyone or anything who tries to stop me.
Four humongous beasts with 47s stand guard at the gate with at least ten more men spaced along the route as my convoy winds up the hill to the mansion. Surprisingly, Ford has the appropriate level of security to guard his property while he’s distracted with a house full of guests. Well, the protection is sufficient for most people anyway. For Eden, no amount of bodyguards is ever enough but ten of my own guys with Patrick in the lead at least eases some of my uncertainty about Ford’s competence. I don’t give a fuck if my brother is pissed or not from the added force. No one endangers my wife, including me.
I direct Keene to pull our SUV into the garage despite all the other visitors departing their vehicles at the front entrance. This may be Ford’s house, but I’m still the boss and call the shots, refusing to allow her to be exposed in the driveway. His men are quick to open the doors—a little too quick for my liking and I point my Glock at the asshole reaching in to assist my wife. As if I’m actually going to let some motherfucker I’ve never met touch Eden. “Stand down or this’ll be over before it starts.”
Shock floods his stupid face and he steps back, chin bobbing in deference to my authority. Tension thicker than concrete strangles the air with my guards staring down his as I climb out and stride around to her side. “You okay, baby girl?”
“Of course. Everything’s fine.”
Everything’s not fine, and she knows it. Anxiety bleeds through her smile while she accepts my hand and gracefully climbs out despite her too damn slinky dress that I should never have allowed. Upset that I’m on edge, she squeezes my fingers and cuddles in close the way she knows I want. All of this party shit sounded great earlier. Now that we’re here I hate the fucking exposure and swear to fucking god I will end Ford myself if anything happens to her after he promised me everything would be locked down to my satisfaction.
Heavy footsteps pound on the concrete behind me but I don’t bother to turn around. My guys have already taken aim at whoever is approaching.
“God damn it Beck. You just got here and you’re already fucking causing trouble.”
“Not my fault you don’t have your shit together. Unlike you, I know how to protect my wife.”
In an effort to minimize my insult, Eden offers him a huge smile that he barely returns in his disgust with me.
“Thank you so much for having us!”
Unable to extinguish the inferno brewing between us, she steps forward and tries to hug Ford. Nope that shit’s not happening either. I yank her back to me and wrap my arm around her chest keeping her where she belongs—only touching me.
His gaze rips from mine to her and his expression softens slightly. One thing I’ll give Ford is he’s better at directing his anger at the right person and not taking out his irritation on those who don’t deserve the blowback from our argument.
“You’re welcome. I’m glad you came.”
Ignoring his slight with the emphasis on you, I force myself to relax. For her sake since the only reason we came to this dangerous cluster fuck is to let her have some fun.
“Was Taylor surprised?”
Yeah, I’m the asshole who kept us from participating in the reveal. But hiding in the dark would make me lose my shit even more than I already have. Yet, Eden doesn’t complain. An angel as always and willing to compromise since I’ve sacrificed so much allowing her to be here.
“Not one bit.”