“Dylan is a good guy,” Harlow said like she needed convincing.
Fixing loose blonde hairs from her ponytail, I nodded. “Not everyone needs to be powerful like you do. Some of us want to find a place where we fit. We just need to feel safe and I do with Dylan. For a long time, I fit by hiding in the safety of our house and family. Now I want to build something bigger.”
Looking younger than usual, Harlow watched me with a frown. I continued, hoping to make her understand.
“I used to think I was lucky for anything I got. When the Devils came here, I figured ending up dead made sense. I was never going to do anything with my life anyway. I didn’t die though. Because of you, I got another chance. So I started wondering what to do with it. Dylan is what I want.”
Harlow’s frown darkened. “I don’t want what you have.”
“I know. Mom and Dad do too. Everyone is okay with that except you.”
“I need to do something else. I just don’t know what.”
“I’m a small town girl,” I said, taking her hand. “I dream of a future of visiting Mom and Dad for family dinners. Bowling nights and barbecues with the crew. Mani/pedis with the girls. I am even thinking that I could have kids one day. With Dylan, I dream of things I couldn’t imagine before.”
“Are you really okay?”
Glancing around, I leaned forward. “The sex was really good. As long as I remembered I was with Dylan, I loved being touched. That’s why I know he’s special. I really believe I can have a bigger life than I dreamed.”
“I don’t want any guy touching me ever,” Harlow said, sounding like a stubborn kid.
“Dylan and me having sex doesn’t mean you need a boyfriend. You’re you and I’m me. We’re sisters and best friends, but we’re not the same person.”
Harlow rolled her eyes. “You’re talking down to me.”
“Well, you’re being a baby.”
Smiling now, Harlow hugged me. “I was worried about you all night. I didn’t think you were ready.”
“I know.”
“But Dylan helps you be strong.”
I nodded. “Some people can stand alone like you. Others need people to help them like me.”
Harlow stared at me and I waited for her to say the words. “I’m on the outside. Everyone is with someone. I don’t want that, so I’m the single girl they all endure.”
“You think too much, but still get things wrong.” Harlow rolled her eyes, but remained bothered. “You’re not even twenty. No one expects you to be with anyone. Mom and Dad were in their thirties when they found each other. Everyone is different. Once you find the right person, you’ll know it. Until then, there’s no forcing it.”
“I’m restless,” she said, sighing. “I’m looking for something and can’t find it, so I worry over stupid stuff.”
“Are you sure you want to go paintballing? You could get hurt.”
“I want to kick someone’s ass and this is as close as I can get. Besides, it’ll be fun shooting Dylan.” When I gave her a grumpy frown, Harlow laughed. “Don’t worry. I’ll shoot him somewhere that won’t affect your sexy life.”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll understand your badass habits, if you promise to be understanding of my relationships habits.”
“Deal,” Harlow said, wrapping an arm around my shoulders as we joined the others.
The sound of chaos alerted everyone to Raven and Bailey’s return. At some point, Raven became the prey with Bailey chasing her with a water pistol. Vaughn and Nick watched their women run out of the house and down the deck stairs before disappearing into the woods with an army of dogs close behind.
“I’m surprised Raven isn’t joining us,” Cooper said.
“We’re in baby making mode, so I don’t want her taking any chances,” Vaughn explained while messing with his paint gun.
Everyone looked into the woods where the girls screamed and dogs barked.
“Yeah, she’s totally taking it easy,” Judd muttered.
Vaughn glanced at his friend. “Shut up, The Ripper.”
As the men laughed, I remembered what Dylan told me about Judd’s threat to Larry. Smiling, I noticed my love breaking away from the crowd and approaching me.
Dylan looked so damn sexy in camouflage pants and a beige shirt. Shivering at the sight of him, I lifted my lips for a kiss. Dylan kissed me softly then wiped off the face paint left behind on my chin.
“This is turning out to be a hell of a weekend,” he said, giving me a wink. “Hanging out with my girl and shooting good friends with paintballs. A dream come true.”
“Watch out for Harlow,” I whispered. “She’s gunning for you.”
Glancing back at my sister, Dylan smiled. “Let her come. I’m feeling like fucking Superman today.”
Laughing, I hugged him and hoped he wasn’t too tired later. Mostly, I hoped no one got seriously hurt especially since I overheard several bets floating around to shoot other people in the ass. Judd apparently planned to shoot everyone, even those on his team. He intended to be the last man standing and get paid an extra dollar by Tawny.