Worn the fuck out, relief and fatigue making my very bones weary, I wasn’t in the mood to see anyone sitting on my couch, even my husband, who was wearing only a pair of black mesh athletic pants, his chest bare, and reading one of my classic books from the nightstand in my bedroom. I glared at his dirt-free bare feet on my coffee table, then at his wet, clean hair on his head, not spiked but lying messily, and then at his green eyes that lifted from the worn pages. “Ezra, not now. I’m ready to drop.” Hell, I couldn’t even enjoy the show of all that bare flesh.
He nodded, closing the book and placing it on the couch next to his thigh. “I assumed as much.” Lowering his feet to the rug, he stood, walking to me, and placed a gentle hand on Isa where I held her in my arms. “I’ll watch her while you shower.”
Isa, fully awake even though it was the dead of night, wiggled in my arms, gurgling at Ezra. She stretched her arms to him, clenching and unclenching her tiny fists. Sighing in defeat, and also respite, I handed her over. “I won’t be long. Thank you.” He followed me into my bedroom. “If you could, try to get her to go to sleep.”
He nodded, heading straight for my bed. “Elder Farrar’s okay?”
“Yes,” I exhaled heavily, feeling dizzy with relief, “Bindi was able to heal him and Elder Zeller was helping him back to his tent the last time I saw him.” Thank God. Now he would live another day for me to yell at and pretend that I didn’t love him. Turning to my dresser, I asked, “Did you make fireworks happen?”
“Oh, yes,” Ezra chuckled quietly, lying down on my bed and pulling the pink and silver afghan over Isa. “It was spectacular to behold. The whole night sky lit up beautifully.” He cradled Isa’s head, running his thumb back and forth over her cheek softly. “Elder Jacobs may have shit for control where his power is concerned, but he knows explosives.”
Grabbing the grey t-shirt and a pair of red and blue socks, I headed for the bathroom. “I wish I could have seen it, but instead I was running ten fucking miles with a dying Antonio in my arms.” I sighed, opening the flap to the bathroom. “Life’s shit, you know?”
He was quiet, his eyes meeting mine. “Yes, I know. But they are throwing a party tomorrow night for victory today.” I couldn’t help but chuckle at the thought of attending a party, and his lips lifted, glancing at the bathroom. “Take your time in there. I’ve got it handled out here.”
Glancing to Isa, I shook my head. Her baby eyes were already closing from lying next to his heat and his gentle petting. “Unbelievable and much appreciated.”
I took my shower.
It was long.
When I was done washing away the blood and grime, I entered my bedroom, yawning, and asked Ezra to leave. He did as requested, but before leaving he glanced at me. Penetrating green eyes stared back at me, dead and cold like mine, but maybe with a bit of spark, also like mine, that hadn’t been there a few days ago. His gaze was resolute and merciless.
I was his.
And he was mine.
Whether we truly wanted it or not.
Leave it to Antonio to bamboozle me into going to a damn party. I was not a social butterfly.
“This is ridiculous,” I muttered, staring down at my attire. Which wasn’t much. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those men who think I need to get laid.” I had already gotten laid, and it had been nice. Apparently, he didn’t know this yet.
Antonio’s lips twitched. “I’ve said it to you before, and I’ll say it again. Sometimes a little sensual pleasure helps when you’re hurting up here.” He tapped my forehead, then he waggled his finger. “Only a little, of course. Not that…spree…you dove into after Dominic died.”
“You know, Antonio, some would think it odd you’re always pushing me to have sex.” Another glance at my attire. “And dressing me in barely nothing.”
Again his lips twitched. “You look beautiful.”
I stared, then I pointed at my breasts. “I’m wearing a damn scarf around my chest, and even though I’m not large breasted, somehow the thing barely covers me.” A point to my lower section. “And I’m not entirely positive this certifies as a skirt.”
Elder Merrick’s gravelly laugh sounded behind me, and I abruptly turned so I could see both of them, not knowing he was there. Navy eyes roamed over me, and he cleared his throat, stating, “If you want sex, that outfit will give you a definite outcome.” He bent, asking at my ear, “Would you care to dance?”
I crossed my arms, ice entering my tone. “No, I don’t believe I would.” I turned my glare on Antonio. “I’m here, dressed in the outfit — if you can call it that — that you chose.” I scowled down my nose at him. “I don’t have to dance.”
Antonio appeared mighty amused. “I’ll make you a deal.” I didn’t even blink as he glanced around the bonfire where we stood, Mysticals dancing under the stars by the heat of the fire, the music hypnotic, the dancing sensual. “If I dance with someone of your choosing, you’ll dance with someone I pick.”
Well, well. My mind lit on all kinds of naughty things to do to him. “Promise?”