Magnolia smiles and offers me a salute. “Got it. Now, this needs to simmer a while, and then we can eat.”
Seven
Magnolia
The guys devoured my jambalaya, coming back for seconds, and even thirds for Jules. Moses kissed me on the forehead and thanked me for the meal, but I could tell he was uneasy about the plans for later.
He’s still anxious now, based on the looks he’s shooting me from across the room as I carefully apply my makeup in the bathroom mirror.
I pause, mascara wand in hand, and glance his way. “It’ll be fine. I don’t know why you’re worrying about me so much. This is far from the most dangerous thing I’ve ever been involved in, Moby.”
Moses pulls a black T-shirt out of a drawer, tosses it on the bed, and comes toward the bathroom door. “You saying shit like that doesn’t change my mind. Matter of fact, it just makes me wish I’d been able to come back a hell of a lot sooner to make sure you didn’t have to take risks. I hate that, mama. The thought of you in harm’s way fucking kills me.”
Warmth blooms around my heart at the sound of his voice and the words he’s speaking. How long has it been since anyone but Keira has worried about me doing anything?
I slide the mascara wand back in the tube and set it in my makeup bag before meeting him outside the bathroom.
His hands go to my waist, pulling me against him in a way I love. Moses is a tactile guy, and I adore how he always wants to have his hands on me. Have me close to him. Every time I get near, I want to soak up his body heat. He’s potent, that’s for damn sure.
“Don’t think like that,” I tell him quietly, tilting up to kiss his jaw. “Because I’m still here. You’re still here. We’re both fine. Whatever happened to either of us in the past is just that—in the past. Tonight, you probably won’t even need me, but I’m going all the same because you’re doing thisfor me. What kind of woman—no, what kind ofpartner—would I be if I just sat back and let you do all the work?”
“The kind who stays safe so I don’t have to worry,” he says, his voice low as he angles his head to nibble along my jawline.
“You’re saying you’d be fine leaving me here by myself while the three of you go to the impound lot? You wouldn’t be worried about me being here all alone? Because I don’t believe that either.” I poke a finger into his chest, and he pulls back.
Moses’s mouth flattens into a line, but even now, I can see I’ve got him as the corners threaten to turn up.
“You know I’m right. You wouldn’t be too keen on leaving me alone and unprotected either. I see it on your face.”
His big hand comes up, and his thumb strokes along my jaw before burying in my hair. “How the hell do you know me so well again, already?” The words come out before he presses a kiss to my lips.
“Because I knowyou,” I say with a smile.
He moves in to pair our mouths. “Shut up and kiss me, woman. You win. I’ll quit fucking worrying.”
My giggle is smothered by the taste of Moses, and my entire body lights up, ready for him, even after a single kiss. When he lifts his head, I read the desire on his face too. We spark each other to life with no effort at all.
Moses must see it on my face too. “Hold that thought, mama. When we get back, I’m spending all night inside you.”
“Damn right you are,” I tell him, rolling my hips to grind my clit on his thigh while we’re standing there. “I just don’t want to wait.”
Both his hands drop to my waist and squeeze, setting me back a step from him. “After this is done, and you’re home safe.”
His genuine concern settles over me, and I love how it feels. “You bribing me with sex to stay out of trouble?” I ask, my eyebrows tugging upward.
“Fucking right I am, if that’s the incentive you need. Is it working?”
I burst out laughing. “You’re something else, Moby. Now, let me finish getting dressed, and I’ll be ready to rock.”
He checks his watch. “We have forty-five minutes before we should leave. Take your time, mama. The boys and I’ll be waiting for you.”
He gives me a firm kiss, and I watch him walk out of the bedroom.
Damn, the ass on that man ought to be illegal.Then I remember something that makes me smile.It’s all mine.
I slip back into the bathroom and finish my war paint.
We’re getting answers tonight. I can feel it. Because I’m done living in fear. It’s time for this bloodthirsty motherfucker to go down.