He released his hold on my wrist, and smoothed his hand over my hair and down my jaw. His huge hand cupped my face. I leaned into him, unsure if my legs could support me. He gently lifted my face to peer into his. His eyes were clear and focused for the first time this morning.
“Are you okay, baby? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to maul you like an animal, but, fuck, you make me feel better.”
“I’m good. I’m great.”
He brushed his thumb over my lips, which I’m sure were red and swollen, his brows drawn down in concern. “I didn’t hurt you?”
“No. I promise.” I rubbed my hands up and down his muscular back, trying to soothe his worries.
“Your bruises?”
“They don’t hurt anymore.”
“We didn’t use a condom. I’m sorry, Juls.”
“It’s okay. I’m on the pill and I’m clean. I haven’t been with anyone else since my last doctor’s appointment.” I felt my face flush as I spoke, but I pushed through. If I was mature enough to have sex, I could be mature enough to talk about gynecologists and pap smears, right?
“I’m clean too. We all go for annual doctor visits, and I haven’t been with anyone in a long time. I’d love for you to have my babies one day, but not yet.”
Did he just say what I thought he said? I opened my mouth to ask—or maybe to squeal—but nothing came out.
Dylan chuckled, his expression softening, making him look both serious and sweet. “One day, baby. I want it all with you.”
I nodded. “Me too.” I gently kissed his jaw and neck, working my way down his chest, until my cheek rested gently against him. I felt his chest rise and fall with deep breaths, his breath warm against the top of my head.
“This was exactly what I needed. It’s going to be a long ass day. I barely slept and I doubt anyone else did either. When I was awake I just thought about everything I should’ve done differently, but when I fell asleep, I heard those last few seconds of her screams cut off by the gunshot. Then, when we went in—fuck, baby, it was gruesome.”
I held him tighter and made a little soothing sound. “I wish I could stay, but I’m sorry, I have to go to work.”
“Thank you for coming. You’re incredible, Juls.”
“I wish I could do more. I?—”
I was cut off by the blare of the alarm. Dylan listened to the voice of the dispatcher, which I could barely understand.
“Car accident,” he rushed out. “Give us a few minutes to pull out before you go. Make sure it’s clear before you go near the driveway. Avoid Commerce Street. Be safe.” He kissed me quickly and ran off.
I waited a few seconds until silence surrounded me, then I finally looked around. I was in a tiny bedroom, with a twin bed and a small nightstand next to it, a window above the nightstand, and a narrow closet on the other side. So this was where Dylan was for all those late-night conversations.
I walked back out to the main area, feeling free to look around now that I was alone. It looked comfortable, like the guys could sit and relax together at the table or the common area. I knew some days they barely got to eat, much less relax, but I hoped sometimes they could enjoy themselves. They all deserved it. I looked in the kitchen to see if there was anything I could do, but it was already cleaner than my own, so I just grabbed a few paper towels and cleaning spray and went back to the bedroom, trying not to be embarrassed as I cleaned Dylan’s come off the laminate wood floor.
I made my way out to head to work, but I paused to text him before I left.
Me: I love you. Be safe. I’m going to play in the kickball game.
He texted back later while I was working.
Dylan: Strong as fuck. You be safe too. Thank you for this morning. I love you.
23
Dylan
“Are you sure you’re okay?”
Juliette continued staring out the windshield. “Yeah. I’m fine,” she said, not sounding fine at all.
“If it’s too much, tell me and we’ll leave. Doesn’t matter when.”