“You’re right. We need a second opinion. And I’m sure once our parents find out, they’re going to make her undergo treatment,” he says.
“I know I can’t be much help, but whatever you need, I will do it.”
“Don’t let me use you like that again, Poppy. I don’t want to be that guy.”
“You’re not that guy, and you can use me to get lost in any time of the day or night, Sammie.”
Chapter Twenty-One
I’ve always lived knowing the risks of our lifestyle. The fact that our enemies could target my sister and get to her. I’ve done everything I can to protect her from threats. But I can’t protect her from this. Those words coming out of her mouth are haunting me.
I’m dying.
I can’t shake them. At first, I got fucking angry at her, at the situation. I had Alfie bring me someone who needed to be taught a lesson because I needed to get some frustration out on something. I had a torture room built in my apartment. It’s soundproof for that very reason.
It became evident to both Alfie and Hudson that I wasn’t in my right mind about half an hour into the session. I was gone. They didn’t stop me, though. Instead, they both stood back and watched with questions all over their faces. And then she was there. Poppy.
Everything good that I shouldn’t be fucking touching. I lost it. My thirst for blood was instantly replaced with a need for her, and I fucking took. She didn’t try to stop me. She knew I wasn’t myself and let me get lost in her. I hate that I did that to her. I meant what I said. Idon’twant to be that guy. I don’t ever want her to feel used by me. She’s more than that.
Walking into the bedroom, I stop in my tracks. Tonight I’m taking Poppy to meet my parents. She’s been a nervous wreck all day about it.
“Holy shit.” My eyes travel up and down her body.
She’s wearing a knee-length skirt. It’s tight-fitting, hugging her curves in the right places, and a button-up top that’s done all the way up to her neck with some bow thing on the side of the collar.
“I look stupid, don’t I?” she huffs out.
“You look fucking hot,” I tell her. “I’ve never had to struggle with managing a hard-on around my mother, but something tells me tonight is going to be a first.”
“Seriously? I can’t be anymore covered up if I tried.” Poppy looks down at herself while tugging on her neckline.
“If you’re uncomfortable, don’t wear it.”
“I can’t meet your parents looking like some ho you picked up on the top of a bar, Sammie.” She shakes her head. “Are you sure you want me there? I mean, shouldn’t you just go by yourself?”
“No, I wantandneed you there.” Stepping up to Poppy, I wrap my arms around her waist. “It’s going to be fucking near impossible to keep this thing from them, but Imogen begged and pleaded with me not to tell them yet.”
“It’s for her own good that they find out sooner rather than later.”
“I’ve already scheduled her an appointment with another doctor. She’s agreed to go and see him. I can’t push her.”
“No, youcan’tsay no to her. There’s a difference, Sammie,” Poppy says.
“Yeah, maybe.”
I know she’s right. I’ve always had my sister’s back, never betrayed her trust. I don’t want to start now, but I also don’t know how I can keep this from our parents too much longer. It’s been two days since we’ve been back from Texas. Imogen went home with a promise to call me if she needed anything.
“You know, when I invited you to Vegas, I thought I’d spend the week wooing you, not having you deal with my shit.” I sigh.
Poppy flattens her hands against the lapels of my jacket. “Wooing? Really? I was just expecting a week of orgasms.” She smiles up at me. “Anything else is just a bonus.”
“You realize you’re far too fucking good for me, right?”
“Oh, yeah.” Poppy nods her head enthusiastically. “But everyone should take on a charity case at some point in their lives.”
“Lucky me.” I wag my eyebrows up and down at her. “Come on, let’s do this.”
“Are you really sure your parents want me there? We’ve only been dating for a hot minute, Sammie.”