Heartless

Maybe if I feel like a goddess when we’re together, he feels like a god.

In the blink of an eye, he’s adjusted his grip to pop open my jaw and stuffs my panties inside. My irises widen as he works the fabric in and I stand stock still, too shocked to stop him. Too turned on to want to.
“There are no buts about it, Red. Now get your palms flat on the counter and bend over.”

“I’m going to walk out into a child’s birthday party with a big glass of wine and bright red cheeks?” I ask, just to clarify. Because it feels insane.
“Don’t forget about your freshly fucked pussy. But no one else will see that. I covered it up for you.”
“They’ll know though.” I point at him and walk in his direction.
The other side of his mouth pops up, and he hands me the wine before he leans in close and whispers, “Good,” against my cheek.

Willa: I think these panties are ruined.
Cade: I’ll wash them for you. And then shove them in your mouth again the next time you say something rude.
Willa: Fuck off.
Cade: Careful. They haven’t even been washed yet.

“You’ve had my attention since—”
I roll my eyes and wave a hand at him. “Yeah, yeah. Since I dropped my panties at your feet.”
“No. Since I first heard you laugh.”
That shuts me up.

We spend the rest of the day like that. Him digging. Me making fun of him. And eventually Luke comes out and plays us a song he made up.
For once, I feel settled. Like everything in my life is where it’s meant to be.

Willa: Hi, Lawyer friend. Can I ask for some legal advice?
Summer: Do you need me to come bail you out? Just send the address. I’m there.
Willa: Is it illegal to bang your hot boss?
Summer: Are we talking about your brother or Cade?
Willa: Fucking gross.
Summer: Dude. I’ve had to listen to you make hot dad jokes for years. Shooters gotta shoot.
Willa: I’m never coming to you for advice again.

I feel safe when I’m scowling, but it’s getting harder and harder to look at Willa Grant without smiling.

“You’re not a maid, Willa.”
Her lips quirk up and her eyes narrow. I’ve noticed this look. It comes right before she says something inappropriate. “I was a sexy one for Halloween one year.”
I scowl at her. Internally I’m scowling at myself because my first two thoughts were:
1. Does she still have that costume?
2. How do I track down and kill every guy who saw her wearing it?