Page 107 of Lick
“Are you talking about the state of your fly? Because I’m not the one in control of your reactions to me, buddy. You are.”
He barked out a laugh. “I’ve never been in control of my reactions to you. Not once.”
“Is that why you married me? Because you were helpless against me?”
“You make me tremble in fear, rest assured.” The smile he gave me made me tremble, and fear had nothing to do with it. “But I married you, Evelyn, because you made sense to me. We make sense. We’re a whole lot better together than apart. You notice that?”
“Yeah, I really did.”
“Good.” His fingers stroked over my cheekbone. “We need to get home. Now.”
I’m pretty sure he broke several speed limits on the drive. The condo was only a couple of blocks back from Ruby’s café. It was located in a big old brown-brick building with Art Deco stonework surrounding the glass double doors. David punched in a code and led me into a white marble lobby. A statue of what looked like driftwood stood tall in the corner. Security cameras hid in the ceiling corners. He didn’t give me time to look, rushing me through. I practically had to run to keep up with him.
“Come on,” he said, tugging on my hand, drawing me into the elevator.
“This is all very impressive.”
He pushed the button for the top floor. “Wait till you see our place. You’re moving in with me now, right?”
“Right.”
“Ah, we’ve got some visitors at the moment, by the way. Just while we record the album and all that. A few more weeks, probably.” The elevator doors slid open and we stepped into the hall. At which point David took my handbag from me. Then he bent and set his shoulder to my stomach, lifting me high. “Here we are.”
“Hey,” I squeaked.
“I got you. Time to get carried over the threshold again.”
“David, I’m wearing a skirt.” It nearly went to my knees, but still. I’d rather not flash his guests and band members if I could avoid it.
“I know you are. Have I thanked you for that yet? I really appreciate having that easy access.” His black boots thumped along the marble flooring. I took the opportunity to grope his ass because I was allowed to. My life was fucking fantastic like that.
“You’re not wearing any underwear,” I informed him.
“That so?”
A hand felt up my rear. Over my clothing, thankfully.
“You are,” he said, voice low and growly in the best way possible. “Which ones you wearing, baby? Boy shorts by the feel.”
“I don’t think you’ve seen these.”
“Yeah, well we’re gonna change that real soon. Trust me.”
“I do.”
I heard the sound of a door opening, and the marble beneath me turned to a glossy, black-painted wooden floor. The walls were a pristine white. And I could hear male voices, laughing and trash-talking nearby. Music played in the background, Nine Inch Nails, I think. Nate had been playing his music at the apartment and they were a favorite of his. Of course the condo looked amazing. There were dark wooden dining room chairs and green couches. Plenty of space. Guitar cases were strewn about the place. From what I could see, it looked beautiful and lived in. It looked like a home.
Our home.
“You kidnapped a girl. That’s awesome but illegal, Davie. You’re probably going to have to give her back.” My hair was lifted and Mal appeared, crouched beside me. “Hey there, child bride. Where’s my hello kiss?”
“Leave my wife alone, you dickwad.” David lifted one booted foot and negligently pushed him aside. “Go get your own.”
“Why the fuck would I want to get married? That’s for crazy folk like you two fine people. And while I applaud your insanity, no goddamn way am I following in your footsteps.”
“Who the fuck would have him?” Jimmy’s smoother voice moved up alongside me. “Hey, Ev.”
“Hi, Jimmy.” I took a hand off the seat of my husband’s jeans and waved at him. “David, do I have to stay upside down?”
