Page 28 of Razor’s Redemption

*Me: Thank you for everything. See you tomorrow.*

I lock the door, turn off the living room light, and tiptoe upstairs. Luna's door is cracked open, and I peek in to see her sleeping peacefully, her stuffed rabbit tucked under her arm. My chest tightens with love.

I'm about to head to my room when I remember I'm still covered in sweat and other things. I need a quick shower before I collapse. I'm tiptoeing toward the bathroom when Mom's door opens and she appears like a ghost, standing in the hallway in her robe with that knowing smile on her face.

"Good night?" she asks, barely suppressing a chuckle.

My face flames. "Mom—"

"I'm not judging, honey. Just asking."

"It was, yes. It was good."

"I can tell." Her eyes flick to my hair, and I realize with horror that I haven't even looked at myself. I catch my reflection in the hallway mirror and nearly die. My hair is absolutely wild, tangled, messy, looking exactly like I've been having sex for the past hour.

Oh God.

"Mom, I—"

"Daisy." She steps forward and squeezes my shoulder. "You're allowed to have a life. You're allowed to have fun. Just be careful. And be happy."

"I am. Both."

"Good." She kisses my forehead. "Now go shower before you wake Luna. You look like you've been through a tornado."

"Thanks," I mutter, but I'm smiling.

She chuckles and disappears back into her room. I slip into the bathroom, lock the door, and turn on the shower.

The hot water feels incredible against my skin, washing away the sweat and the evidence of what we did. I close my eyes and let myself replay it: his hands on my hips, his mouth on my breasts, the way he groaned my name like a prayer.

The way he looked at me like I was beautiful.

I touch myself where he touched me. My breasts, my hips, between my thighs where I'm still sensitive and tender. My body feels different. Alive in a way it hasn't in years.

I finish quickly, dry off, and pull on my softest pajamas. Climb into bed and check my phone one more time. No new messages, but his last one is still there. *Thank you for tonight. Sleep well, beautiful.*

I fall asleep smiling, thinking about green eyes and gentle hands and the way he said my name.

Thinking about tomorrow.

Chapter 7 – Razor

A month and a half later

I drop the fucking mop for the third time in twenty minutes, and Angel just stares at me.

"You good, brother?" he asks.

"Fine."

"You don't look fine. You look like you're about to pass out."

"I said I'm fine."

Priest glances up from where he's wiping down the bar, that quiet knowing look on his face. "The Lord says 'do not be anxious about anything,' but I don't think you're listening."

"Not helping, Priest."