Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76780 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Atlas
Callan is sprawled on the chaise when I walk in after my shift, textbook open and resting on his chest with Sparkles lying on his legs. He’s asleep but based on the still-steaming mug of coffee on the table beside him, I’d say not very long.
I take a moment to appreciate how fucking perfect he is. It makes me happy that he stays up and waits for me so our schedules will be the same. His pretty pink lips are parted as he breathes softly, and his dark hair is messy, hanging over his brows. I could stare at him all damn day.
“Creeper,” he mumbles, his voice thick with sleep. “I can feel you watching me.”
“Can you blame me?”
His smile has me stalking over to him to kiss it off his face. I kneel down and press my lips to his for a sweet kiss.
“Morning, sweetheart.”
“Morning, prick.”
I stroke his cheek with my thumb, staring into his deep hazel eyes when he opens them. “Someone’s grumpy.”
“Someone’s tired.”
“Don’t worry,” I say with a grin. “Let me feed you, and then I’ll tuck you into bed, little boy.”
“You’re such a weirdo,” he complains. “Your cock doesn’t count as food.”
“I could fill you up with it,” I challenge.
“Appetite officially lost.” He makes a sour face. “Go away.”
I chuckle, pulling away, but note the strange expression he makes. “What? You okay?”
He sits up and frowns. “Now I am.”
I hold out my hand for him to take it. He lets me pull him to his feet so I can hug him. His grip is surprisingly tight. He’s being clingy. Like he craves my touch because he’s afraid of something.
“What happened?” I growl. “Tell me.”
He shudders—fucking shudders—which has me going on full alert. “It was…I was fine. Just spooked me. I meant to call you last night about it, but I didn’t want you worrying and running home.”
I grip his shoulders and push him back so I can look at him. “What’s going on, Callan? Spit it out. My mind is racing with a million bad things. Who do I need to kill?”
“Your dad,” he blurts out.
My blood runs cold. “What?”
“After dinner with Dante, Zak ran me home, and your dad was here.”
“He hurt you?” I crack my neck, my gaze boring into him. “So help me if he—”
“N-No,” he stammers. “He just, uh, threatened me. In a nutshell.”
“What did he say?”
“Our people are disgusting. They’re going to take care of the problem, even if they have to get creative, whatever that means. He told me to watch my back.”
I storm toward the door with Callan barking out behind me.
“Atlas! Where are you going?”
“To have fucking words with my father!”
He grabs the back of my coat. “Atlas…”
Swiveling around, I take his cheeks in my hands and press a kiss to his forehead. “I won’t stand for this goddamn shit. He needs to know that. I’m going to warn him he’s on thin ice. Don’t worry. I’ll be back in half an hour to feed you and tuck your pretty ass into bed.”
He stands on his toes, crashing his lips to mine. I kiss him deeply, loving the taste and scent of him. It’s distracting enough, I almost forget about my father so I can strip Callan down and take him right against the front door with Sparkles as an audience. He holds onto me, and I allow it for a few minutes longer, savoring his sweet mouth.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” he murmurs against my mouth. “I need you.”
The vulnerability in his words has me even more furious at my father. Fuck him and every other bigot in this town who has a problem with our people. This is our home. If they have issues with it, then they can get the fuck out.
“I know how my father works,” I assure him. “You stay here and take a little nap. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“You could make your trip worthwhile and bring us back donuts.”
“Sure thing, sweetheart.”
We kiss once more, and then I stare at him for a long, intense moment. Callan is different than any man I’ve ever been with. He’s sweet and needs to be protected. He needs to feel safe in his own town. He needs love.
I’m going to give it all to him.
And so much more.
I’m so pissed, my teeth are grinding together and making my jaw ache. My father is a monster. End of story. He was always a totally controlling dick growing up, but threatening someone at my house really takes the fucking cake.
I’d hoped to avoid both him and Mom, but they’re making it nearly impossible.
Their office is located on the north end of the Brigs Ferry Bay Chamber of Commerce building. I remember going there as a kid when they had to work long weekends and being bored out of my skull. I used to get my ass chewed out for skateboarding out front on the sidewalk and curbs. Dad eventually put a stop to my skateboarding when he snapped my board in half. I never picked it up again and still hold a grudge because of that damn board.