His to Take (Wicked Lovers #9)(65)
Author: Shayla Black

Loneliness sat like a crushing weight on her chest. But even more feelings she could barely identify battered her. She tried to process everything she’d witnessed at Dominion, not even sure why merely glancing at Joaquin wrenched her. No, she knew. Because she wanted him far more than she should. Bailey wished she could write her feelings off as just wanting someone in her life. But she knew that desire well. This was more intense—and totally focused on him.

He made her yearn in a way she didn’t understand. It wasn’t letting up. No idea why. He hadn’t exactly been a peach to her. He’d challenged her on every level. Scared her. Pissed her off. Made her question her identity and her entire life.

But he alone also evoked this something that made her fear she couldn’t do without him.

Bailey looked away. She was so screwed. If he wasn’t connecting with his own family, then hoping to share what the others at Dominion had with him was the stupidest insanity.

Her future stretched out in front of her, one without Joaquin. And she still had no family, so few friends. It made her sad all over again.

Crap, even the thought was going to make her cry. Great time for a pity party . . .

“I think I’m done for the night. It was great to meet you,” she said earnestly to Kata and Hunter. “Best of luck with your beautiful baby boy.”

The pair exchanged a glance before Kata put a hand on her shoulder. “Are you sure? I wish you’d stay. I’d love more female company.”

Her offer was sweet, but Bailey couldn’t handle being Kata’s charity case. “I’m just really tired. Maybe I’ll see you again someday.”

Before they could protest, she smiled, then turned away to skirt the room. She headed for Thorpe, who stood with Xander and Javier beside the sofa. London had curled up on the cushions, now fast asleep.

In between their good-natured ribbing about pending parenthood, she tapped Thorpe on the shoulder. He excused himself from the other men.

“Happy birthday,” she murmured. “Callie wanted to celebrate you so badly. I hope you’re not angry with her.”

His face softened, and Bailey had the feeling very few people ever saw the unguarded side of this imposing man. “Thank you. Don’t worry about Callie. Every day, she makes me happier than I was the day before. I’ll treasure her forever for that.”

His gaze traveled across the room to rest on the woman and her fiancé, holding hands and talking in a quiet corner. Sean toyed with the ring on her finger, then played with the collar at her throat. She smiled up at him as they exchanged the most naked glances of love. Thorpe looked on, his expression nothing short of peaceful and proud.

Wondering if Callie had any idea how lucky she was to be so adored, Bailey teared up again. “Good night.”

Thorpe’s gaze jerked back to her. “What’s wrong?”

Bailey didn’t bother saying nothing; he’d never believe her. “I just want to be alone.”

“Is Joaquin still keeping you here against your will? I’ll intervene if you need me to.”

“No. Thanks, but he’s convinced me I’m safer here.” At least physically. Her heart was probably in a whole heap of trouble. “You’ve got your hands full with a wedding on the horizon and a baby coming. Don’t worry about me.”

“Don’t ask me for something impossible. I know he’ll keep you safe from the crazies chasing you. I counseled him about disciplining you in anger. If it happens again, you tell me immediately. I’ll fix it.”

“I’m fine,” she insisted. “Really.” Well, except for the terrible realization that she had no one, the man she ached for would probably never want more from her than a screw, and once this surreal danger had passed she would still be alone. “Night.”

As she turned away, he grabbed her arm, his grip gentle but not allowing escape. “Do you need help, Bailey? A hug? An ear? Tell me.”

He slipped into big brother mode so easily and compassionately. She hated turning him down.

“No.” She sniffled. “I’m the, um . . . work-it-out-in-my-head type.”

He let out a deep breath, obviously not liking her answer, but he released her. “All right. If that changes, I expect you to come to me. You’re under my roof. That makes you my responsibility. I won’t have you any more upset than this situation already entails.”

It was so kind of him. She tried not to cry more. “I appreciate that. I hope the rest of your birthday is great. I already know you’re going to have an incredible life with the people you love. Congratulations.”

Bailey drew in a shaky breath as she turned away—only to find Joaquin’s stare all over her. She jerked her gaze to the back of the room and made a beeline for the hallway that held her room. Before she could escape, he fell into step beside her.