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She smiles, and I'm relieved the sadness cloaking her earlier seems to have dissipated. But as much as I don't want to bring it up, remind her of what was bothering her, I told her earlier that she could trust me with her burdens, and I meant it.
"Are you okay Im? For real?"
The curl on her lips lowers, but she nods her head yes. Then amends, "I got into an argument with my mother before we went to the prison, before I found out about Kenneth."
"What about?"
"The wedding. My body. Money. Everything and nothing all at once."
"You told her it wasn't happening, even before you found out about Kenneth?"
She nods, "After the other night… Red, you must know, I'd never have gone through with it. But even the farce felt so wrong. I didn't want to pretend, even for her."
"But you're worried about her. Broken arms and shit?"
She giggles, "That's so inappropriate. Broken arms and shit," she mocks, but her sweet, delicate voice doesn't go deep enough, so it's fucking funny. "Yes, broken arms and knees and the fear there's more to it."
"If it's just about money, they'll take a loan from Sully. Problem solved."
She stills. "I just realized. You're right. I mean, even during all of that, I was listening and agreeing. But it just now dawned on me. I don't have to worry about them getting hurt." Eyes glistening, she turns to me. "Red, I'm free."
"God damn, woman. I know our date night is tomorrow, but please, will you sleep in my bed tonight? Can I have you all to myself just this once?"
"Just once?" She teases.
My alpha growls in excitement, pheromones heady in the car, causing her perfume to bloom. She almost whimpers, her cherry scent so mouthwatering I think I'd do anything to get her alone when we get home so I can taste and steal every single drop of her slick.
She drives through downtown, crossing over the bridge in South Loop, when I remember one more thing she said. "What about your body?"
"Hmm?"
"Your mom. Said you argued about your body."
"Oh… that… that's nothing." Pulling up to the warehouse, I direct her in, having her pull up next to my beat-up red truck, the guys are already parked and inside since Imogen drives about two miles under the speed limit.
"Im… you can trust me." Her cheeks flame in embarrassment when I cage her against the car door after we climb out.
Looking up, not meeting my eyes, she says shyly, "My mother thinks my body is becoming… unladylike. Masculine. She doesn't like all the muscles I've been getting. Or that I'm getting… bigger."
I frown, tracing my fingers over the material covering her arm. "I can tell you how fucking beautiful you are. Insanely gorgeous, the absolute perfection my brothers and I see in you. You take our breath away. Literally, sometimes. When I watch you dance, especially when you use your strength, holding yourself up on that pole, with nothing but your hard work and will, while making the moves graceful and elegant... You're a wonder, Imogen. But all that doesn't matter. What do you think? How do you feel in your skin?"
"I… I feel… strong. And happy. And beautiful, too. Especially when I wear the wings and the mask. Not because I'm hiding, but because it makes me feel alive. Like I'm doing something so wild and crazy, but sexy, too. I really love dancing in them. And being on stage."
I nod, gripping her chin. "You're perfect, Imogen. Not because you try to be but because you just are, with all your imperfections. You're perfect, just the way you are."
Tears well in her eyes, but instead of a soothing hug, she jumps on me. Wrapping her legs around my waist, I bring my lips to hers, kissing her fiercely.
She cries out when I bite her lip, dragging my teeth to her neck.
"No biting," she whines. "Not until—"
"I know, I know. Stupid party first. But after that?"
"Take me inside, Red."
I pick her up and carry her up the stairs. Cass and Iggy are waiting in the kitchen but give me an unspoken nod that they're gonna give us some space to be alone. Before I can carry her up the second set of stairs to my room, she crawls out of my arms.
To my brothers, she says softly but confidently, "After the party, I'm done waiting. You three will bite me and make me pack."
