Page 76 of Cherry Moon

He’d been taking his morning shower, his hair damp, his body clothed in a bright orange vest and baby pink shorts. In full holiday outfit mode, flip-flops on his tootsies.

I wore canary yellow shorts, blue sandals, and a pale green crop top, midriff always bare for his hungry eyes.

“Blobby fucker,” I answered. “Gone now.”

“Are you okay?” He waved a thanks to the agents.

I rolled my shoulders. “Yeah.” I gave him a kiss, grabbed a quick shower myself, and served up our breakfast.

Croissants made by me. Yum.

My leg and ankle were pretty much healed now. There was still some dull aching, but nothing more than that, and I didn’t need the cane anymore.

The Cherry Moon cherries helped a lot with the healing. I mean, I’d devoured so many of them so I guess they would.

“Delicious,” G proclaimed after his last bite of his three croissants.

“Good, good.”

He leaned across sofa, taking my hand. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I nodded. “What’s another mazoku attack, eh?”

He growled. “Bastards. What about other things?”

“Oh, you know.”

I might have suffered a few heart palpations over Zach’s impending duties, along with a few sleepless nights, guilt doing its best to chew me out.

Anyway, Zach forbade me from apologizing. He could be scary when riled up.

It’d serve him well.

My brother would be okay, Sarah having provided him with some muscle. All of us were given protection, making any moves to create a hostage situation or whatever difficult for the enemy.

Ha ha! In your faces, wankers!

Now Zach just had to wait and see what came next. He wasn’t sure if he’d be moving out of Bristol, what he’d do with his brewery, or if the hunting would take him global.

Whatever happened, he had my unconditional support. Always.

I’d sent him some cocktail cupcakes yesterday morning, and some white chocolate chip cookies to Riku.

Baking for my bros.

Everything changes.

“Want to talk?” G asked.

I got up, taking our plates to the sink. “As much as I love chatting with you, I have a better idea.”

He joined me, sliding an arm around my waist. “Do tell.”

His ring glinted in the sunlight. I looked down at his hand resting on my tummy, giving the gold band a proud tap.

“Cindy,” I answered. “Let’s take her out for a spin. It’s been far too long.”

He didn’t need any convincing.