Page 97

I release a deep growl, leaning in to capture her lips. “You most certainly have.”

After a never-ending perfect night of eating chocolate off Everleigh’s sexy curves and then washing off every inch of her in the bath, we collapse in her bed, sated and exhausted. I lost count of how many rounds we went last night, but it never felt like enough. I wanted more, she teased and seduced me, and I pleased her multiple times over.

Now that I’ve had her, I’m not letting her go. I only hope Tyler will understand.

“Morning,” I say softly when she rustles next to me.

“Good mornin’, handsome,” she coos, her hand sliding down to the erection waiting for her. “I’m addicted to this now.”

“I think it’s addicted to you.” I groan when she wraps her hand around my shaft, sliding up and down, then focuses on the tip. Fuck, I’m so sensitive to her touch.

“Guess there’s no hope for us then. No amount of rehab can cure it.”

I roll until I’m towering over her. “I’m good with that. How about you?”

“I sure am…as long as⁠—”

The doorbell ringing along with Sassy barking interrupts us.

“Oh, that must be the breakfast I ordered. I scheduled it yesterday, pre-sexathon, but thank God I did. My body is way too sore to cook today.”

“Why’d you do that?” I ask as she quickly puts on her robe.

“Well, I figured we were gonna get super drunk last night and would need post-birthday activities food to soak up the booze.”

Chuckling, I stand and reach for my boxers. “Good call. I’m gonna use the bathroom, then I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” I press my lips to hers before I go.

Everleigh greets Sassy on the couch, then makes her way to the front door. Her voice goes up an octave, and it takes me a minute to realize she’s not talking to a delivery person.

“What do you have that I don’t have?” a woman’s voice asks.

“What’re you doing here?” Everleigh asks.

Deciding to skip the bathroom, I walk toward her, wanting to find out what’s going on.

“What do you have that I don’t have!” the woman repeats, but now she’s screaming.

“Is there a prob—” I move behind Everleigh, widening the door, just as my eyes land on a woman who looks messed up. She takes a step forward. Before I can comprehend what’s happening, Everleigh inhales a harsh breath, then slowly falls to the floor.

“Baby,” I rush out, trying to catch her.

The woman runs off, and I look up to see the black SUV speeding away.

When I glance down at Everleigh, she’s holding her stomach, and that’s when I notice the pool of blood around her fingers.

“Wh-what happened?” My eyes scan over her quickly as I peel back the fabric of her robe. “Baby, what’d she—” And then I see it. “She fuckin’ stabbed you!”

Everleigh’s eyes flutter closed, and I shake her shoulders. “No, stay awake. I gotta get my phone. Stay with me.”

She’s losing too much blood too fast.

I rush toward my cell, then dial 911.

“Everleigh, look at me.” Her eyes flutter open, then shut. “Everleigh.” I put my hands over the wound and apply pressure, but the bleeding continues.

“911, what’s your emergency?” the dispatcher answers, but my attention is glued to Everleigh.

“I-I love you,” she mutters.