Page 28 of Echoes of Desire
“It was even longer than your hair,” he smiles. “Delphi is important to me, baby. She ropes us into her antic because she knows we’re both pushovers who can’t say no to her. But that’s all it is.”
“I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m so sorry. I know how that must have looked. Jacob is always telling me that I need to back off and let my best friend breathe.”
Turning towards the voice, I see a woman standing next to a man with her head lowered. Now, I’m not good at reading facial expressions, but I can read body language just fine.
“No, I’m sorry,” I say, stepping away from the two men crowding me and walking towards the couple.
The woman lifts her head, her brown eyes meeting mine with a mix of curiosity and wariness. The man beside her, who I assume is Reynolds, keeps his arm loosely around her waist, his expression calm but protective.
“You don’t need to apologize,” I say softly, my voice trembling slightly. “I shouldn’t have assumed anything. I let my insecurities get the better of me.”
Delphi steps forward, her posture easing. “It’s okay. Really. I get it. If I walked into that situation without context, I’d probably think the same thing. For what it’s worth, I’m sorry forjumping on Steel like that. I tend to forget how things might look to someone else.”
I glance back at Jasper and Jaxon. They’re standing shoulder to shoulder now, both of them watching me closely, their expressions unreadable. Even standing side by side, I still can’t actually tell that they’re twins. Taking a deep breath, I turn back to Delphi.
“I don’t know what you went through,” I say quietly, “but it’s clear you mean a lot to them. And they mean a lot to you. I can respect that.”
Delphi smiles gently, the tension in her shoulders visibly easing. “Thank you for saying that. And for the record, I’m rooting for you. Those two? They’re a lot to handle, but they’re worth it.”
“I’ll take your word for it,” I manage, the corner of my mouth lifting in a tentative smile.
Reynolds steps forward, his deep voice cutting in. “Freckles is right. These two idiots are lucky to have someone like you around. Don’t let them mess it up.”
“Hey!” Jaxon protests, though his voice is light, and there’s a grin tugging at his lips.
Reynolds shrugs. “Just calling it like I see it.”
Delphi chuckles and looks back at me. “I hope we can start over. I’d like to get to know you, Raven.”
“Me too,” I say softly, feeling a little of the weight lift from my chest.
Jasper steps closer, his hand brushing lightly against my arm. “You good, Pet?”
I glance up at him, at both of them and nod. “I think so.”
Jaxon grins, his voice warm and teasing. “Good. Because I’m not letting you run off like that again.”
A soft laugh escapes me, and I shake my head. “I’ll try not to.”
Jasper leans down, his voice low and steady. “No trying, baby. Just don’t.”
“I have the best idea that has ever been thought,” Delphi says excitedly.
“Oh, no,” Jasper sighs.
“Come with us,” she continues. “It will be a great way for us to spend time together. And I can tell you all about the rest of the family.”
“Never mind,” Jasper smiles. “I like this idea.”
“Where are you going?” I ask.
“To get mani-pedis,” Delphi smiles mischievously.
“You were going to get mani-pedis?” I tease at the man beside me.
“Yeah,” he sighs as he looks at his friend. “But I mean it, Delphi. One hour.”
“Yeah. Sure. One hour. Let’s go. So, Raven, did you know that these guys are also part of a motorcycle gang?”