Between Embers (Lost Kings MC #5.5): A Companion to White Heat: Three Short Stories Read Online Free PDF Page B

and I feel like an ass for making her doubt herself for even a second.
    I finally manage to shake myself out of my stupor. “Why aren’t you with the bride?”
    “I’m hungry. I had breakfast, but it was hours ago.”
    “Let’s get you some food then.”
    Slinging one arm around her shoulders, I pull her to my side and walk her through the dining room and into the kitchen.
    “I have something for you.”
    Her eyes widen. “You do?”
    “Yup.” Opening the fridge, I dig around until I find the container I hid in the back so no one would touch it.
    God help me, but she bounces up and down on her toes. It physically hurts to tear my gaze away.
    “What is it? What is it?” she yelps. My Heidi has always loved presents of any kind.
    I set the container on the counter and pop the lid off, revealing a batch of plump chocolate covered strawberries.
    “Oh my God!” she squeals. “They’re so pretty!”
    “Trinity made them for their sleepover last night. I asked her to set some aside for you.”
    Her pretty brown eyes blink a few times. “Thank you.” She hesitates. “Maybe I should eat some real food first.”
    “Good call.” I end up making us sandwiches while she watches and critiques my sandwich-making skills. We take our plates to the small table by the window. That way I can keep an eye out for anyone who’s going to intrude on our time.
    She only ends up eating half of her sandwich, pushing her plate toward me. “Berry time!”
    I nudge the container to her side and finish her sandwich.
    “Hmm…they all look good. I don’t know where to start.”
    I chuckle while she makes her decision as if it’s life or death.
    I’m not laughing a few second later when strawberry juice lands in her cleavage.
    No, I’m biting my tongue so I don’t lick the drop from her skin.
    “Oh. Crap.” She wipes it away, sucking her finger and seriously testing my control.
    “Better be careful. Don’t wanna ruin your dress.” I grind the words out and hand her a paper towel.
    “Yeah, I’m not used to so much skin showing.” She waves her hand over her boobs, as if I need the reminder. “Good thing, though or I totally would have stained my dress.”
    I’ve never felt the meaning of “no good deed goes unpunished” as acutely as I do in the next fifteen minutes while I watch her carefully work through half the berries.
    “Don’t you want any?” she asks.
    “Sure.”
    She ends up handing me one and having me eat it out of her hand. Isn’t that appropriate?
    “I can’t believe Trin made these. They must take forever. They’re soooo good though.”
    “She seemed to have a system down. Mariella helped her.”
    She nods and stands, carrying the rest of the berries back to the refrigerator. I wait and watch her at the sink, washing her hands. Hell, I’ll pretty much sit and watch Heidi do anything.
    When she’s finished, she turns and flashes a sweet smile. “Thank you.”
    “You know I’m always thinking of you.”
    Her smile fades. “I know.”
    Time to lighten things back up. “Can I steal you away from the bridal party a little longer?” I ask, holding out my hand.
    “Sure.”
    I have one final thing to give her, waiting in the living room behind the bar.
    “Is Axel still helping to get things ready?” she asks, waving her hand toward the woods.
    My stomach twists at the sound of her boyfriend’s name. “Yeah.” Axel wouldn’t be getting off prospect duty any time soon if I had any say.
    What I’d stupidly forgotten was, a couple weeks ago, I’d invited Serena to the wedding. A fact that’s bound to bite me in the ass soon. As I’m about to grab Heidi’s present, I glance out the window and spot Serena walking toward the front door. She notices me and waves.
    Fuck.
    “Hi, Murphy,” Serena calls out as she walks inside.
    “Hey.” I motion for her to stay where she is. But it’s too late. Heidi turns and figures it out immediately. Her face crumples with disappointment.
    “I should go