Evans, Gabrielle - Reckoning [Fatefully Yours 9] (Siren Publishing LoveXtreme Forever ManLove) Read Online Free PDF Page B

thought about it again, though. It was just a part of life.
    A part of life that Syx hoped never touched the sleeping man in his lap.

    * * * *

    Echo’s head bounced on Syx’s thigh, waking him from his nap. The SUV bumped along, rocking slightly from side to side, and Echo grinned broadly. They were home. He was so happy to be back. Would it be too weird to lock them all inside and never leave again? Probably.
    Rolling to his back, he peered up at Syx. The concern in his lover’s eyes had him mirroring the drawn eyebrows and slight frown. Reaching up, he skimmed his fingertips down the side of Syx’s cheek. “What’s wrong?”
    Syx looked at him for a long time, but eventually sighed and shook his head. “Nothing, baby. We’re home.”
    Echo didn’t believe the demon for a second, but he was too tired to argue. Besides, he’d learned early on in their relationship that the quickest way to make Syx shut down was to push him. The man would talk when he was ready, and not a moment before. It was something Echo admired. Very rarely did Syx speak without fully thinking through his words first. How many arguments and misunderstandings could be avoided if more of them were like that?
    Sitting up, he stretched his arms over his head and groaned. He wondered if Hex could heal him now or if he’d need to wait until morning. The alpha sat in the passenger seat beside Gage, and he looked completely wiped out. Yeah, maybe Echo would just wait until the morning. He felt sore and achy, and his face throbbed where he’d been punched, but it wasn’t anything life threatening.
    Hex needed rest and time for his own body to heal before he began worrying about the rest of them. “I need a shower, food, a bed, and lots of cuddles—in that order.”
    “Nice to see where we rank on your priority list,” Vapre teased.
    “The way I’m feeling, you’re lucky you made the list at all.” Echo shrugged, lifting his hand to his mouth to stifle another yawn. It wasn’t that he didn’t want his men with him, but he imagined he’d be asleep within seconds of his head hitting the pillow. As exhausted as he felt, he probably wouldn’t even know they were there.
    Luckily, he didn’t have to explain any of it. Vapre chuckled and wrapped his fingers around the back of Echo’s neck, pulling him closer and kissing his temple. “I love you, goofball.”
    Echo gave Vapre a crooked grin and stuck his tongue out. “Love you, too.” With seven men to please and cherish, Echo felt like he said the words a hundred times a day. It still wasn’t enough.
    Once the vehicle pulled to a stop, Syx opened his door and slid out of his seat. He stretched and groaned, much as Echo had, then turned to offer his help. Echo bit his lip. He didn’t want to appear weak and unmanly, but his legs felt like rubber. Besides, he just really needed to be held.
    He didn’t know if Syx picked the information from his brain, or if he was just that easy to read, but the warrior stepped closer and held his arms out, waiting for Echo to move into them. Then he wrapped Echo up securely and held him close to his chest. “Is this what you were after?”
    Too happy to feel embarrassed, Echo nuzzled against the side of Syx’s throat and sighed. “Yes.” He knew his mates loved carrying him around and holding him, but that was different. He’d never actually asked for it.
    “I hurt everywhere. I can only imagine how sore you are. Do you need help in the shower, or would you just like to soak in the tub?”
    Echo knew Syx was trying to help him save face, but the man deserved nothing but completely honesty. “I am a bit sore, but I’ll be fine to shower. I just wanted you to hold me.”
    Syx kissed Echo on the forehead before rubbing his cheek against the top of Echo’s head. “You never have to ask to be held.”
    “I lied.”
    “Oh?” Syx walked up the steps and in through the open front door. “What did you lie about, baby?”
    “I don’t like hurting