Filthy (The Reckless Series #2) - HJ Bellus Page 0,2

Oliver in front of that train. The headlines were blasted all over the town and county. It was labeled an accident with no witnesses, and not even a family member to step up and claim him.

Darby passes baby Charlie back to Zane then bounces in the house, and I’m sure she’s off to tend to her best friend, Ava.

“What’s up, Rhett?” Zane nods to me to have a seat next to him as he offers Charlie a bottle.

“Nothing, man.”

“I’m the one getting married today and you look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.”

I just shrug, knowing that if I open up to my best friend that I’ll lose everything. Zane has put up with enough shit in his life and carried around everyone else’s worries, he doesn’t need to worry about this shit. Plus, he’d take the guilt on double knowing what had happened.

“You know me and weddings.” I sit next to him, and hold my finger out for Charlie to wrap her little hand around.

“You’re usually ready to roll at weddings and taking tally of how much pussy you’re going to nail.”

I keep my eyes locked on Charlie’s teeny-tiny hand. “Well, considering that you’re having a tiny ceremony and the only other woman here besides Darby will be my mom, then it seems my mood is fitting.”

“How are you and the other half?” he asks.

“I don’t have another half,” I say deadpan and look up to him.

Zane just quirks an eyebrow in my direction and waits for an answer.

“We have an open relationship.” I take Charlie from him, delicately putting her on my shoulder, and pat her back.

“Bullshit. There’s no such thing when two people are as tight as you. I see the way you look at her.”

“Just because you fell in love and get all the happily ever after bullshit doesn’t mean I do.”

“What’s holding you back, Rhett?”

“My cock that craves a wide variety of pussy.”

Zane stands and whacks me in the back of the head. “Watch your fucking mouth, man, you’re holding my daughter.”

I could go in so many different directions with this, but decide to taunt him later about Charlie growing up and the boys chasing. God knows I’ll be right by his side kicking their asses with him.

“I’m going to change, then I’ll come grab her and you can change.”

I nod to him. The rhythmic breathing from Charlie and the slow pats on her back calm me and in a strange way they ease all my worries.

“Don’t ever grow up, little girl.” I kiss her temple and continue to wait for her burp.

The music from the house is booming and Zane has disappeared off into the barn, leaving me alone for a bit. That hasn’t happened much lately since I helicopter over Darby’s every single move. My parents should be pulling up the lane any moment and this peace will soon dissipate.

“I’m scared, Charlie, I’m not going to lie.” She belches and it’s a juicy one. I’m almost afraid to look down on my shoulder. “Now if you tell your dad that I said that then we’re going to have problems little girl.”

I tuck her in my arms and am relieved when my shoulder is throw-up free. That shit stinks and lingers like no other.

“I’m afraid to fall in love. You see, a long time ago…” I place my finger on her chest and let her little hand wrap around it, “my heart was broke. Like, broke real bad. You know Uncle Rhett doesn’t show hurt, but this girl from my past wrecked me.”

Charlie’s sapphire blue eyes stare back at me like she’s absorbing in each word. Her dainty lips purse together as if she was going to answer back. I just shake my head and smile. Grandpa sure sent us the gift of a lifetime with this little one. The love I feel for Charlie reminds me that my closed off heart does still have the power to love.

I lean in close and whisper to her, sharing one of my deepest secrets that in actual honesty even scares the shit out of me. “I think I’m falling in love with Darby, but I’m too big of a puss to admit it.”

“My turn,” Darby announces, jetting from the front door.

She came in her maid of honor dress, but pulled her hair up into a big messy pile on the top of her head, and added some make-up, highlighting her whiskey colored eyes. She doesn’t even ask as she scoops Charlie up