Lovers And the Dead

18

Rupert is running his hand up and down my leg all through dinner thoroughly distracting me from the conversation. Locklin somehow ended up on my other side and keeps glancing at me all amused.

"So, plan for tomorrow," Aj starts. "Who's going and who's staying?"

Jack glances at Addy, "I think I'll stay this time with Addy, and we'll get the coop set up." Addy rolls her eyes at the mention of work.

"Not everyone needs to go though," Aj says, "How about we take two vehicles. Three people each."

"I want to go this time." I say.

Leon's nose twitches, "I'll stay."

Ollie rolls his eyes, "Matt, is with me and Wally, Aj, Rupert and Rosemary in the other. There done."

I laugh, "Alright, boys you do the dishes tonight." I stand up and head outside to look at my garden. As I glance at the city through the trees, I see a few more buildings on fire than there were a few days ago. Damn, I should ask Matt or Jack if they know what's happening down there.

To my extreme annoyance my dirt is barely wet, my head snaps to the house. I storm back up to the back porch, with a deep inhale I go inside. "Addy, Leon please come with me. You know what, since this may be the second most important step in our future everyone follow me."

I hear a lot of grumbling, they follow me outside and to the garden. I grab the sprinkler and set it up. "This is what watering the garden looks like." I point to the barely wet dirt, "This will not grow crops and with no crops..."

"No food." Leon finishes, "Sorry, I didn't know it needed to be that wet."

I nod, glad I didn't yell at them, I make eye contact with each of the men, landing last on Addy. "You didn't do your part, this is your last warning." I shoot a look at Jack who nods. "Dismissed."

Locklin stays near me arms crossed. "That was sexy how you scolded us all."

I give a quiet laugh, "I just need everyone on board with our survival. Otherwise, they can leave."

"I happen to agree, I overheard Addy earlier, while she was supposed to be watering." My eyes meet his dark ones, waiting. "She was trying to convince Jack that he should keep this house and property and have you and your men find new lodgings."

My eyes widen, "That little bitch. I think if anyone's leaving it can be her." I search the surrounding area, I see another house farther up the hill. "Maybe we should check out that place too. It might be better to be separated."

Locklin eyes scan the ridge above us, I see them widen as he looks at the glimpse of the sprawling house, so many windows and solar panels already in place. "Maybe you're on to something. Let's check it out tomorrow. The road shouldn't be too far away."

I grin, "We'll have to build another fence."

"That can be done."

"Oh, before I forget do you know why the Springs is on fire?"

He shakes his head, "Not a clue, I'm going to send the others out and get their opinion on relocating. Yeah?"

I nod, "Great thanks." I move the sprinkler while he's talking to my men, do I consider him mine even though he hasn't made any sort of move on me? Do I want him to make a move? The questions ping pong around my head until Matt approaches me, capturing my mouth in a searing kiss that leaves me needing more.

"What's up? Locklin said you had something to share?" Leon says with hunger in his eyes.

I point to the house on the ridge, "I think we should check out that place. This isn't really big enough for all of us. And I can't stand Addy." I admit.

Ollie laughs, "Doll that's been obvious since she first arrived. Didn't take you for the jealous type."

I glare at him and punch him in the arm. "Yeah okay, I'm not jealous, I don't trust her. And our relationship is new and weird. It wouldn't be crazy for some of you to think you're not getting enough attention and want to find it elsewhere."

They all give me varying degrees of the same look, that I'm absolutely crazy. "I thought it was obvious. I've wanted you since I first saw you." Matt says, wrapping me tight in a hug.

"I know that with you." I chuckle.

Aj comes over lifting my chin, "How about we show you tonight how much we want you?"

I nod my head, "Okay."

Wally laughs, "We'll go clear that house tomorrow and bring everyone up to build the fence."

"How do we feel about River?" Rupert asks.

I shrug, Matt crosses his arms, "He's alright. I think he'd want to stay with Jack and Addy for at least a while."

Aj grins at me, "Don't worry, you'll add him to your harem eventually."

I blush, "I didn't bring him up." I glance at Locklin.

He grins, "I'm coming with you guys. I'm still undecidedon this whole harem thing though."