Snake Eater - THE BRAVO BOYS [book three]

Chapter SIXTY SIX

Logan Nash

I could so easily spend the rest of my life entangled in Shelby's arms, making love and sharing souls for an eternity, and it still wouldn't be nearly long enough. But it seems life has other plans for us as my cell phone buzzes incessantly in the pocket of my pants, strewn halfway across the living room floor.

-BUZZZZZZZ-

"Ughh." I groan in disapproval of the heinous sound and unwelcome interruption, making no effort to move until Shelby prods me gently in the shoulder.

"You better get that. What if it's Dallas?" Reminding me of the responsibilities the exist beyond the cosy pink walls around us, Shelby kisses my chest before folding herself to sit upright and fix her hair.

"You're right." I grumble, rolling over to reach out and dig through the pocket for my cell. Seeing my niece's name flash across the screen, I wave the device at Shelby to show her she was right before answering the call.

"What's up, Tex?" I ask, flopping onto my back on the plush pink carpet, exhausted from what could only be described as the best sex of my life.

"I just got home from school and you weren't here so I got worried." Dallas fusses, acting more like a doting grandmother than a teenage girl. "Did you have your checkup today? What did Dr O'Cleriegh say?"

Shelby twists her hair up into a neat ponytail before she turns to watch me, her fingertips lazily tracing the veins of my forearm. "I did and I'm fine, Princess. Don't fret yourself."

Dallas doesn't take my laissez-faire attitude too kindly. "But you know you're supposed to be taking it easy. I don't think you should be out by yourself."

Ever since being released from SPC, the girl had been way too obsessed with my health. The harsh truth of my mortality was a cruel awakening to the poor girl and now it seems she has developed a fear of loss.

I can't blame her of course. I walk around carrying that very same fear each and every day.

"I'm not alone, Tex, I'm uh- I'm actually with Shelby." I tell Dallas just about the only thing I could tell her to brighten her mood, and the effects are immediate.

"You are?!" She chirps expectantly, a tremor or excitement to her voice. " That's great! How is she?"

"She's good." I wink at Shelby and The Beauty Queen smiles back at me, chuckling softly and shaking her head. "As far as I can tell."

"Does this mean you aren't coming home tonight?" Dallas investigates hurriedly, sounding half delighted and equal parts concerned. "Because I was going to make you Atlantic Salmon and walnut cranberry salad. I found a study that said Antioxidants like CoQ10 and acetyl-l-carnitine can help to reverse nerve damage and-"

"That sounds heavenly. I'll be home for dinner, Dallas. Don't worry." Reassuring her gently, I can hear the relief in her sigh as the rhythm of her breath slows to a deeper rate.

"Oh. Okay. I'll see you later then." Dallas hums, satisfied that I am still alive and coming home. "Oh and tell Shelby I said 'hi'. I really miss her, you know?"

"I know, Little Darlin'." I smile. "I'll let her know."

When I hang up the call, Shelby watches me toss the phone aside, amusement playing on her pretty features.

"You heard all that?" I grin.

Shelby nods, a gleaming smile spreading across her face. "She's so sweet to take care of you the way she does."

I scrub a hand back through my hair, set suddenly on edge by the reminder. "I wish she wouldn't. She should be focusing on school and her friends. She should be living her life."