QUOTE : Ella.”<br />I jump when his warm hand covers mine, and then his head moves to rest on my<br />shoulder. His soft hair tickles my bare skin, and I force myself not to run a<br />comforting hand through it. He doesn’t deserve comfort right now.<br />“You can’t leave,” he whispers, his breath fanning over my neck. “I don’t want<br />you to go.”<br />He kisses my shoulder, but there’s nothing sexual about it. Nothing romantic in<br />the way his hand tightens over my knuckles.<br />“You belong with us. You’re the best thing that ever happened to this family.”<br />Surprise filters through me. Okay. Wow.<br />“You’re ours,” Easton mumbles. “I’m sorry about tonight. I really am, Ella.<br />Please…don’t be mad at me.”<br />My anger melts away. He sounds like a lost little boy, and I can’t stop myself<br />from stroking his hair now. “I’m not mad. But dammit, Easton, the gambling needs<br />to stop. I might not be there to bail you out next time.”<br />“I know.” He groans. “You shouldn’t have had to bail me out tonight. I promise<br />I’ll pay you back, every last cent. I…” He lifts his head and presses a kiss to my<br />cheek. “Thank you for doing that. I mean it.”<br />Sighing, I turn my eyes back to the road. “You’re welcome.