Uprising (Alternate Earth Series, Book 2) by S.J. West

at JoJo the only way a man in love can, with his whole heart open to only her.
    “So are we the first people you’ve told?” I ask.
    “ Non ,” JoJo says with a small shake of her head, causing her loose curls to bounce against her shoulders. “We decided to tell Malcolm first because our little bundle of joy needs an ange gardien . He accepted, of course, because no one else would do for us.”
    I didn’t need to know French to understand that they asked Malcolm to be their child’s ‘guardian angel’. Considering the fact that Malcolm was most likely destined to outlive us all, I’m sure Gabe and JoJo knew he would also look after all of their descendants. I doubt they really needed to ask. Malcolm would have done it anyway. But it did give them the chance to thank him while they were still alive, which would mean a lot to Malcolm in the years to come.
    Before Mason phases us back to our room so I can freshen up, JoJo hands me a new leather outfit made from the same maroon leather as the one I’m wearing.
    “I thought you could use a fresh one, mon cherie ,” she says. “Bring me back the dirty one you have, and I will have it cleaned for you.”
    “Thanks, JoJo,” I say, realizing that I have been living in my leather outfit for the past two weeks. It could most definitely use a good washing.
    “And I added in some decorative touches on this one, since I had some extra time,” she adds.
    “I swear JoJo, you’re better than a fairy godmother,” I tell her, leaning in to give her a quick peck on the cheek.
    “And far more chic,” JoJo states as fact, striking a pose with one hand on her hip and the other in the air, palm up.
    “Absolutely,” I agree, finding it hard not to smile at JoJo’s infectious vitality.
    I tell my friends I’ll spend more time with them after I take my shower.
    Mason promptly phases us to our room and helps me undress.
    “Does this mean you’ll be joining me in the shower?” I ask hopefully. If there is one thing I enjoy doing with Mason, it’s showering. Nine times out of ten, it always leads to more than just getting clean.
    “I would love to,” Mason says, with a pleased grin spreading his lips at my suggestion, “but I don’t think I would be able to give you the attention you deserve right now. I’m too worried about Brand and what disfiguring Dillon will do to him. Would you be ok with me going down to speak with him in private while you’re getting cleaned up?”
    “Of course,” I say, empathizing with my husband’s need to give Brand his counsel. “I’ll just take my shower and go back up to the attic to see if I can help them out. Take your time discussing things with him.”
    “I love you,” Mason says, bringing me into his arms.
    “You’ll probably love me even more after I smell a little better,” I jest.
    “I love you no matter what aroma you’re wearing.”
    I have to laugh, because I know he’s delicately trying to tell me that I do, in fact, have an unpleasant odor surrounding me.
    “Go talk to Brand,” I tell him, giving him a quick kiss on the lips, because I’m also acutely aware that I need to brush my teeth. “I promise to smell like roses the next time you see me.”
    As I walk away, Mason reaches out and slaps me playfully on my naked bottom.
    “What was that for?” I ask, looking at him over my shoulder.
    Mason shrugs, with a roguish grin on his face. “They’re just so round. They were practically begging to be spanked.”
    I turn around to face my husband with my arms folded in front of me.
    “And the next time a certain part of your anatomy is begging for some attention, do I have permission to slap it, too?” I ask.
    Mason’s grin grows broader. “Only if you promise to kiss it and make it better afterwards.”
    I raise an eyebrow at my husband. “I don’t see you kissing me and making it better.”
    Mason takes a purposeful step towards me, but I hold up my hands to stop him.
    “Later,” I tell him, unable