“I think we can do better than a truce, Maya.” He felt her smile against his cheek and fought his own. “Did you just roll your eyes at me, baby?”
“Maybe.”
Titan smiled then, her answer telling him that maybe she wanted this as much as he did, and slow wasn’t on her cards either.
Chapter 10
Dumping her overnight bag on the table in her flat, Maya heaved a sigh as the familiar surroundings closed around her. This should feel right by now, but nothing about being in her dead sister’s flat living her life felt right. A big hand landed on her shoulder and instantly Ti’s touch soothed her discomfort.
“You doin’ okay?”
Maya bit her lip and nodded, not trusting herself to speak as the tears in her throat burned. Saying goodbye to Tyrique had been hell, even knowing that he’d be well cared for by Snow. Watchdog had agreed to it, but Snow had stepped in and argued it would be easier for her as she already had young children and Watchdog was a first-timer. Maya hadn’t wanted to hurt his feelings, but she felt better knowing Tyrique was in experienced hands.
“You don’t have to do this, Maya. We can find another way.”
Ti moved around to the front of her, lifting her chin with his knuckle, and she saw the strong determination in his expressive eyes. She didn’t know what it was about this man, that made her want to sink into him and let him carry the world of burdens that weighed her down.
Reaching up, she circled his wrist with her hand, his warm skin a comfort. “I know, but I have to see this through. I just… it was harder leaving Tyrique than I thought.”
Ti cupped the back of her neck and pulled her close, her hands going around his waist as he held her close, murmuring against her hair. “I know, and we’ll be back with him soon and all this will be a distant nightmare. I promise.”
Maya didn’t answer, just held on tighter as his warm, cedar scent wrapped around her. She stayed that way, wrapped in his arms in silence for a beat before she pulled back, feeling stronger. “You should probably get going so you can check in with Reaper and the others.”
Ti cocked his head. “Why would I have to leave to do that when I have this?” He waggled his phone in his hand, and she frowned.
“Well, I just thought it would make sense and I have to get ready for my shift later.”
“I’m not stopping you.”
“Well, I know, but I need some time to get my head on straight and you might as well go back to where you’re staying.”
Ti smirked and she tried to ignore the flutter in her belly. “I’m staying here, babe.”
Maya froze and gave her head a slow shake. “No, that’s not a good idea.”
Her heart pounded wildly in her chest and she thanked God he couldn’t hear it.
“Why not?”
He looked ready to argue as he folded his arms over his massive chest. What the hell could she say to that? Oh, maybe because I had a sex dream about you last night and woke up wanting to shed your clothes from your hard body and ride you like a horse at the Gold Cup? She decided to keep it simple. “I only have one bed.”
His eyes lit with something hot and sinful as he let his gaze rake over her, and Maya fought the shiver of awareness. This man was like her personal catnip physically and, from everything she learned about him, as a man, too.
“I don’t mind sharing if you don’t.”
A laugh burst from her at his brazen flirtation. She’d never been around a man with this much confidence and maybe even slight arrogance, and she found it wildly attractive.
“In your dreams, Titan.”
“Every night since I met you, Maya.”
Her eyes widened at that. “I’m serious, Ti. You can’t stay here.”
Titan took a step closer, his body heat washing over her, he was so close. His hands dropped to her upper arms. “And I’m serious when I say I’m not leaving you alone with those animals around. My son already lost his mother. He’s not losing you too.”
If it were any other argument, she’d fight him, but the thought of Tyrique growing up without her made her belly squirm painfully. “That was a cheap shot, Ti.”
“Maybe, but it’s true.”