Page 55 of Honor Code

Like she said, fine by her. She didn't need anyone complicating her life, she'd had more than enough of that. Her bruised heart couldn't stand to go another round, not to mention her mental health. If she wanted to avoid danger, she was with the wrong guy. Even though she knew he didn’t bring this danger to her. The reverse was true. This situation was all about her and what she'd discovered. It had nothing to do with the former Navy SEAL, who was only trying to keep her safe.

She watched as Phoenix struggled with the bandage, dropping it twice.

Oh, for goodness’ sake. "Let me."

His gaze shifted to her as she rose and circled the desk. Leaning over, she gently wrapped the bandage around the gash on his forearm, noting the flex of his muscles. He was, in all honesty, perfectly sculpted.

In the flickering lantern light, he looked like some mythical bronzed god, and her breath hitched. Being this close to him, it was impossible not to feel a pull. Her hands trembled as she secured the bandage. "There."

She made to step back, but he caught her hand. Her heart went into overdrive, bouncing around her chest like a jackhammer.

"Ellie—" His voice was a low growl, filled with pain.

She looked up into his tortured eyes, taken aback. "What's wrong?"

He shook his head, his brow furrowed. "I can't… do this to you."

"Do what? Hold me?" She searched his face, trying to piece together the puzzle that was this man.

"I don't want to just hold you."

Then she understood. His need was as great as hers, but he was afraid of where it might lead. She hadn't considered the future. All she wanted was to feel his presence, to confirm he was alive and with her. "It's okay," she murmured, facing him. "I'm scared, too."

He rose from the chair, towering over her. With a deep moan, he pulled her close, wrapping himself around her. She leaned into his chest, feeling his heart pound, his warmth driving away the fear, the anxiety, and the exhaustion.

In that moment, her world merged with his. As they clung to each other, she realized that while he exuded strength and confidence outwardly, he was terrified internally—not for himself, but for her. He didn't want to cause her pain.

"You deserve better," he murmured into her hair. "Better than me. I'm damaged, Ellie. You don't want this."

She looked up into his eyes. "You're exactly what I want. After the explosion, I thought I'd lost you. It terrified me. You're the only one looking out for me. Damaged or not, you saved my life. How can I ask for more than that?"

When their eyes met again, his were filled with a molten intensity, and she knew there would be no rebuke this time. She cared nothing for his past, only for what he was doing now. What he had done—for her.

He lowered his head, and his lips crashed against hers, consuming her. She felt an instant connection, a depth of feeling she'd never before experienced. Her body craved his touch, and he responded, intuitively knowing what she needed.

Her lips throbbed as he crushed against them, and as she opened to him, she felt like she was offering up so much more. She was exposing her most vulnerable side to him, her heart, but without fear. It could be in no safer hands. He was her protector—he’d said so himself.

Leaning into him, she sucked in a breath as his hard body moved against hers. His heat seared through her clothes, dirty and torn from the hike through the forest. His skin, scratched and torn, marred his perfection while making him seem more human. Human was what she wanted right now. She wanted to know the real him, not the protective outer covering he used to keep everyone out.

Her body ignited as he attacked her mouth with his tongue. Gasping, she held onto his broad shoulders, feeling the tendons moving under her fingertips as he grasped her and crushed her against him. He was devouring her, his tongue delving with deep strokes, showing her what it was like to really be kissed—no, to be consumed.

Fire burned in her belly and spread through her limbs, right to her core. All rational thought vanished as she gave herself up to the delicious sensations radiating through her. She arched into him, moaning against his mouth, growing wetter by the second.

A window creaked and he froze.

She held him, her heart still pounding. "What is it?"

"I heard something."

A tidal wave of fear washed over her. "Is it them?"

"I don't know. Keep down, I'll take a look."

He extinguished the lantern, and they were plunged into darkness. Ellie held her breath, listening for anything that might signal danger. Her body was hot, so tuned into him, to everything she was feeling, that she was on high alert. Her every sense aroused.

He slunk around the cabin, peering out of the windows. At last, his broad shoulders relaxed. "It's only a raccoon."

"Are you sure?"

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