Page 145 of XOXO

“The handcuffs were hot,” he said, waggling his brows. “And the silky lingerie. I did not expect to come home to that.”

Addie bit her lip, her cheeks reddening as she grinned. “I was hoping you’d think so. I wanted to seduce you.”

“Mission accomplished.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And you never answered me about the kids.”

Laughing, she shook her head on the pillow. “You know they’re coming home on Sunday, but that gives us two days to do whatever we want.” Tightening her leg around his back, she cupped his cheek. “And you’d miss them if they were gone any longer. We both would.”

He nodded as his hand trailed lazily over the curve where her back met the swell of her ass. “They’re pretty cute. I give you all the credit.”

“They’re our mini-mes” she said, smiling with affection as she always did when she thought of the tiny creatures she’d created with the man she loved. “Our own little family. It’s so special. Two adopted kids who finally have our own babies…”

“Okay, don’t cry,” he teased, swiping away the tear that trailed down her cheek. “They’re little heathens sometimes too. But damn, I love them more than anything in the world. And their mama,” he finished, love etching his features as he stroked her.

Inhaling a deep breath, she studied him. “I was a bit unyielding on the military discussion. I see that now. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He pressed a tender kiss to her lips. “I probably could’ve broached the subject in a more thoughtful way.”

“Well, no one expects my grumpy Vampyre to be eloquent. Goddess forbid.”

Rolling his eyes at her teasing, he palmed her ass and drew her into his body. “You’ve given me something to fight for, Addie, and I want to do my part. I finally feel at home in this world. You need to let me honor that.”

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed her fear, along with the surging emotion that he felt comfortable in the kingdom. “You have no idea how much it means to hear you say that. Sometimes, I worry you resent me for forcing you to live here.”

His eyebrows drew together as he frowned. “You didn’t force me. It was time for me to come back. I made that choice, and I’ve never been happier.”

“Are you sure?” she whispered.

“Yes, woman,” he said, lightly slapping her butt. “You were the pain in the ass I needed to get my shit together and become the man I needed to be. And now, we have the kids, and I love the life we’ve built. The one we’ll continue to build together.”

“And I support you whatever you choose, but please promise me you’ll be careful. I’m terrified to have another person I love in the military. Of course I’m proud of Dad and Jack, but it’s hard not to worry.”

“I promise.”

She arched a sardonic eyebrow. “And I guess I’ll have to take care of the kids while you’re away at boot camp for three weeks?”

He flashed a sheepish grin. “I’ll make it up to you. You can take as many spa days with your cousins as you want when I finish training.”

“And you’ll have to report for reserve training every third weekend of the month for eternity. You’re really going to owe me, buddy.”

Laughing, he pressed his forehead to hers. “Name your price.”

Cuddling closer, she grazed his lips with hers. “I want another baby.”

A long, slow breath escaped his lips. “Already?”

She nodded against him. “Already.”

Leo drew her into a sweet kiss before answering. “Done. You know I can’t deny you anything, woman.”

Snuggling into him, her eyelids fluttered as sleep tugged at her consciousness. “I was counting on it.”

His deep chuckle surrounded her as she melted against his warm body, sliding into oblivion as he held her.

Leo stood in the kitchen, fiddling with the necklace as he examined it. He’d left Adelyn asleep in the bed and thrown on a pair of sweatpants to grab them both some water. As he traced the lavender stone, he wondered when he should give it to her. Tomorrow morning? Or should he take her to dinner and give it to her in a more formal setting? The woman did always chide him for not being romantic enough.

“Whatcha got there?” Adelyn asked, her voice heavy with sleep as she trailed into the kitchen. She’d thrown on one of his t-shirts, which dwarfed her, making her look adorable. Taking in her mussed hair and gorgeous lavender eyes, he decided to go for it.

“I got you a present. I thought it would be romantic for Valentine’s Day, but I hope it doesn’t make you sad. I was trying to do something special for you.”

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