Page 38 of Stone

A warm glow filled her chest. “Okay.”

He reached over and turned the lamp off. His strong arm was tight around her, and she pressed a palm to his chest and stroked his skin.

“Knox, this evening…”

“It was good, Sprite. Fucking good. Everything about you is amazing.”

“You like me,” she whispered.

“Yeah, I do.”

“I like you, too.”

His hand slid down and squeezed her ass. “Sleep now.”

CHAPTER NINE

Asmall hand whacked Knox in the face. Again.

He rolled and pinned Nola half beneath him on the bed. She jerked and managed to kick him in the shin as well.

He grunted. She hadn’t been joking. She’d moved constantly through the night, and slapped him several times.

She was still fast asleep, lashes dark against her cheek. He curled his body around her, and she let out a contented sigh. Knox felt an answering contentment. Holding her like this felt good.

It had been a long time since he’d felt this at ease. Like he was exactly where he was supposed to be.

Despite his reservations about getting involved with her, he’d learned to trust his gut.

His gut, heart, and balls were telling him that this tiny woman was his.

Early light started leaking around the curtains, and the noises of the city were picking up.

First, he had to get Nola safe.

Zolotov would be coming full force to protect himself.

Knox had to run the gauntlet and get Nola to Sentinel Security. Then, he’d ask her to spend the night at his place. Maybe she’d like to help him decorate his apartment? And then he’d take her out on a date as a thank you.

Shit, he’d thought he was too old for this, but the thought of her smiling at him every day, sleeping in his bed every night, felt right.

Nola wriggled, rubbing against his cock.

Hell. Then her hand flailed, and hit his mouth. He gripped her wrist.

“Shit, sorry.” Her voice was slow and sleepy. She rolled over, her face rosy from sleep and her hair tousled. “I warned you.”

“You can kiss my bruises better later.” He leaned down to kiss her.

“Morning breath,” she squawked.

“Don’t care.” He kissed her, and soon she melted against him, clinging to him.

He rolled her beneath him. “My hot little Sprite.”

“My hot silver fox.” She stroked his beard.

He pressed a quick kiss to her nose. “Unfortunately, I don’t have time to fuck you again.”

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